On screen, Dan Conner was the ultimate sitcom husband and father—funny, loyal, hardworking, and always ready with a sarcastic joke.
And the man who brought that character to life was the legendary John Goodman.
In Roseanne, Dan Conner became one of the most beloved fathers in television history. Audiences adored his chemistry with Roseanne and his protective love for his family.
But behind the scenes, John Goodman was facing struggles that viewers never saw.
At the height of the show’s fame, Goodman dealt with intense pressure and personal challenges, including a long battle with alcohol addiction. Fame brought success—but it also brought overwhelming stress.
Then came one of the most shocking twists in the show’s history.
In the original finale of Roseanne, viewers learned that Dan Conner had actually died from a heart attack. Fans were devastated. One of television’s most beloved characters was suddenly gone.
Years later, when the show returned, the story was rewritten—and Dan Conner returned to life on screen.
With Goodman back in the role, the character once again became the emotional center of the new series The Conners.
Sometimes, even TV legends get a second chance.