Melrose Place actress Amy Locane has been formally indicted on charges of vehicular assault and aggravated manslaughter after a DUI incident back in June resulted in a death.
Locane, who admitted to police that she had been drinking before she decided to go for a drive, was first involved in a minor hit-and-run accident on the day in question, and then a few minutes later crashed into the side of another car, killing the woman who was sitting in the car. Â Locane faces up to 30 years in prison if convicted of the manslaughter charge, which her lawyer says was a surprise. Â No doubt they’ll be looking for a plea deal.
Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield were both served eviction notices from Melrose Place on Thursday. The two actors were notified by phone Thursday morning they were being cut from the show. Surprisingly, despite the sudden shock of losing their jobs, neither actor seems to have hard feelings over their firing.
Colin Egglesfield and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz - The CW
Colin Egglesfield and Ashlee Simpson-Wentz were both signed on for 10 to 13 episodes of Melrose Place when the show launched. Turns out that’s all they’ll be getting. The show’s ratings are abysmal and The CW decided to shake things up by handing pink slips to both actors this week. Melrose Place will be bringing on original series cast member Heather Locklear to try to pump up the volume instead. Personally I watched one episode of Melrose Place and nearly hurled at the cheesiness of it all – and never watched it again. So I have no idea if Ashlee or Colin deserved the ditch or not.
Regardless, both Ashlee Simpson-Wentz and Colin Egglesfield are handling the news admirably. Egglesfield told E! Online he respects “the decision they had to make creatively to do what they need to do.” Furthermore, he praised the cast and crew as “straightforward and straight shooters and just great people to work with.” Very classy.
Simpson-Wentz also kept things positive about her sudden unemployment, telling US Magazine: “Having the chance to play Violet on Melrose Place has been a thrill… Thanks to the CW and the entire cast and crew of Melrose Place for allowing me this opportunity!”
Probably best that both actors were able to keep a civil tongue after being cut from the show. Since both of their characters were part of the whole Melrose Place murder-mystery, it’s possible either or both may be offered guest spots in the future – if the show doesn’t get cancelled first. It’s never a good idea to burn your bridges in Hollywood.
Melrose Place actress Amy Locane has been formally indicted on charges of vehicular assault and aggravated manslaughter after a DUI incident back in June resulted in a death.