According to a TV Guide Ausiello Scoop
Exclusive: Hector Elizondo Shrinks to Fit Monk

Well, we kinda knew Monk couldn't go too long without an analyst, right? So, tragic as is the April 8 death of Stanley Kamel — aka the neurotic's Dr. Kroger — a USA Network spokesperson confirms to me exclusively that Hector Elizondo has been tapped to join Monk as Tony Shalhoub's new shrink. There's no word on how his character will be introduced, but he'll first turn up in the show's seventh season premiere on July 18.

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Thanks for the news. I know I'm on pins and needles to see how they do it.

And here I was all set to dislike Monk's new shrink, and they bring in Hector Elizondo. How can you help but like Hector Elizondo?

Let's see what happens.

Is it July yet?

Thanks, Teresa!

Thanks for sharing that! I hesitated at first, because I thought it was a spoiler, but I looked anyway. I like Hector, and I loved him in Pretty Woman and in the long ago movie "Young Doctor's In Love" as well as other things.

I don't know though. This has me a little worried about how they are going to handle Dr. Kroger's absence. I just don't want them to "toss him aside" as though he never existed.

I'm sorry, I'm glad they hired Hector, but the thought of Adrian having a new shrink so soon just bothers me.

Andrea

Oh, good....I like HE. I will really miss SK, but I'm sure the Monk folks will handle everything correctly. Still, for me, at least at first , it will feel odd not seeing Doc K....he was sooo much a part of Monk. I really enjoyed the Doc K character.

B.
I can handle it though. I'm a big girl. Is there room on the new Doc's couch? I promise.......I won't need more than 1 day a week....I know the rest of the week is reserved for Monk.

I like Hector Elizondo, i think he is a good choice but i will miss Mr. Kamel

Hi Teresa.
Thanks for the news.
Vanna.

I've never heard of him so I don't know if he's good or not...but I'm sure he's a good choice.
Tonyfan: Everyone will miss Mr. Kamel...me too

I really will miss SK, but I also think Hector is a good choice. I saw his last acting job in Cane, and he is pretty good!
Then it just occurs to me: remember the info about the title first eppy on the 7th. season? maybe Monk had to move out, go to another city, a bit far city, and cannot see Dr K. anymore. Could this be a good solution to SK´s absence?

Hugs
Mi

I don't think they would move out of San Francisco. What would they do with Disher and Stottlemeyer? And Ambrose...and Harold...and Kevin?

yep....too many things to leave behind.....you´re right!

Hugs
Mi

So, is this just a 'yeah, we sorta wanna ask him' or 'he's mos def going to be doing this'?

I just don't want to get my hopes up to early

Thanks for the note, Teresa!

While I like Hector and know he'll do well, the fact that he'll be shown in the first episode kind of disappoints me. To me, it just seems too soon. I knew Monk would have another shrink, but I was kind of hoping a few episodes into the new season, not the very first episode. I dunno, maybe I'm the only one that thinks that way.

Welcome to the wonderful world of Monk, Hector

Wow I never would have thought of him, but I think he's a great choice. I can really see him as Monk's new shrink. I do feel a bit sorry for him, however, he is going to have huge shoes to fill and we are all going to miss SK terribly. But I have faith Hector will do an excellent job.

Gotta agree. HE is a terrific choice. I think he can pull off playing a Dr who will have to be veeeeeery patient and supportive of Monk while he sorts through his grief and sense of abandonment on having lost Dr. Kroger.

Thanks from me, too, Teresa. Always the bearer of glad tidings.

Meme

(imagining Hector listening very attentively while getting peeved. All of a sudden, he pulls a Ricky Ricardo and starts yelling in Spanish at Adrian)

sorry, it's still a little early for me yet

Hehe.

Well at least we have a face. But you have to wonder what kind of character the new shrink is going to be. Hector (I see we're all already on a first name basis - welcome aboard) could play him a lot of different ways. I hope they give him a distinct and interesting character of his own.

LOL! Yep he's in the Monk family now so he deserves to be called by his first name. No formalities here. He did a great job on Chicago Hope so we know he plays a doctor very well.

I'm feeling very positive about this. I've been a fan of Hector Elizondo since his work on Chicago Hope.

Jenn

Thanks for the 411.

I think Hector Elizondo is a great choice. SK and HE have are similar physically (although they come from different ethnic backgrounds.)

I still can't help but feel so sad about SK's passing. I don't know why I am having such a hard time shaking it. It's not like I knew him personally or anything.

