How did the actors find out their characters were being fired? By reading the script?

Jacobs: No. We wouldn't do that. But David and I also knew that if we sent a message to the set that we wanted to meet with them, then they would know automatically that [they were being let go]. But, unfortunately, this became the way that we did it, because we felt that it was really important [to tell them ourselves] — even before the actors' representation knew. First we would talk to Hugh [Laurie] and let him know — because we always include him in the business of the show — and then David and I would go visit them in their trailer or we would call them on the phone. It was horrible. It was really horrible.

I can only imagine.

Jacobs: But [creatively] it was fun, because we opened up and expanded our world. Until this season, we had a much smaller cast than most one-hour [dramas]. And the thing is, I am still in love with Cameron, Chase and Foreman. And how they will fold back in is of equal interest to us as Cole, who has been cut, but who had a really strong presence on the show.