With her career in full swing and roles in multiple shows, 44-year-old 'ER' veteran Maura Tierney is dropping everything to undergo further treatment for breast cancer.
Tierney announced on Thursday that she was dropping out of NBC's new series 'Parenthood' in order to treat the disease, of which she claims her doctors are optimistic about the outcome.
Tierney also had a major role on the most recent season of FX's 'Rescue Me.'
Watch Tierney in Recent Episode of 'Rescue Me'
Tierney's spokesperson released the following statement: "Maura Tierney regrets that she will not be able to continue her role on 'Parenthood' due to a conflict with the production schedule of the show and her breast cancer treatments. Ms. Tierney and her doctors remain confident that the outcome of her treatments will be positive. She is deeply disappointed that she will not be able to rejoin such a highly respected, talented, fun and funny group of actors and wishes to thank Jason Katims and NBC for their patience and support."
Tierney had filmed the pilot episode for the series, which was scheduled to premiere this month. But she was sidelined in July, after a tumor was found in her breast, requiring surgery. Production never resumed.
Another new series, the medical drama "Mercy," will premiere this fall instead.
"Parenthood," based on the 1989 movie that starred Steve Martin, is now set to debut midseason.
Tierney's role – that of a financially strapped single mother who returns home to her parents – is expected to be recast.
NBC expressed sadness at Tierney leaving the series, but added, "our main concern is for her quick and full recovery."
Tierney was a longrunning cast member of the NBC drama "ER."
'ER' veteran Maura Tierney has dropped out of NBC's new series 'Parenthood' in order to battle breast cancer.
Getty Images
George Clooney suffered a broken hand after he accidentally slammed his appendage in a car door while in Italy.
Getty Images
Actress Parker Posey has been forced to drop out of her off-Broadway production of 'This' after developing Lyme disease.
Dominique Charriau, WireImage
Steven Tyler fell off the stage at an Aerosmith concert in South Dakota on Aug. 5, sending him to the hospital with neck and shoulder injuries.
Frazer Harrison, Getty Images
Mischa Barton has been discharged from the hospital after being involuntarily placed under psychiatric hold on July 15.
Michael Bezjian, WireImage
Adam Yauch, known to most as Beastie Boys rapper MCA, has announced that he has cancer in his salivary gland, forcing the group to cancel their summer tour.
Bryan Bedder, Getty Images
'Passion of the Christ' actor Jim Caviezel suffered cuts and bruises after a man threw a bicycle into the path of his motorcycle. Luckily, the actor was wearing a helmet.
John Shearer, WireImage
'ER' actor Deezer D is recovering from dangerous heart surgery in which his aorta was replaced and a leaky valve was fixed.
Jean-Paul Aussenard, WireImage
Maura Tierney revealed that she has a tumor in her breast. "I will not know either my exact diagnosis or course of treatment until that surgery is performed. My doctors have all assured me this is a very treatable condition," she said in a statement.
Jeff Vespa, WireImage
Food-and-TV superstar Rachael Ray has undergone vocal cord surgery to remove a benign cyst in her throat.
Getty Images
2009 AOL LLC. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP news report may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or otherwise distributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press. Active hyperlinks have been inserted by AOL.
Good luck to you Maura! I have finished treatments and am on the way back to a "normal" life. The American Cancer Society has a discussion board support website, made up of many magnificent women who have battled breast cancer. You can join under an assumed name and nobody ever has to know they are talking to a celebrity. We share fears, hopes, treatment options and pray for one another. You can use a screen name. These courageous women have helped me and so many others. Take care, God Bless and know there is an army of us out here to help, if you need us.
You will be fine, take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, rest, the feeling of joy will hit you at the end of the treatments, you will love life even more. My best wishes.
I have watched Maura Tierney since she was on "News Radio" and have loved her work. She is not only very funny but beautiful as well. I hope she will be fine and after the fight is over she'll return to work making us all laugh again very soon.
Maura, NEVER give up. I'm a 2-time survivor.1997 and 2006. The second time I had a double mast. I'm rebuilt, cancer free, and happy with beautiful grandbabies.... I'll think of you in my prayers. And if you ever need some great support, while muddling this horrible monster over, listen to "I RUN FOR LIFE", by Melissa Etheridge. My mom is going thru ovarian ca. right now and she agrees, The song is encouraging and thoughtful. Besides, who better to understand than a victim herself? May the good LORD bless and keep you, do what you drs. say, and NEVER give up, and most importantly, NEVER give in. Keep on runnin' sister. DDenny
I totally agree with you. That song is so very inspiring!!! I am a 12-year breast cancer survivor who turns 62 today and is trying to live each day as it comes. "Everyday's a gift, that why it's called the present".
God bless you Maura! I'm 53 next week, and I'm a 2-time survivor. Listen to your Drs., your strength from GOD, and listen to Melissas' song. NEVER EVER give up. My mom is being treated for a second time for 3rd stage ovar.ca. Check out your genetic tracking for other familys' sake and yours. Keep your mind on the prize,{remission}, and NEVER NEVER stop running for life. God bless you sweetie and you are now forever in my prayers. Diana Denny-sister forever
I have enjoyed watching Maura on ER and NEWS RADIO over the years and I am a 3 yr. breast cancer survivor. Hang in there and take one day at a time. You will get through this horrible ordeal with support from family, friends and fans. I'm living proof. Sometimes this is god's way of telling us our bodies need a break from our jobs and stresses in life. Take this time to get better, to rest when needed and let family and friends due things so your body can heal itself. I wish you God's blessings for a full and speedy recovery.