I had just posted to a comment from someone about who would take on the new role of
the doctor.....and then..went back to see new topics..and saw this....thanks for the info.
I had a feeling there would be a "leak" before showtime in July. Good choice for the role.
Will be interesting to see how this adjustment is made.

I can't believe I've got you beat on something, Jenn but I've been an Hector Elizondo fan since he did a guest starring role on the Rockford Files in the '70s! I wish I could check the credits to see who the genius is who casts this show but they usually minimize the credits and I can't read the screen from across the room but kudos to you for this stroke of brilliance!

HE's acting style is much like SK's. So is his countenance.

An aside to HE: While I am making comparisons (and I will the whole first season, I'm sure), I totally will be able to make the differentiation between you and SK and will appreciate you for you! I would feel sorry for anyone else trying to fill the role as Monk's shrink but I have no doubt that you can do so with style, grace, dignity and with all respect to Stanley Kamel. Love your body of work.

I have high hopes now because I didn't believe anyone could replace Bitty Schram but I was a Traylor Howard fan (even though I didn't know what her name was) before she came on the show and I believe she's done a marvelous job of bringing Natalie to life and making her do an excellent job as Monk's assistant (I still love you, Bitty).

You know, if there was someone out there who'd fit the mold at least physically as a new psychiatrist, it would be Elizondo. This puts me at ease a bit; my initial impression is that he'll do just fine and cast at least a similar spirit to what Kamel brought to the position, and spirit is really the best you can look for in these circumstances.

I think they did an excellant job in casting Hector. I have loved him in Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries, and Chicago Hope and think he is great character actor. I still miss Stanley; but if anyone can pull this off it is Hector.

I agree 100% !

Teresa, thank you for the news! I am feeling really good about Hector Elizondo becoming Monk's new shrink even though I will often think of and miss Stanley Kamel/Dr. Kroger.

Jenn, I'm so glad you mentioned Chicago Hope as I couldn't remember the name of the series I used to like to watch.

Thanks for the information. I think HE will be a great asset to the cast of Monk. I loved him on Chicago Hope and my favorite movie of all time Pretty Woman! I wished that they would at least wait until the 2nd episode to air the new doctor...give the fans and the characters time to grieve the loss of SK. Welcome aboard HE enjoy the ride!

Thank you for the information, Teresa!

Don't you think that Hector is a little similar to Stanley? I mean appearance.

I personally think he looks very similar to Stanley. In fact it makes be wonder just what the plan is. It could go a lot of different ways.

USA has put out an official press release on the casting of Elizondo.

Excerpt from PRNewswire
The Doctor is in! Emmy Award-Winner Hector Elizondo to Appear in MONK
Legendary Character Actor To Fulfill Pivotal Role as Monk's Therapist

"What attracted me first and foremost was to have the opportunity to work with Tony Shalhoub, a man whose reputation as an actor and collaborator proceed him," said Mr. Elizondo. "Also, I understand USA is a nice place to work, allowing great creative freedoms, and MONK is actually one of the shows I enjoy watching."

Full Article

Multichannel News also has an article on the subject.

I thought the same thing.
I just hope that he's similar enough, in his therapy style, to Dr Kroger so that Adrian can feel comfortable with him, but that he isn't a clone of Dr K, either.

I was worried about the 'clone' idea when Britty left. But they did a good job of avoiding that - eventually. It took time to flush out her character but they did it really well.

I expect the same from this replacement. He may be a very similar character to Kroger at first but given a season to write for a new therapist I'm sure it will start falling in to line.

...

Wait... What if... LOL!!! WHat if Adrian discovers that Kroger had an illegitimate son he didnt know he had - who grew up to be a therapist?

I know, it's late, I'm silly, the government is watching us all... But still...

-M

I agree!
Hector is an excellent actor - I have enjoyed watching him in various roles over the years. He has finesse - subtlety in his acting, in some ways like Tony. What a great blend of talents we have to look forward to. He won't be Dr. Kroger, but at least we know the part is in good hands. And yes, we are already on a first name basis! Good luck, Hector!

I'm disappointed in this too. I was hoping for an entire episode on them dealing with the loss of Dr. Kroger, and then gradually add scenes with Hector. It seems much too soon, honestly.

Andrea

I think Hector is a good replacement, but I agree it is too soon to introduce him.

Perhaps, but will it still feel that way in July? Monk may need his new therapist to deal with whatever happens.

