It was announced today that Michael Rosenbaum will be leaving the hit television series Smallville to pursue other endeavors. Lex Luther will take a backseat to a few other comic baddies (Doomsday and a yet-to-be-identified female vixen) coming to the scene next season, but he may not be gone completely.

"It has been an honor and pleasure to work with Michael for the past seven seasons. He is one of the best actors on television and has never failed to bring a new layer to the character of Lex Luthor in every episode. While Michael won’t be a series regular and we won’t have the pleasure of working with him on a weekly basis this fall, we like to think that we haven’t seen the last of Lex Luthor. Stay tuned," said Executive Producers Darren Swimmer, Todd Slavkin, Kelly Souders and Brian Peterson in a joint statement.

Michael wrote a letter to his fans about his departure. You can read it in its entirety below... 

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Dear Smallville Fans,

Well, it's been seven wonderful years.  Your support is what has made Smallville so successful, and I appreciate you all more than you know.

That being said, it is time for me to start the next chapter of my life and career.  I hope that I gave you some enjoyment over the years, and that you found my portrayal of Lex Luthor to be satisfying.  I am truly grateful, as Smallville fans are the best fans out there.  I sincerely hope that you will continue to follow my career through my hair growth period and beyond. 

I'm very excited about what the future holds, but certainly, Smallville will always be a part of me.  I will definitely miss the greatest crew in the world, and the wonderful cast that has been like a family to me.

Thank you Al and Miles for creating the show.  Thank you writers, producers, directors and editors. Thanks Tollin, Robbins and Davola for being there for the pilot. Thank you Peter Roth for employing me for ten years.  Lisa Lewis, I miss you already.  John Glover, thanks for helping me feel more comfortable touching other actors, while acting. Bizarre, but helpful.

Mostly, I want to thank Greg Beeman for directing the "Oh Sherry" video, by Steve Perry, back in the 80's.

Thanks crew. Thanks fans. Thanks Smallville.

I love you all,

Michael Rosenbaum

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We love Michael's fabulous portrayal of Lex. Hopefully he will still come on for a few episodes next season! Smallville airs Thursdays on the CW at 8 p.m. ET. 

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Jeremy   |2008-05-02 16:56:59 Why leave? Your character is just getting to the prime for Lex Luthor. It is a crying shame to leave now that the role you play is just blooming out into what it is supposed to really be...... dam them beavers Reply 0   0

tasha   |2008-05-02 07:18:59 aw. I really like him! What is going to do now? Reply 0   0

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