As of December 12, 2025, the final season of the beloved TV Land/Paramount+ series Younger continues to be a hot topic among fans, particularly concerning the noticeable absence of one of its most iconic characters: Diana Trout. Portrayed brilliantly by Miriam Shor, Diana was the unforgettable, statement-jewelry-wearing Head of Marketing at Empirical Publishing, and her diminished role in Season 7 left many viewers confused and disappointed.
The truth behind Miriam Shor's minimal screen time in the seventh and final season is a blend of practical production hurdles and scheduling conflicts, a common issue for actors on long-running series, especially those filming during the COVID-19 pandemic. She was officially no longer a series regular, which fundamentally shifted the dynamic of the New York publishing world shown in the series.
Miriam Shor: A Full Biography and Career Profile
Miriam Shor is an accomplished American actress and director whose career spans decades across film, television, and the stage. Her portrayal of Diana Trout remains one of her most recognized and lauded roles, but her body of work is extensive and diverse.
- Full Name: Miriam Ruth Shor
- Born: July 25, 1971
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
- Notable Roles: Diana Trout in Younger, Yitzhak in the Off-Broadway rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and various roles in series like The Good Wife and GCB.
- Career Start: Shor began her career in 1997 with the movie Flushed.
- Theater Success: She gained significant prominence for her performance in the original Off-Broadway production of *Hedwig and the Angry Inch*, a role she later reprised in the 2001 film adaptation.
- Directing: In addition to acting, Shor has also worked as a director. Notably, she stepped behind the camera to direct an episode of Younger, further cementing her creative involvement with the series.
Shor’s ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles, often imbuing her characters with both vulnerability and strength, has made her a highly respected figure in the industry.
The Definitive Reason Diana Trout Was Not a Series Regular in Season 7
The transition of Miriam Shor from a main cast member to a guest star was one of the biggest changes heading into the final season of Younger. This decision directly impacted the storyline for Liza Miller (Sutton Foster) and the entire Empirical/Millennial staff.
Scheduling Conflicts and COVID-19 Protocols
The primary reason for Diana Trout's reduced presence was a combination of "scheduling and COVID related matters." The final season was filmed during the height of the pandemic, which created complex logistical challenges for production, especially for actors juggling multiple projects.
Show creator Darren Star confirmed that both Miriam Shor and Charles Michael Davis (who played Zane Anders) were unable to return as series regulars due to these unavoidable conflicts. This meant that the familiar, chaotic energy of the marketing department at Empirical Publishing, often spearheaded by Diana's magnificent outbursts and statement jewelry, had to be significantly scaled back.
The Storyline Shift After the Wedding
Season 7 picked up immediately after the dramatic conclusion of Season 6, which culminated in Diana’s wedding to her plumber-turned-love-interest, Enzo. The season-ending cliffhanger involved Charles Brooks proposing to Liza at Diana’s wedding, a moment that stole the spotlight from the bride.
While Diana's wedding was a beautiful culmination of her character arc—a woman who famously said, "Invest in yourself. Put everything into your career. It will pay off. Romance is incidental"—her newfound marital bliss provided a natural, albeit disappointing, exit point for the character.
The show explained her absence by having Diana and Enzo on a long-term honeymoon. This narrative choice allowed the focus to shift entirely to Liza's final choices regarding her career, Charles, and Josh.
Diana Trout's Single, Unforgettable Season 7 Appearance
Despite not being a series regular, Miriam Shor did make one highly anticipated appearance in the final season, much to the delight of the show's dedicated fanbase. This single scene, however, was a stark reminder of the new reality of TV production in the early 2020s.
The Iconic Zoom Call
Miriam Shor's only performance as Diana Trout in Younger Season 7 was confined to a single, brief moment: a video call via Zoom. This scene served as a perfect, pandemic-era cameo, allowing the character to check in with the Empirical team without requiring Shor to be physically present on set in New York.
The scene, though short, was classic Diana. She appeared from her honeymoon, likely wearing a fabulous piece of statement jewelry even for a video chat, and offered her signature blend of biting wit and unexpected warmth. Her presence, even virtually, reminded viewers of the unique mentorship she provided to Liza over the years.
Fan Reaction to Her Absence
Fans were vocal about missing Diana Trout. Many viewers felt that the heart of the publishing side of the show was lost without her. Diana was not just Liza's boss; she evolved into a friend and a voice of reason, often delivering some of the show's most memorable quotes and funniest moments.
The character's journey from a demanding, competitive executive to a woman who found love and happiness in her 40s was a powerful and relatable arc that resonated deeply with the audience. Her absence created a noticeable void that the new dynamics, including the introduction of other characters, struggled to fill entirely. The consensus among the fandom was that while the single appearance was welcome, it was simply not enough for a character of her stature.
The Lasting Legacy of Diana Trout and Miriam Shor
Although Miriam Shor's physical presence was limited in the final run, the character of Diana Trout remains one of the most beloved and essential figures in the Younger universe. Her legacy is one of professional ambition, female solidarity, and the power of a great accessory.
A True New York Publishing Icon
Diana Trout was the embodiment of the high-stakes, glamorous, and often cutthroat world of New York publishing. Her impeccable, often over-the-top style—defined by her elaborate necklaces and designer outfits—became a character in itself. She taught Liza, and by extension the audience, that a woman can be fiercely ambitious ("She's the hardest-working person") while still being deeply loyal and capable of profound personal growth.
The evolution of her relationship with Liza, from a competitive boss-employee dynamic to a genuine, complex friendship, was a cornerstone of the series. The show's creator, Darren Star, made it clear that despite the reduced screen time, both Shor and Charles Michael Davis "will always be a part of the Younger family," a testament to their enduring contribution to the show's success.
Miriam Shor's Post-Younger Career
Since the conclusion of Younger, Miriam Shor has continued to be highly active in her career, which is likely a key factor in her Season 7 scheduling conflicts. Her work includes both acting and directing roles, further establishing her versatility in the entertainment industry.
Fans of her work can look forward to her continued presence in new projects, both on-screen and behind the scenes, carrying the same sharp wit and undeniable talent that made Diana Trout a cultural phenomenon. While her time as a series regular on Younger concluded prematurely, her impact on the show's narrative and on the hearts of its viewers is permanent.
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