My Wife and Kids: Why did they recast Claire?

My Wife and Kids is on Netflix now, and if you’ve been watching the sitcom for the first time, you’re likely wondering: why did they recast Claire?

The hit ABC sitcom stars Damon Wayans as Michael, the patriarch of the middle-class Kyle family in Connecticut. He lives with his wife Jay (Tisha Campbell-Martin) and three children: Junior (George O. Gore II), Claire (Jazz Raycole), and Kady (Parker McKenna Posey).

Raycole appeared in just 12 episodes of the series, with the star being replaced by Jennifer Freeman from early Season 2 onwards.

It’s a pretty disorientating change, considering the difference between the two performances – so, why was Claire changed? Here’s what you need to know.

Why did they recast Claire in My Wife and Kids?

Claire was recast because the producers of My Wife and Kids wanted the character to be a bit older so she could be involved in more mature storylines.

In an interview with The Christian Post, Raycole explained: “I was 12 years old when I got that job. The producers wanted a different thing, they wanted someone a little bit older. I wasn’t ready for that.

“I ended up going to New York to dance, which was my first passion. I really thank God for that because I got to grow and travel.”

More specifically, according to The Complete Directory to Prime Time Network and Cable TV Shows (1946-Present), Raycole’s mother objected to Claire becoming pregnant in the show.

Freeman was 15 years old when she joined the cast. As her version of Claire makes her debut, Michael points out that something has changed. “Nothing, I just pulled my hair back,” she says. “Well, whatever it is, you look like a whole different person,” he quips.

All five seasons of My Wife and Kids are available to stream on Netflix now.