According to Wikipedia, she was "asked" to leave Night Court because of Bell's Paulsy, which is odd because she continued to work for a while and never really looked like she had a major facial deformity.

I wonder if she'll make a return to the reboot. It seems unlikely, though. She is one of a few still-living main characters that was on the show. Other than John and Marsha, there was Ellen Foley and her. I'm not sure of anyone else.
I mostly remember her playing Lynn's crazy, bipolar mother on "Girlfriends."

In this interview she says she got Bell's Palsy and was asked to belet go from the show.

It's sad that they fired you from 'Night Court' for a medical reason that would heal within a month. I guess that's show biz, but you were great on that show, and quite a looker. I was a little kid when the show was actually on, and they have this show on syndication here in Toronto, so i watch it from time to time.

I also hated to see Karen go. I did not like the replacement, Mac. He was
a know it all, who, if I were Harry, wouldb68 have fired in a week or two. His
character was not respectful of Harry (nor anyone else, except Roz, who would
have put him through a wall, and almost did in a couple of episodes).

I really liked you in the part of Court Clerk and never liked the replacement
Mac. Mac was a character that was a real smart a$$ and thought he always better than the others. I think you would have developed your character a lot in the remaining years of the show.

Sorry that happened
You were very funny on Night Court

Ditto, you were great, thanks for the entertainment!

I'm sorry that happened to you!
I think Night Court was one of the classic shows of all time on TV and I'm sorry that I did not see more of you! You did a terrific job during your short run on the show!

Hi Karen.I have seen the ALEVE commercial many times.You look quite a bit different than on Night Court.I noticed that though you only did 10 episodes of Night Court you are in the credits for the entire first season.I've never understood what Bell's Palsy is.So when they taped the episode addressing your character as being out sick you really weren't feeling well due to stress.Glad you cleared that up.Would have been nice to see you do the entire series though.

Markie Post played a DIFFERENT role than Karen Austin. Karen played a court clerk, while Markie played a public defender - 2 different characters.

I enjoyed her in Summer Rental too. Heartwarming, funny,and understated, without hitting you over the head.
Be yourself, everyone else is taken

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I too always wondered what went through the producers' minds to let Karen go just when it seemed Nighb68t Court was hitting its stride. While Ellen Foley showed some comic timing (to compliment her amazing singing voice) and Markie Post brought terminal cuteness to her role, I always found Karen Austin's Lana to be perfectly adorable. Sometimes networks and/or producers simply don't have the patience or the luxury of time to let shows and actors find their footing and I find it a damned shame that we long-time Night Court fans lost Karen because of perfectly controllable (and temporary) disorder. On a personal note, I'd like her to know that I'd still bring her Lana a bouquet of pencils over dinner ANY time!
Glad to know that you're able to see that many of us are still enamored of you.
Regards,
D.G.

Just watched the Happy Dats episode "Kid's Play" on METV. You sure were a very attractive, fresh face on TV. Wish you had stayed on "Night Court" because your replacement never was a good as your character.

Hi Karen! I loved your character Lana on Night Court. Im sorry you got fired from the show. Charles Robinson wasnt as good as you were. I have that episode recorded on tape (the one where your character Lana Wagner goes berserk from the side effects of her medication and sings out loud.)
Hey, another question, why did Paula Kelly get booted off the show? I liked her character Liz.

No offense taken at all. Honest, it's me. They just called to say I'm coming back on Rodney so I'm happy about that!
Thanks

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Yeah, it was me. I was using a friends IMDB pro to try and correct my credits (which is why my user name was different) and saw the message board. People who work in front of the camera are just people and like everyone else, don't want their history to be misunderstood - not really promoting anything but the truth. I left Nightcourt because I had Bell's Palsy from stress. Yes, it's me on the ALEVE commercial. Got a daughter to put through college soon so I'm happy to have the residuals. Just did an episode of Freddie. And of course, people who work in front of the camera are happy to think people regard their work fondly. And am happy to answer your questions. So yes, it's me.
Thanks for your support,
Karen Austin

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How do you explain this:
http://www.imdb.com/board/20042438/board/thread/17869528?d=17869528#17869528
and this:
http://www.imdb.com/board/20042438/board/thread/9556423?d=14719920#14719920

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