The actress leaves the Sony Pictures Television series as it enters its sixth season, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.
Community executive producers Dan Harmon and Chris McKenna have accepted the actress’ request to end her contract in order to care for her ailing father.
Her exit comes during the show’s transition from NBC, where it aired its first five seasons, to Yahoo Screen, where it has been given a 13-episode sixth season order.
Brown played Shirley Bennett, a student at Greendale Community College. Cast members returning to season six include Joel McHale, Jim Rash, Gillian Jacobs, Danni Pudi, Allison Brie and Ken Jeong.
“Yvette was an integral part of Community and is irreplaceable. We are sad to see her go and wish her the very best,” Harmon and McKenna said in a joint statement.