I feel it may depend on how they introduce him. Did he know Dr. K? Were they colleagues, friends? Why does Monk start seeing him? After looking over Monk's file, what does he think about his progress?

It's possible that the new therapist might give tribute to Dr. K's character.

We don't know how this first episode of the new season will play out. It could open with Adrian sitting in Dr. Kroger's office, waiting for him, and Natalie will have to come in and tell him that the doctor's not coming, and that he died/retired, then Adrian will spend most of the rest of the episode dealing with that while, trying out new therapists, and trying to solve a murder, and finally settles on this new character at the end.

It could open with Adrian and Natalie going over a huge stack of papers, Natalie asking, "How about Dr. ____? He seemed nice." and Adrian saying something like, "No, he has 36 freckles on the left side of his face, and only 27 on the right. How will I ever get better if I have to look at that every session?" Or maybe they will show him in a series of offices, trying out new therapists, and at the end, he settles on Hector, because Hector is the only doctor willing to take him on as a patient.

Maybe Hector will be a therapist that Adrian has finally decided on that he wants to treat him after Dr. Kroger's death/retirement, who is in great demand, but not taking on any new patients, especially not a patient who will need as much of his time as Monk will, until he is accused of a murder. Some of his patients start dropping him because he's in jail rather than wait for him to go through the hearing and everything, as well as some who don't want to be seeing a therapist who is suspected of murder. Monk proves his innocence so he doesn't have to spend months in jail waiting for trial, and now, he has room to take on new patients, or at least one new patient who has a lot of issues and takes a lot of his time. That way, Monk gets a really good doctor which would otherwise be difficult to do considering how much of the doctor's time would have to be devoted to Adrian and he'd be on call 24/7.

They may have it happen similar to how it happened in Red Herring, having it open with Monk and Natalie discussing how it's been several months since Dr. Kroger died or retired and he *had* to find a new therapist? Or it could be that he goes kind of cataonic when he learns that something happened to Dr. Kroger, meanwhile, a murder has happened and the rest of the gang spend the episode alternately trying to get Adrian to function again and trying to solve the case themselves, and they make some headway, find some clues, but they are having trouble putting it all together. They can with Adrian, coming up with ideas and everyone keeps coming up with 'Randy specials' while Adrian stares and occasionally makes some comment or another like, "What am I gonna do now?" Till Stottlemeyer, or Natalie or someone meets up with this doctor who's maybe at the station evaluating someone to see if they are competant to stand trial, or whatever. He goes to talk to Adrian and at first doesn't seem to be getting through, but just when he's about to give up, he says something that helps Adrian put everything together.

There are just a lot of ways it could be done, and I'm sure if I could come up with these few this early in the morning off the top of my head, and I'm not even a professional writer, that they can do it much better.

I'm personally thinking now that they might be replacing Stanley and keeping Dr. Kroger.

The therapist role was recently left vacant with the unexpected death of actor Stanley Kamel last month. Kamel played Monk's beloved therapist, Dr. Charles Kroger.

The announcement regarding the decision to fill Kamel's position was made Wednesday by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president of original programming.

"Monk will always need a therapist -- and it's a part that is pivotal to the central themes of the show. When we lost Stanley, we knew we needed an actor who could bring warmth, intelligence and humor to the role," Wachtel said in a statement. "Hector was actually the first person that came to mind, and we are incredibly fortunate that he's agreed to do some episodes with us. Stanley can never be replaced, but we think he'd be very pleased with our choice."
full article

Maybe it's just me but I think this article and the quotes from Wachtel especially have the ring of replacement to them.

Just my thoughts...

I'm also focusing on the words "some episodes." There seems to be an indeterminite time frame there too.

I'd really hate to see him pick up the Kroger character, although it has been noted that he does bear some physical resemblence. That is one thing I wouldn't like to see is someone else try to be Dr. K. I'd prefer to see his character be laid to rest -- to me it's like retiring his jersey.

If he is indeed a new shrink, a new character, maybe they can release his name.

I have to agree with you, it seems to be very poor taste to me to bring in another actor to play the same character and act like no one will notice. I mean, this isn't like Dale the Whale, or Benjy, or Trevor or even Trudy. All of those other characters only ever showed up in episodes sporatically at best, there were plenty of episodes where Benjy wasn't seen or was only on the screen for a few minutes, and the boy that played Benjy most of the first season was only there for that season. Dale was seen in one episode at the very beginning of the first season, one episode at the very end of the second season, and wasn't seen again till the end of the sixth season. Trevor showed up twice, and the second time he was barely even on the screen. Trudy gets mentioned a lot and we see her pictures in Monk's apartment, but we don't see the actress actually acting in the role for more than a few minutes once or twice a season. Not to mention that none of the actors that I named above died, they are all still alive to the best of my knowledge.

