Cody Lambert was written out of the popular sitcom Step by Step after the show's fifth season due to the real-world legal troubles of the actor who portrayed him, Sasha Mitchell. His character simply ceased appearing in the series following these events.
The Reason Behind Cody's Departure
The decision to remove Cody from the show stemmed from serious legal problems faced by actor Sasha Mitchell. These issues began with his 1995 arrest on accusations of domestic violence made by his first wife, Jeannette Robbins. Subsequently, in 1996, Mitchell was convicted of beating his wife.
The timeline of these events directly influenced the show's production decisions:
- 1995: Accusations of domestic violence and arrest.
- 1996: Conviction for domestic abuse.
- After Season 5: Cody's character no longer appeared on the show.
His absence marked a significant shift for the series, as Cody was a prominent and well-liked character known for his good-natured, albeit dim-witted, personality and his signature "Whoa!" catchphrase. While the show didn't provide an elaborate on-screen explanation for his disappearance, it was understood that his departure was a consequence of the actor's real-life legal entanglements, making it impractical for him to continue in the role.
