[on why she left the sitcom
The Danny Thomas Show (1953)] The major perk was
Jean Hagen. I adored her. We had a great time. She and I were best buddies; she was my only friend from the "Make Room for Daddy" cast. What made me specifically want to leave the show? I had a five-year contract, Jean had a three-year contract. Jean was thoroughly fed up with the series and made it clear that she didn't want to come back. When she left I was devastated. I didn't want to continue, either. I wanted to break my contract. They wouldn't let me leave, but gave me less to do; that's why I'm in fewer shows from ages 14-16.