Dr. Kroger, on the other hand, has been there from the very first episode, and in the earlier seasons, very few episodes were made without him, and even in later seasons, he appeared in a lot of episodes. He wasn't someone we only see once or twice a season or so. He was a constant. Just putting another actor in the role and expecting him to be Dr. Kroger seems very half assed and lame, and to me, offensive. I think they should most definitely give Adrian a new therapist with a new name and character and everything. There can be only one Dr. Kroger.

Just thought this was worth sharing...
hector elizondo


stanley kamel

the resemblance is uncanny

Hello! I'm new to the Monk forum ( I usually hang out over at The 4400 forum) but I wanted to comment on the Kroger situation. It is too sad to even think that they would just change actors but keep the role. I doubt they will do that. USA has made beautiful ads about the death and I don't think they'll just keep the character going when they have made a huge statement. I'm hoping for something more like one of the 90's tv shows who lost an actor...they had the characters trying to find him the whole show only to find out that he had died, then they all cried. I thought that was true to the cast and their emotions regarding their friend. Something like that would be nice, where the cast actually gets to acknowledge their loss on scree.

I think I said “wow” out loud while reading the news here about Hector as the new doctor. He is an amazing choice and I don’t even think I’ll need an adjustment period for me to warm up to him in the role. I can almost visualizing him sitting there listening to Adrian. Maybe, partly, because they have a very similar appearance and demeanor. Hopefully he is a “new” doctor, maybe in a new office (although I loved that office), and not a new Dr. Kroger.
They made a selection fairly quickly and he’ll be showing up in the first episode which, I assume, means they are dealing with Dr. K’s departure during that episode, too. I guess it is best to address it at the very beginning of the season. It seems that most fans know about Stanley’s death by now and would continually have that in the back of their minds, wondering when and how it would be acknowledged on the show.

I hope that they will figure a way to accomplish both, a fitting respectful ending for Dr. K and a gracious entrance for our new cast member. I would prefer that they don't substitute Hector Elizondo for Stanley Kamel's character Dr.K. I would prefer to see him have his own role as a different therapist. I think that I could see happen what someone had mentioned earlier that Monk is sitting in his yellow chair waiting for Dr.K to show up for his appointment when Natalie comes rushing in and tells him that Dr. K has had a heart attack and either he is in the hospital or he has passed away. Then Monk can spend most of the episode grieving and then some how bump into a therapist some where. He could feel an immediate connection to this new Dr. because of the similarities between them. I could buy this. I think.

Thanks for the info!
I love Hector Elizondo. I'm glad that they're going to have another great actor for Monk's shrink.
It's still going to be sad without Mr. Kamel though.

I think that Hector Elizondo is the perfect choice. I became a fan of his when I watched a rerun of Columbo. He was fantastic in it. I also love him in the Princess Diary movies. Nobody can fill Stanley's shoes and nobody will ever take his place, but I'm glad they recast Monk's psychiatrist with a class act. It does Stanley's character and memory proud.

Is it possible that Hector will be Dr. K`s brother. They do look alike.

I found this on the main Monk page. Apparently there's been a lot of talk about Hector joining the cast as Adrian's shrink.

Here it is...


THE DOCTOR IS IN! EMMY AWARD-WINNER HECTOR ELIZONDO TO APPEAR IN MONK

Legendary Character Actor To Fulfill Pivotal Role as Monk's Therapist

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – April 30, 2008 – Emmy-winning and Golden Globe-nominated Hector Elizondo has agreed to appear in USA Network's award-winning, hit series MONK this summer when the series returns for its seventh season on Friday, July 18 at 9/8c. Elizondo will portray Adrian Monk's (Tony Shalhoub) much-needed therapist – a role that was recently left vacant with the unexpected passing of Stanley Kamel last month, who played Monk's beloved therapist, Dr. Charles Kroger. Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award winner Shalhoub stars as the titular obsessive-compulsive detective in a series that has cleaned up as a ratings performer at USA since its premiere in 2002 and has cultivated a loyal following of fans and critics alike. The announcement was made by Jeff Wachtel, USA's executive vice president, original programming.