Hang in there girl, it won't be easy but you have to go deal with it at this point of your life and you will get through it. I had cancer also, not breast cancer but a large tumor in my chest. I had to go through a lot of crap and hated it but I realized there is no way out of it, it is just what life threw me and I had to deal with it. That was 20 years ago and here I am :) You will do well just get it over and done with. Hey, why does news report like this one have to make it seem like someone is dying by the way they word titles. It says, "actress stricken with cancer" Stricken? Why that word? it makes it seem horrible. thats sad to have to do that to someone.
Maura, If anyone can beat this it is you. I have watched you all through ER also most of your movies. You are an amazing actress and delightful person. I come from a big italian family. Most of the women in my family have had breast cancer and all beat this. I know it wont be easy but there are many options out there not to mention support groups for you. Stay strong and be positive. We are all praying for you. I was looking forward to your new show, but right now focus on yourself. We all love you, best of luck.
Maura, I will pray for you. Have faith, and remember that we are never alone in this world. I wish you the best for a speedy recovery. May the Lord heal you so that you will continue your successful career.
What a silly mommy! Katie Holmes takes Suri into the water in her clothes as the two spend the afternoon at the beach in Miami. More of Today's Hottest Photos
Add a comment
God look after you Maura. Get better soon so we can enjoy more of your talents.
Reply
She's a wonderful actress. I wish her the best.
I agree 100% She is a great actress and a beautiful woman. My best wishes for her.
You are in my prayers.
All The Best, health and happiness for you.
Good luck to you Maura! I have finished treatments and am on the way back to a "normal" life. The American Cancer Society has a discussion board support website, made up of many magnificent women who have battled breast cancer. You can join under an assumed name and nobody ever has to know they are talking to a celebrity. We share fears, hopes, treatment options and pray for one another. You can use a screen name. These courageous women have helped me and so many others. Take care, God Bless and know there is an army of us out here to help, if you need us.
Reply
What a beautiful message!
You will be fine, take care of yourself, ask for help when you need it, rest, the feeling of joy will hit you at the end of the treatments, you will love life even more. My best wishes.
Reply
They failed to mention Newsradio...she was a cast member for the duration of the show, and was hysterical
Reply
I have watched Maura Tierney since she was on "News Radio" and have loved her work. She is not only very funny but beautiful as well. I hope she will be fine and after the fight is over she'll return to work making us all laugh again very soon.
Reply
I used to have a crush on her when she was in News radio.She is so talented and very beautuiful.
Reply
Maura, NEVER give up. I'm a 2-time survivor.1997 and 2006. The second time I had a double mast. I'm rebuilt, cancer free, and happy with beautiful grandbabies.... I'll think of you in my prayers. And if you ever need some great support, while muddling this horrible monster over, listen to "I RUN FOR LIFE", by Melissa Etheridge. My mom is going thru ovarian ca. right now and she agrees, The song is encouraging and thoughtful. Besides, who better to understand than a victim herself? May the good LORD bless and keep you, do what you drs. say, and NEVER give up, and most importantly, NEVER give in. Keep on runnin' sister. DDenny
Reply
I totally agree with you. That song is so very inspiring!!! I am a 12-year breast cancer survivor who turns 62 today and is trying to live each day as it comes. "Everyday's a gift, that why it's called the present".
God bless you Maura! I'm 53 next week, and I'm a 2-time survivor. Listen to your Drs., your strength from GOD, and listen to Melissas' song. NEVER EVER give up. My mom is being treated for a second time for 3rd stage ovar.ca. Check out your genetic tracking for other familys' sake and yours. Keep your mind on the prize,{remission}, and NEVER NEVER stop running for life. God bless you sweetie and you are now forever in my prayers. Diana Denny-sister forever
Reply
I just love her and pray all will be fine.
Reply
I have enjoyed watching Maura on ER and NEWS RADIO over the years and I am a 3 yr. breast cancer survivor. Hang in there and take one day at a time. You will get through this horrible ordeal with support from family, friends and fans. I'm living proof. Sometimes this is god's way of telling us our bodies need a break from our jobs and stresses in life. Take this time to get better, to rest when needed and let family and friends due things so your body can heal itself. I wish you God's blessings for a full and speedy recovery.
Reply
Maura I have watched you for ever, may God hold
you in his hands and watch over you,
please be safe and come back to us.
Reply
Hang in there girl, it won't be easy but you have to go deal with it at this point of your life and you will get through it. I had cancer also, not breast cancer but a large tumor in my chest. I had to go through a lot of crap and hated it but I realized there is no way out of it, it is just what life threw me and I had to deal with it. That was 20 years ago and here I am :) You will do well just get it over and done with. Hey, why does news report like this one have to make it seem like someone is dying by the way they word titles. It says, "actress stricken with cancer" Stricken? Why that word? it makes it seem horrible. thats sad to have to do that to someone.
Reply
Maura, If anyone can beat this it is you. I have watched you all through ER also most of your movies. You are an amazing actress and delightful person. I come from a big italian family. Most of the women in my family have had breast cancer and all beat this. I know it wont be easy but there are many options out there not to mention support groups for you. Stay strong and be positive. We are all praying for you. I was looking forward to your new show, but right now focus on yourself. We all love you, best of luck.
Reply
Maura, I will pray for you. Have faith, and remember that we are never alone in this world. I wish you the best for a speedy recovery. May the Lord heal you so that you will continue your successful career.
Reply
as many people have already said--get well and i wish you a long happy life.
Reply