When Grey's Anatomy spin-off Private Practice aired its pilot this spring, the reaction was not nearly as positive as ABC would have liked.  Thus, a drastic change has been made less than a month from the start of production on Private Practice.  Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice creator Shonda Rhimes has replaced Merrin Dungey (of Alias fame) with Audra McDonald in the role of Dr. Naomi Bennet.  The Naomi character, best friend and confidante of Kate Walsh's Addison Montgomery, is a key one and the ABC brass was apparently unhappy with what Dungey brought to the table.

TVGuide's Michael Ausiello broke this story, and he claims that Dungey was indeed replaced for creative reasons.  Audra McDonald is a four time Tony Award winner and was deemed a better fit in the role of Dr. Bennet.  Apparently, Private Practice was cast in a way that didn't ensure chemistry among the actors.  Ausiello's source explains:

"Grey's Anatomy was cast off whoever seemed to fit the parts best and have good chemistry. The spin-off was cast with actors the network and studio already had under contract."

Dungey was a fan favorite on Alias, and is widely regarded as a solid actress, so chemistry seems to be the biggest issue here.  It is unclear whether Kate Walsh had anything to do with the decision, or if it was made solely by ABC higher-ups.  Fan reaction, although divided, seemed to hold the general belief that the Walsh-Dungey relationship was one of the weaker aspects of the two hour spin-off episode of Private Practice. 

Audra McDonald has appeared in the occasional film or television show, but is best known as a force on the stage in New York.  She has won four Tony Awards for acting in her eleven years on Broadway.  Private Practice will mark the first permanent role McDonald has had on a TV show.


-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer

Source: TVGuide
(Image Courtesy of WireImage.com)