"Monk will always need a therapist - and it's a part that is pivotal to the central themes of the show. When we lost Stanley, we knew we needed an actor who could bring warmth, intelligence and humor to the role," said Wachtel. "Hector was actually the first person that came to mind, and we are incredibly fortunate that he's agreed to do some episodes with us. Stanley can never be replaced, but we think he'd be very pleased with our choice."

"What attracted me first and foremost was to have the opportunity to work with Tony Shalhoub, a man whose reputation as an actor and collaborator proceed him," said Mr. Elizondo. "Also, I understand USA is a nice place to work, allowing great creative freedoms, and MONK is actually one of the shows I enjoy watching."

One of the most beloved character actors working today, award-winning actor Elizondo has a successful career spanning 40 years that includes film, television, theater and radio. Elizondo won an Emmy in addition to four nominations for his portrayal of Dr. Phillip Watters on CBS' "Chicago Hope," and received an Emmy nomination for his performance opposite Anne Bancroft in the drama "Mrs. Cage" for PBS's acclaimed series "American Playhouse." Elizondo's numerous television appearances began with guest starring roles on now classic episodes of "Columbo," "All in the Family" and "Kojak." Elizondo has long been a fixture in Garry Marshall films, which include "The Princess Diaries," "Young Doctors in Love," "The Flamingo Kid," "Nothing in Common," "Runaway Bride," and "Pretty Woman," one of Elizondo's most renowned performances, earning him Golden Globe and American Comedy Award nominations. Additional film credits include "Beverly Hills Cop III," "Frankie and Johnny," "Necessary Roughness," "Tortilla Soup," "American Gigolo," "The Fan," and most recently, "Love In The Time Of Cholera." A native New Yorker, Elizondo first gained recognition on the New York stage for his portrayal of God in "Steambath," earning him an Obie Award. High praise followed for his Broadway roles in Neil Simon's "Prisoner of Second Avenue," "The Great White Hope," "Sly Fox," earning him a Drama Desk Award nomination, and the Broadway revival of Arthur Miller's "The Price." Elizondo has also done many voice-overs, most recently in Ken Bum's PBS documentary series, "The West" and served as the host of the CBS special, "Mysterious Man of the Shroud." Elizondo is involved in LA Theatre Works, a group of 40 top actors who are devoting their time and talent to reinstating classic radio drama as a contemporary art form for National Public Radio (NPR). He recently received the Diversity Award's prestigious "Integrity Award" as well as Nosotros' "Lifetime Achievement Award " for the quality of roles he has chosen during his career. He is also an avid supporter of several charitable organizations including The Alzheimer's Association, Amnesty International, The American Cancer Society and Pediatric Aids. Elizondo is an accomplished musician and singer, performing on the conga, flute and guitar.

Elizondo is repped by The Gersh Agency and Teitelbaum Artists Group.

MONK has remained a vibrant cornerstone of USA's schedule, evident in its series-high ratings in total viewers for the sixth season finale. Although the show has been on since 2002, MONK's latest season delivered +16% more P18-49 viewers, +12% more P25-54 viewers and +21% more total viewers than the series average. Through the conclusion of season six, MONK has averaged an audience of 2 million in P18-49, 2.5 million in P25-54 and 5 million total viewers.

Tony Shalhoub ("Big Night," "Wings," "Men in Black") has earned three Emmy Awards (with five nominations), a Golden Globe Award and two SAG Awards for Best Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal of Adrian Monk, a brilliant detective who suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder. Monk's psychological disorder costs him his position as a legendary homicide detective on the San Francisco Police Force. Due to the tragic unsolved murder of his wife, Monk has developed an abnormal fear of germs, heights, crowds and virtually everything else, which provides an unusual challenge to solving crimes … not to mention his day-to-day existence. Traylor Howard ("Two Guys and a Girl," "Me, Myself and Irene"), Ted Levine ("Heat," "Moby Dick") and Jason Gray-Stanford ("Taken," "Flags of Our Fathers") also star.

MONK is executive produced by David Hoberman ("Raising Helen," "Bringing Down the House," "The Negotiator"), Andy Breckman ("Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Rat Race"), Tony Shalhoub, Randy Zisk ("House," "Without a Trace') and Tom Scharpling ("The Best Show on WFMU"). MONK is from NBC Universal Cable Studios in association with Mandeville Films, Inc. and ABC Studios.



Andrea

Hi! Nice to have you come over and visit! I hope they acknowledge Dr. Kroger's death as well. I loved Stanley and I'm still so heartbroken that he's gone.

Andrea

ooooooooooooo......I like it..