In 2020, fans of American Housewife were amazed when Julia Butters left her role as Anna-Kat, Katie, and Greg Otto’s youngest daughter. Butters had been a part of the show since its debut in 2016, portraying the quirky character for the first four seasons. Her sudden exit left many viewers wondering why she decided to leave. surprised when Julia Butters left her role as Anna-Kat, Katie, and Greg Otto’s youngest daughter. Butter had been a part of the show since its debut in amazed when Julia Butter le
The official reason behind Julia Butters’ departure was her desire to pursue other opportunities. Deadline reported that the actress wanted to explore different roles outside of the sitcom. In the year leading up to her exit, Butters had received significant attention for her performance in Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood , Quentin Tarantino’s acclaimed film. This breakout role, where she played the young actress Trudi Fraser, helped her gain recognition and was a pivotal moment in her career.
Before landing her iconic role in American Housewife , Butters appeared in smaller roles on shows like Criminal Minds and The Rusted . At just 9 years old, she was cast as Anna-Kat in 2016. Her character, Anna-Kat Otto, was the third and youngest child of Katie and Greg Otto. The show, created by Sarah Dunn, revolved around the Otto family guiding life in the wealthy town of Westport, Connecticut.
Meg Donnelly and Julia Butters on American Housewife (Image via Getty)
Following Butters’ departure, actress Giselle Eisenberg stepped in to take over the role of Anna-Kat in the show’s fifth and final season. Eisenberg, known for her role as Sophia Hughes in Life In Pieces , was tasked with portraying Anna-Kat in a new light. Eisenberg’s acting career also includes notable roles in The Wolf of Wall Street and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit , making her a fitting replacement for Butters.
Julia Butters didn’t stay out of the spotlight for long. After leaving American Housewife , she continued to build her career with impressive roles. In Once Upon a Time… in Hollywood , Butters earned a nomination for a Critics’ Choice Movie Award for Best Young Actor/Actress. She also starred as Reggie Fableman in Steven Spielberg’s 2022 film The Fabelmans . Butters’ performance in The Fabelmans earned her a nomination for Best Young Actress at the 2023 Music City Film Critics Association.
In addition to her film roles, Butters has continued to expand her career with appearances in several popular shows. She has been featured in I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson and Adventure Time: Distant Lands . Recently, Butters appeared in Monsters at Work on Disney+, showcasing her continued success in the entertainment industry.
Julia Butters’ departure from American Housewife marked the end of an era for the show, but it also opened the door for new opportunities that allowed her to flourish in her career.
Evan Cortez, portrayed by Jaime Gomez, was one of the most compelling characters on Nash Bridges . He was known as the youngest and least experienced member of the team, yet his personal struggles and growth throughout the show made him a fan favorite. His character’s journey was marked by challenges with alcoholism and complex romantic relationships, which added depth to his role.
Evan first appeared in the Season 1 premiere of Nash Bridges , titled “Genesis.” As a dedicated cop, he showcased a rare talent for solving some of the most challenging and obscure cases. His charm, mischievous personality, and ability to tackle crime head-on earned him the admiration of both his colleagues and the audience. Over the six seasons of the show, Evan transformed from a rookie officer into a seasoned professional, making his untimely death all the more to fans.
Evan’s final appearance came in Season 5’s episode “Jackpot: Part 2.” In a crucial scene, the character was seen facing intense pressure in his personal life. He agreed to marry his fiancée, Cassidy Bridges (Jodi Lyn O’Keefe), in Las Vegas, marking a pivotal moment in their relationship. After this emotional conversation, Evan kissed Cassidy goodbye and left for work. What followed would be a tragic turn of events that everyone.
Nash Bridges (Image via Getty)
Evan’s death took place during a high-stakes investigation involving a criminal named Roy McNair (Silas Weir Mitchell). Disguised as a bar staff member, Evan surveilled the area and eventually spotted McNair. The chase that ensued led them through a hotel’s pool area, kitchen, and basement. As Evan closed in on McNair, the criminal whispered “Game over” and shot him. Harvey Leek (Jeff Perry) arrived too late to prevent the attack, finding Evan barely alive on the floor.
Evan’s death was a devastating blow to his colleagues, especially Cassidy. In a poignant moment, Nash Bridges (Don Johnson) avenged his death by using a Stinger missile to eliminate McNair. At Evan’s funeral, Cassidy shared that she had been accepted into a police academy, determined to honor Evan’s memory by following in his footsteps.
In the aftermath of Evan’s death, Nash Bridges introduced a new character, Antwon Babcock (Cress Williams), who replaced Evan as an inspector in the show’s sixth season.
In 2019, a revival of Nash Bridges was announced, with Don Johnson and Cheech Marin returning for a two-hour special. While the new project is in the works, it remains uncertain whether Jaime Gomez will make a cameo in the revived series. The future of the character remains a mystery, but the legacy of Evan Cortez on Nash Bridges endures.
