The pro dancer, who has been part of the FOX dancing competition show since 2005, won't return for the upcoming 12th season.
- Jan 13, 2015
AceShowbiz - "So You Think You Can Dance" is letting go one of its longtime judges, Mary Murphy. The choreographer and ballroom dance champion confirmed the news in a statement which read, "I'm saddened of course to be released from my contract. I'm very grateful and proud to have been part of such an extraordinary television show, 'So You Think You Can Dance', for 11 seasons. I'm sure there wasn't a person watching that didn't know I loved what I did!!"
The self-appointed Conductor of the Hot Tamale Train thanked "the dancers and choreographers who inspired and enriched my life every week," "the crew and producers, especially James Breen, Jeff Thacker, and Nigel Lythgoe... for believing in me," and her "fans, as you always put a smile on my face when I encountered you." She concluded, "It has been a great pleasure and honor to be part of the dance wave that went global."
The show, FOX and producers Dick Clark Productions and 19 Entertainment said in a joint statement addressing Murphy's departure, "Mary has been a huge part of 'So You Think You Can Dance', from mentoring the dancers as a choreographer to inspiring fans as a judge. She will always be part of our 'Dance' family and we wish her continued success."
There's no word on who will replace Murphy and join permanent judge Nigel Lythgoe on the panel.
Murphy first joined the show in the first season in 2005 as guest judge and choreographer. She was upped to a permanent position on the judging panel in 2007 and continued to serve the role in 2008. For season 7, she was replaced by Mia Michaels as permanent judge, but later returned in the position for season 8 until the latest season 11.
