Audra McDonald to Return From 'Private Practice' Hiatus on Dec. 2 Episode

Fans of ABC's "Private Practice" have been missing co-star Audra McDonald, who plays Naomi Bennett, for weeks.

McDonald's character, a Reproductive Endocrinologist, was rumored to have left the show after her character went abroad to tend to her late boyfriend William's estate and foundation, according to an article from BVBuzz.com.

The actress put the rumors to rest by writing about her absence on her Twitter.

"BTW...Nai will b back soon. Shonda (a mommy too so she gets it) wz kind enough 2 give me some much needed extended time at home w/ my kid." - McDonald posted via@AudraEqualityMc.

McDonald has a nine-year-old daughter, Zoe Madeline, from her previous marriage to bassist Peter Donovan. The couple divorced in 2009.

McDonald's character Naomi will return to the series on Dec. 2 in the episode titled 'Just Lose It.'

The four-time Tony Award winner has also won two Grammy Awards and has been nominated twice for a NAACP Image Award for "Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series" for her work on "Private Practice."

Photo Credit: Jennifer Forchelli