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Brett Butler’s Painkiller Addiction Became Too Big A Problem On Grace Under Fire Set

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When Grace Under Fire premiered in 1993-1994, it was the highest-rated comedy of the season. It stayed on the Top 20 list for its first three seasons. Yet its fifth season was its last. One of the problems was that actress Brett Butler battled a painkiller addiction and had problems with her co-workers.

Jon Paul Steuer, who played the son on the series, quit after the third season amidst rumors that Butler had exposed her breasts to the then 12-year-old actor. Actress Julie White also left the show. Butler sought help but relapsed. Her problems combined with a less-compelling storyline led to the show’s demise.