8 Actors Who Regretted Quitting Popular TV Shows
4. Wil Wheaton - Star Trek: The Next Generation
Many know Wil Wheaton from his breakout childhood role as Gordie Lachance in Stand By Me, but to Star Trek fans, he is infinitely known as Wesley Crusher.
While Wesley Crusher wasn't exactly a beloved character due to his bratty personality, it's remained his most iconic role, with his prominent guest roles on The Big Bang Theory capitalising on this one role and reintroducing him to a wider mainstream audience as a part of cult nerd culture.
Ironically, Wheaton left the show when he was 18 to pursue bigger career options in Hollywood as he felt Crusher was a limiting role, but he told a Comic Con crowd in 2012 that his behaviour post leaving the show was embarrassing.
His career never did hit the Hollywood heights he believed it would upon his departure, and has stated that if he was ever asked to return to the Star Trek franchise, he would say yes.