One of the biggest stories to come out of yesterday’s GLEE panel at San Diego Comic Con 2011 was the news that Chord Overstreet turned down an offer to return to the series. According to executive producer Brad Falchuk, the artist formerly known as Sam Evans rejected a deal to return for 10 episodes with the possibility that he’d become series regular at midseason. According to this TV Addict, Overstreet not only just made a career-altering decision of disastrous proportions, he’ll very likely discover that the grass is not always greener. Don’t believe us? Just ask actors Chad Michael Murray, Shelley Long and Wil Wheaten how they’re doing after leaving the show’s that put them on the map.
CHAD MICHAEL MURRAY
Best Known For: Being the only man stupid enough to divorce Sophia Bush Melting hearts on various WB shows like GILMORE GIRLS and DAWSON’S CREEK before finally landing on ONE TREE HILL where he spent six seasons playing Lucas Scott. Until that is… 2009, when he alongside co-star Hilarie Burton drove off into the sunset after failing to come to terms on a new contract. Since then, Chad Michael Murray’s career has been stuck in neutral with the exception of a handful of instantly forgettable made for TV movies. Current Whereabouts: One step away from his own reality series?
SHANNEN DOHERTY
Best Known For: Her career making turn as Brenda Walsh on the original BEVERLY HILLS 90210. Until that is… 1994, when Producers finally got fed-up with her diva-like antics and replaced her with Tiffany Amber Thiessen. Since then, her inability to play nice with others (Read: CHARMED costar Alyssa Milano) continues to haunt her, relegating her to cheestacular made-for-TV-movies on Syfy and Hallmark. Current Whereabouts: The pit of despair that is reality TV, having recently followed in fellow 90210 alum Tori Spelling’s footsteps by inking a deal for a reality TV for WEtv which will follow her and husband-to-be (Celebrity photag Kurt Iswarienko) as they prepare for their upcoming wedding.
WIL WHEATON
Best Known For: Playing Wesley Crusher, the young know-it-all Trekkies loved to hate on STAR TREK: THE NEXT GENERATION. Until that is… 1992, when he requested to be released from his contract to focus on feature films. Since then, his film career fizzled. Luckily for Wheaton, he continues to parlay his success on the internet into a seemingly never-ending stream of guest spots and voice work in the world of TV and Video Games. Current Whereabouts: EUREKA.
SHELLEY LONG
Best Known For: Playing Diane Chambers, one-half of one of the small screen’s original “will-they-or-won’t-they” couples on CHEERS. Until that is… 1987, when she left the bar where everybody knew her name after reportedly failing to get along with virtually everyone on set. Since then, her decision remains a Hollywood cautionary tale of how not to handle your career, with Long’s failure to breakout on both the big screen and small resulting in only a handful of guest-starring roles for the better part of the past 20 years. Current Whereabouts: Occasional guest stints on MODERN FAMILY as Jay’s off-her-rocker ex-wife DeDe Pritchett.
JONATHAN TAYLOR THOMAS
Best Known For: The breakout star/middle child in Tim Allen’s 90’s hit sitcom HOME IMPROVEMENT. Until that is… 1994, when he exited the show to focus on his studies on his movie career. Since then, the actor whose popularity amongst the tween set once rivalled that of Justin Bieber has completely disappeared off Hollywood’s radar, and with the exception of a string of notable guest starring roles on the likes of SMALLVILLE, VERONICA MARS and 8 SIMPLE RULES FOR DATING MY TEENAGE DAUGHTER, only resurfaces in “meme form thanks to @perezhilton asking “Where are they now?” Curre”nt Whereabouts: Unknown. 
GLEE returns on Tuesday September 20th at 8PM on FOX. Catch up on past episodes for free at clicktowatch.tv