Amazon confirms that Jeffrey Tambor will not return to Transparent

The Emmy-winning dramedy Transparent is losing its main star, Amazon confirmed Thursday. Actor Jeffrey Tambor, who portrayed the transgender main character Maura Pfefferman, will not return to the show after being investigated for sexual harassment as Amazon declined to renew his contract.

Tambor's personal assistant Van Barnes first made the allegations against Tambor, followed by Tambor's Transparent co-star Trace Lysette in November. Tambor released two statements in response, expressing regret that his actions were "misinterpreted by anyone as being sexually aggressive" but denying any wrongdoing on his part. He also condemned the "politicized atmosphere" on the set of Transparent.

While all of the other cast members have been confirmed as returning to Transparent for its fifth season, the show will likely need to shift focus after losing the actor in its title role. It remains unclear how the show's plot will be affected by Tambor's dismissal, or whether this will be Transparent's last season.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.

Sign up

Jill Soloway, the creator of Transparent, expressed "respect and admiration" for Tambor's accusers, Vulture reported, and announced that the show will be "taking steps to heal as a family."