Why was Penny Scavo's actress replaced?

Penny Scavo's role was recast during the later seasons to introduce a new dynamic to the character.

Who played Penny Scavo first?

Kendall Applegate was the original actress who portrayed Penny Scavo in the early seasons.

Darcy Rose Byrnes took over the role of Penny Scavo in the later seasons of Desperate Housewives.

The change in actresses allowed for a different interpretation of Penny, reflecting her growth as a character.

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Feb 11, 2026

Yes, the actress playing Penny Scavo was changed. In the TV show Desperate Housewives, the character Penny Scavo was originally portrayed by Kendall Applegate. In the later seasons, the role was recast, and Darcy Rose Byrnes took over as Penny Scavo.

Why was Penny Scavo's actress replaced? Penny Scavo's role was recast during the later seasons to introduce a new dynamic to the character.
Who played Penny Scavo first? Kendall Applegate was the original actress who portrayed Penny Scavo in the early seasons.
Who took over the role of Penny Scavo? Darcy Rose Byrnes took over the role of Penny Scavo in the later seasons of Desperate Housewives.
How did the change affect the character of Penny Scavo? The change in actresses allowed for a different interpretation of Penny, reflecting her growth as a character.