Why Anna Camp's Gwen Left The Mindy Project

One of the big strengths of "The Mindy Project" was how much of a role the supporting characters play in the show. Familiar faces like Ed Weeks' Dr. Jeremiah Reed and Beth Grant's Beverly Janiszewski were essential to the show's entire run (to say nothing of Chris Messina's Danny Castellano.) However, one central character from the early days of the show went missing. Anna Camp, who played Gwendolyn Grandy in the first season of "The Mindy Project, served as a grounded counterpoint to Mindy's (Mindy Kaling) struggles. She's settled and offers the kind of advice only a best friend can. But then, she's just kind of gone!

Understandably, fans were confused by her sudden absence. Camp might not have been the biggest name in the series, but she's enough of a presence in the film "Pitch Perfect" and shows like "True Blood" and "Mad Men" that folks coming to the series late can't help but notice her disappearing act. As questions about Camp's departure bubbled up on social media and in fan communities, the actual reason was much less controversial than many would believe. In the end, Camp just wanted a bit of a reduced role so that she could audition for more parts. From the outside looking in, it seems like a solution just couldn't come to pass. Instead of trying to shoehorn an explanation into "The Mindy Project," the creative team decided to go in a different direction for Season 2.

For Anna Camp, 13 episodes would be all she wrote for this loveable series. In a 2013 interview with Vulture, Mindy Kaling addressed the departure. "Her part on the show hasn't changed storywise," Kaling said. "It's a workplace show so we weren't using her as much."

However, Camp's exit is kind of a shame because she seemed excited to be part of "The Mindy Project." "I just auditioned, and they liked me, and I got the job," the actress told Backstage in 2012. "Every time I get a script, I'm just laughing out loud. It's hysterical, and I just hope that America responds and loves it. I have my fingers crossed. I think the best friend dynamic between the two of us is really cool." 

Luckily, the departure worked out pretty well for everyone. Camp would go on to many movie roles, including the "Pitch Perfect" sequels. More recently, Netflix fans got a taste of Camp's talent's in the final season of the mystery thriller "You." And Kaling has remained a power player in the TV space. So, this is just one stop on the road for the "Never Have I Ever" super producer.