Of all the former cast members that could sign on for the “Melrose Place” remake, people seemed most excited about the possibility of Heather Locklear reprising her infamous role as super bitchy Amanda Woodward. However she ultimately passed on the project, leaving everyone wondering why. It’s not like her career is really blossoming right now – her last role was in “Flirting with Forty,” a made-for-TV-movie. You’d think she’d be chomping at the bit for a reoccurring role on a show that’s already getting so much attention, but apparently that’s not the case.
So what made Locklear pass? $100,000. Or rather, the lack of it.
Rumor has it Heather Locklear demanded too much moolah to land her a spot on the updated “Melrose Place,” but is it true?
Ka-ching! According to a report, Locklear wanted $100,000 per episode to reprise her role as bad girl Amanda Woodward, but the network wouldn’t pay her even half the dough she requested! Melrose Place does not intersect with Easy Street!
[From Extra]
The National Enquirer says that former co-star Lisa Rinna has been absolutely begging Heather to sign on to the show. Lisa’s desperate to be cast, and even went so far as to wear a sandwich board on Robertson Blvd in Los Angeles. It read, “HONK FOR LISA RINNA ON THE NEW MELROSE PLACE!” It got her some attention, but she still hasn’t been offered a spot on the show.
“Lisa thinks if Heather takes the part it will open the door for other former cast members,” a source says.
But as The Enquirer has reported, Heather turned down a deal to reprise her role as ad agency head Amanda Woodward. She expected a paycheck of at least $100,000 per episode and was disappointed with her proposed story lines, sources say.
“Lisa has phoned Heather at least a dozen times, trying to persuade her to overlook the salary and story line issues,” the source says.
“She keeps reminding Heather about all the good times the old cast had, and she’s trying to convince Heather it will be a great career move for her.
“But Heather vows she won’t budge unless the show’s execs meet her demands.
[From the National Enquirer, April 13, 2009, print ed.]
I’m sort of surprised Heather Locklear feels she can be so picky. It’s not as though the offers are rolling in, as far as I can tell. Or maybe they are, and she has been picky, and that’s why she’s only doing a few projects here and there.
It’s too bad Heather passed, because I think she’s really the only way the show will be successful. But to be fair, Lisa Rinna was asking her to overlook a lot. Money and bad plot lines? However Locklear would have gotten a lot of press for it, and Rinna was right – it would have helped Heather’s career. Something tells me there’s another TV movie in her near future.
Here’s Heather filming “Flirting with 40″ in Hawaii on May 1st. Images thanks to PR Photos.com.
In my eyes, Heather made Melrose Place as successful as the show was! Without her, the show will never survive! I think the show made a HUGE mistake in not granting her the $100,000 p/episode…really it’s hollywood what’s a few $$$ to them?
Good for her. She knows what shes worth she told them. How do you know shes picky? and should not pass up a job, by the way Melrose Plase II looks absoultely crappy perhaps shes perfectly happy the way she is.
i agree. why is it a bad thing if she’s choosy? maybe she’s not desperate to keep her “star” shining like others? I rather like that she’s got enough of a life going on (not necessarily career) to be choosy in roles. if it’s not ideal, it’s not worth it to her. good for you, heather!
That would keep her in scotch and anti-depressants for about a day.
Heather does not need the money. So she can do it on her own terms. Good for her. She absolutely MADE Melrose Place. The only other person who came close was Marcia Cross as Kimberly–loved that crazy bitch!
That is not an outragous salary for someone of her status. Or, it could be that she was not impressed with the writing or the set up and asked for more than she knew they’d be willing to give her because deep down she wasn’t interested.
What I’m shocked at is Lisa Rinna. I hadn’t heard this before–a sandwhich board???? I don’t think coming across as tacky and desperate is the best way to inspire anyone to hire you…
One would think that since she has only been in the press for her substance abuse problems that landing on a new show would have reinvigorated her stagnant career but by all means demand an exorbitant sum instead.
Is the photo date a typo? May 1st refers to May 1, 2008, right?
I, if I was Heather Locklear, would be picky, and I would demand that salary. Heather would make the show. It will otherwise be just a short-lived program with its producers all looking at each other wondering why they let the show tank over salary demands of its one credible star.
I really liked a redhead (I forgot her name) who played the young sister who was inlove with her sister’s husband.
There were other lovely cast members that can return.
100k doesn’t seem like a huge demand, so I don’t see any problem with her asking for it.
Marcia Cross made Melrose Place interesting…any generic blonde could fill Amanda’s shoes
“any generic block could fill Amanda’s shoes”
Um… no they couldn’t. Did you even WATCH the show? Heather was known for years as the ‘show savior’ – meaning put her in the cast and your show will improve in ratings. She did it for Melrose Place, Dynasty, and Spin City.
Ned – the redhead was named Laura Leighton, she played Sydney on the show. I loved her too. In real life she married Matt (I think that was his name) the blond haired guy that now plays Lynette’s husband on Desperate Housewives.
lol…I think my comment was intended to say “blonde” – that’s what I get for free forming 😛
RAN, I feel your original comment wasn’t far from the mark (lol)…sorry, I’m not a fan