When Roseanne was revived in 2018, it came with both high anticipation and intense nostalgia, reuniting fans with beloved characters and reintroducing the world to the Conner family’s unique blend of humor and resilience. However, after the controversial cancellation of the show due to a series of tweets from Roseanne Barr, the cast faced unexpected upheaval. Despite this, The Conners emerged as a spinoff, preserving the stories and legacy of the characters. Now, with many cast members moving on or diversifying their careers, let’s look at what’s next for the stars of Roseanne and The Conners.
1. John Goodman as Dan Conner
John Goodman’s portrayal of Dan Conner has been an essential part of both Roseanne and The Conners. As Roseanne’s husband and the pragmatic, soft-hearted father, Dan became an iconic representation of a working-class dad. Goodman, who has an impressive list of credits spanning television, film, and voice work, continues to deliver memorable performances. After the Roseanne revival and transition into The Conners, Goodman’s work has remained steady.
Goodman’s future projects are expected to involve both television and film. He continues to voice characters in animated projects, such as his reprisal of Sulley in Monsters, Inc. spin-offs, and has been involved in various critically acclaimed series, such as The Righteous Gemstones, where he plays a lead role. Goodman’s versatility ensures that he will remain a prominent figure in Hollywood, whether through dramatic or comedic roles, or even more challenging projects in the future.
2. Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner
Sara Gilbert, who not only starred as Darlene Conner but was instrumental in bringing the Roseanne revival to life as an executive producer, remains an important part of The Conners. As Darlene, Gilbert embodies a character who has grown from a rebellious teenager into a working mother navigating her own complex life.
Beyond The Conners, Gilbert has shown interest in producing and hosting. She is best known for her time on The Talk, a daytime talk show she co-hosted and co-created. Even though she departed from the show to focus on acting and producing, Gilbert’s background in daytime television and her involvement in The Conners might lead her to explore other producing opportunities. It’s likely we’ll continue to see Gilbert in front of the camera, but perhaps with more projects that blend her talent for producing and her passion for socially relevant stories.
3. Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris
Laurie Metcalf’s Jackie Harris is one of the most cherished characters on Roseanne and The Conners, with her eccentric personality and strong loyalty to her family. Metcalf, an award-winning actress, brings depth and humor to Jackie, making her character unforgettable.
Metcalf is highly respected in the theater community, with numerous Broadway and West End credits, including A Doll’s House, Part 2, Misery, and Three Tall Women. Given her impressive stage career, it’s anticipated that Metcalf will return to theater. Additionally, her appearances in critically acclaimed TV shows and movies, such as Lady Bird, show her flexibility as an actress. Metcalf’s diverse talents mean she’ll likely continue to pursue both stage and screen roles, adding depth to both dramatic and comedic performances.
4. Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner
Lecy Goranson, who first played Becky Conner in the original Roseanne series, returned for the revival and continued her role in The Conners. Becky’s storylines have often focused on her life struggles and triumphs, making her a relatable character for audiences who see themselves in her journey of self-discovery and perseverance. Goranson’s performance in The Conners has only deepened her character’s development, bringing to light complex issues of single motherhood and resilience.
Goranson’s career is currently intertwined with The Conners, but her recent performances could open doors for other roles. Having focused largely on her work in the Conner universe, Goranson might explore opportunities in independent film or dramatic roles on television. Known for her grounding presence and ability to portray relatable struggles, she has potential to branch into roles that resonate with the same raw, honest appeal she brings to Becky.
5. Michael Fishman as D.J. Conner
Michael Fishman, who played D.J., the youngest Conner sibling, has remained a beloved character from the show’s original run through the revival. However, his role in The Conners has been scaled back, and in recent seasons, Fishman’s character has taken a backseat.
Fishman has expressed interest in working behind the camera as well, with projects in directing, producing, and writing. He’s also been deeply involved in community and charity work, making a difference off-screen. Fishman’s interest in production may lead him to focus on directing or producing socially conscious projects, leveraging his experience and passion to give voice to important stories in a new way.
6. Roseanne Barr: The Controversial Star’s Next Steps
The cancellation of Roseanne following Barr’s controversial tweets led to a major career setback for the comedian. Barr has since expressed interest in returning to stand-up comedy, a medium she feels connected to. While her controversial departure from Roseanne makes a mainstream comeback unlikely, Barr has a dedicated fan base that could sustain smaller, independent projects.
Barr has hinted at self-produced comedy specials and has even floated the idea of creating online content or a podcast. With her strong personality and polarizing presence, Barr could find her footing in niche or alternative media, appealing to a segment of her audience that remains loyal despite the controversy.
7. Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy and Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy
The younger generation of Conners, played by Emma Kenney (Harris Conner-Healy) and Ames McNamara (Mark Conner-Healy), has become an integral part of The Conners. Kenney, best known for her role as Debbie Gallagher on Shameless, brings an edgy, modern perspective to the Conner family through her portrayal of Harris. Ames McNamara, as Mark, has given voice to themes of acceptance and individuality in the series, with his role as Darlene’s son providing important narratives about adolescence.
Both Kenney and McNamara are poised for promising careers. Kenney’s experience and talent could lead to roles in indie films or dramatic television, as she’s shown a knack for complex characters. McNamara, with his young age and notable performance as Mark, may continue to pursue acting in roles that reflect the experiences of today’s youth. Their work on The Conners has already positioned them as emerging talents, and they could both transition into other film and television roles as their careers develop.
Conclusion
The cast of Roseanne has faced a whirlwind of changes, from the success of the 2018 revival to the show’s sudden cancellation, and the transition into The Conners. Despite the turmoil, each actor has found ways to continue their craft, using the Conner legacy as a stepping stone for future roles. The diverse and talented cast has shown remarkable adaptability, and as they pursue new projects, their ongoing work ensures that the spirit of Roseanne lives on in new and exciting ways.
While The Conners remains on air, audiences can still enjoy many of these characters, but it’s clear that the show’s stars are ready to explore fresh opportunities beyond Lanford, Illinois.
