Why was Meg Foster Replaced by Sharon Gless on Cagney and Lacey?

Cagney and Lacey premiered in the early 1980s, a time that revealed significant differences in American societal norms and media portrayals of gender and sexual orientation. The show's transition from a television film to a series came with its own set of challenges, particularly in relation to casting decisions that reflected the prevailing attitudes of the time.

Shift in Casting and Character Dynamics

Meg Foster, initially cast as Chris Cagney, was gradually phased out of the series. Her portrayal was seen as too intense and serious, which contrasted with the slightly more comedic and lighter tone the producers envisioned for the character. Sharon Gless, who joined the cast in the second season, provided a more balanced dynamic, allowing for more natural interactions between the lead characters, Chris Cagney andivable Lacey, played by Gless and Tyne Daly respectively.

This change was pivotal in securing the series' success both critically and commercially. The shift not only suited the creators' vision but also contributed to the show's popularity, marking a significant moment in television history where the media landscape began to evolve.

Addressing Societal Concerns and Stereotypes

Given the societal context of the early 1980s, there were genuine fears that the portrayal of two tough, non-conforming female characters could be misinterpreted as romantic or sexual. Audiences had a common misconception that any tough woman was automatically masculine and therefore potentially gay, particularly if she did not fit the traditional female stereotype. The network was particularly cautious, as having a potentially gay character as the lead in a major television series was deemed unacceptable at the time.

As such, casting choices needed to be made with sensitivity to these fears. Originally, Loretta Swit, who had played the same character in the original television film, was considered. However, Swit was already committed to M*A*S*H, making this option unviable. This leaves the spotlight on Sharon Gless, who was not only more traditionally attractive and feminine but also had a unique history that contributed to her casting.

Gless's Career Background and Casting Opportunity

Sharon Gless's career began in the 1970s, reflecting a different era in the film industry when actors often entered under studio contracts. This meant that actors were bound by certain constraints and opportunities were more limited. Gless, who had signed her contract with Universal in 1972, was the last of the major Hollywood studios to still operate on this system. Her contract was voided in 1981 when Universal ended its contract system, freeing Gless to take on more diverse roles.

Barney Rosenzweig, the creator of Cagney and Lacey and later her husband, fought to have Gless as Cagney, even before Loretta Swit was attached to the original television film. Although he was initially unable to cast her due to her contract, the studio's decision to end its contracts provided the necessary flexibility for Gless to join the show.

Notably, Tyne Daly's character, Lacey, had a more traditional family structure, providing a counterbalance to the fears surrounding Cagney's character. This helped to offset any concerns about the portrayal of a potentially gay woman in a prominent role.

Conclusion: A Historical Perspective

Ultimately, the replacement of Meg Foster with Sharon Gless reflected the societal and media landscape of the early 1980s. While these casting decisions were influenced by the prevailing prejudices of the time, they also marked a significant shift in how tough, non-conforming female characters were portrayed on television. As society has evolved, so too has the depiction of gender and sexual orientation in media, reflecting a more nuanced and inclusive approach to television storytelling.