Margulies nixes $27 million to stay at ER By Michael Fleming JULIANNA MARGULIES turns down big "ER" payday NEW YORK (Variety) - After a prolonged negotiation to keep her from quitting "ER," Julianna Margulies is turning down the chance to become one of the highest-paid female actors in TV history, and will ankle at season's end. Margulies, 33, had been expected to leave what is still TV's top-rated show once she completes her sixth season, but appeared ready to sign a two-season extension worth about $27 million, after being courted heavily by executive producer John Wells and producer Warner Bros., which dangled a feature development deal. Dish hears that after some serious soul-searching, Margulies just gave WB the bitter medicine. Feeling she's taken her character as far as she can -- her Carol Hathaway character gives birth to twins on "ER's" first Thanksgiving Day nonrerun -- Margulies decided to leave all that cash on the table, and walk away to pursue roles in features and theater. Calling her "an integral member of the 'ER' family," Wells gave Margulies a glowing sendoff. "Her talent and commitment have greatly contributed to show's success," he said, "and we look forward to working with her throughout the remainder of the season and hopefully sometime in the future. We wish her well and know that she will be successful in all of her endeavors."

-- random person (ewwhatevr@aol.com), November 11, 1999