The Colleens?

Why was the original actress who played Colleen replaced? I thought she was good in the part.

[Ella]

Hi Bucky,

I think this will remain one of the big mysteries of the series, even though there were rumours and on official explanation.
Fact is that Erika Flores, the actress who played the first Colleen left Dr. Quinn of her own accord. Why? I think we will never know for sure.
This http://www.drquinnmd.com/faq.html#erika is the official explanation and here http://www.drquinnmd.com/library/actors.html you can read what I would call a believable rumour.

I always thought it was strange that she left in the middle of a season. Why couldn't they wait until the season was over. This felt so rushed, and I can't imagine any reason for that, unless there were not so harmonic reasons. But that is my personal opinion.

Anyone else who has some more information?

[Maritza]

I don't really know why except something about money issues. I hated that Erika left. She was so perfect for the feisty and saucy younger version of Michaela. That was lost when the other girl stepped in, though she was good as well, but she brought on more of a vulnerable sweetness to Colleen perfect for Andrew. I don't know if it was just me, but I found her more morbid, with no spunk and life to play the Colleen that Erika had started. But then, I'm not sure if Erika's version would have fair well with the Andrew being a bit too strong. So in a nut shell, I like both version of Colleens, though I tend to favor the original more. I try to see it as though young Colleen left and came back a woman to explain the vast difference of personality traits both actress brought on to the character. My goodness, even the hair color was different and woman back then did not go around dying their hair.

[adriaticsong]

She left for educational and contract stuff. I have to say she was a far better actress, and the whole switch made Colleen's character gradually fade away to almost nothing.

[Anne]

Originally Posted by adriaticsong

She left for educational and contract stuff. I have to say she was a far better actress, and the whole switch made Colleen's character gradually fade away to almost nothing.

I agree!

BTW, welcome to the Café, Adriaticsong!
(I love your nick )

[adriaticsong]

Thank you!

[MissyRose]

I always felt that Erika was much better. I liked Colleen from the very beginning, and Jessica coming changed her character so much.

I liked the first coleen I have read that some people thought she wasn't a strong enough character, but I thought she was lovely. The change was so sudden it took a time to get used to the new one ,quite different.

[Anne]

Hi beigelilly, welcome to our forum! (Why don't you introduce yourself in the intro section so we learn a bit about you? )

I completely agree with you about the Colleens. Erika played her so well; she was a lovely and credible character. Plus Erika IMO is a better actress than Jessica.

[MikeandSullyfan]

I wonder sometimes if they chose to replace Erica with Jessica because Jessica appeared older and she looked more like Jane/Dr Mike in appearance? Their hair coloring was very similar, etc.

I grew to like Jessica as Colleen, but if I had to choose between which of them I liked more, it would have to be Erica. She is who originated Colleen after all.