Why Clare Carey Left Coach: The Real Story
Why did Clare Carey, the actress who played Kelly Fox on the hit sitcom Coach, leave the show after seven seasons? The official explanation points to "personal reasons," but the story behind her departure is more nuanced than a simple press release.
Clare Carey's Kelly Fox was a fixture in the early seasons of Coach. Initially, she was a college student navigating a complex relationship with her father, Hayden Fox, played by Craig T. Nelson. As the series progressed, Kelly's presence diminished, although she remained a recurring character until Season 7. Her final appearance was a two-part episode titled "Kelly's New Guy," a storyline that, according to inside sources, might have hinted at a different direction for the show had ABC embraced it. The episode featured Kelly's significantly older boyfriend, a breakup, and a surprising kiss between Kelly and Dauber. Network executives ultimately rejected the proposed storyline, a decision that reportedly baffled some affiliated with the production, considering the network's programming needs at the time and Coach's proven success.
| Full Name: | Clare Carey |
| Birth Date: | June 11, 1967 |
| Birth Place: | Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe) |
| Notable Roles: | Kelly Fox (Coach), Martha Kent (Superman: The Animated Series) |
| Spouse: | Mike Farrell (m. 1984) |
| Other Work: | Producer (Screen Actors Guild Awards, 2004-2011) |
| Reference: | IMDb |
Carey's departure from Coach after Season 7 was officially attributed to personal reasons. This explanation, while concise, leaves room for speculation. Some industry insiders suggest that the diminishing significance of her role coupled with other career aspirations might have influenced her decision. Coach, in many ways, was considered Careys comeback role, and her subsequent career focused primarily on voice acting, most notably as Martha Kent in Superman: The Animated Series. While she hasn't been seen extensively on-screen in recent decades, she remained active in the industry, producing the Screen Actors Guild Awards for several years.
Coach, which aired on ABC from 1989 to 1997, was a cornerstone of the network's early '90s lineup. Created by Barry Kemp, also known for his work on Newhart, the series starred Craig T. Nelson as Hayden Fox, a college football coach navigating the challenges of his personal and professional life. The show spanned nine seasons and 200 episodes, eventually moving its setting from Minnesota to Florida when Coach Fox transitioned to the NFL. This shift coincided with a period when several ABC sitcoms, including Full House and Boy Meets World, featured Disney World episodes, suggesting a strategic synergy between the network and the newly acquired entertainment giant.
Craig T. Nelsons portrayal of Coach Fox became synonymous with the show. Nelson, already an established actor with roles in films like Silkwood and the Poltergeist franchise, brought a unique blend of gruffness and vulnerability to the character. In the early seasons, much of Hayden Foxs comedic and dramatic tension stemmed from his relationship with his daughter Kelly, providing fertile ground for Carey's performance. Later seasons saw the focus shift as the show evolved and new characters were introduced, including Stuart Rosebrock, played by Kris Kamm.
While the reasons behind Clare Carey's departure remain somewhat ambiguous, it's clear that her portrayal of Kelly Fox left a lasting impact on Coach and its viewers. Her subsequent career choices, including a focus on voice work and producing, demonstrate a versatility and dedication to the entertainment industry. Though Kelly's storyline might have ended in Season 7, Clare Carey's contribution to television continues to resonate.
Since leaving Coach, Carey has made guest appearances on various shows, including NCIS, Boston Legal, and CSI. She has been married to M AS*H star Mike Farrell since 1984. Her diverse career path and enduring marriage suggest a balanced approach to life beyond the spotlight, a choice that aligns with the personal reasons cited for her departure from the popular sitcom.
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://aarogyasetu.punontechnologies.com/blits-tiktok11/why-clare-carey-left-coach-the-real-story.html&media=https://media.gettyimages.com/id/482426298/photo/coach-cast-gallery-shoot-date-august-24-1991-clare-carey.jpg?s=612x612&w=gi&k=20&c=NP3f30RMGE7CZi3sU4Kqwbfm7NgFwnFdCYwLWFHyTxs=&description=Why did Clare Carey, the actress who played Kelly Fox on the hit sitcom Coach, leave the show after seven seasons? The official explanation points to "personal ){kind=link}