Roseanne returns to screens after 20 years…so what do the original cast look like now?

The revival of fan favourite sitcom Roseanne debuted in the US this week, seeing the beloved Conner family firmly back on our screens.

The show first launched in October 1988 and centred around Roseanne (played by Roseanne Barr) and her husband Dan (played by John Goodman).

When it ended in 1997, the Conners had won the state lottery jackpot of $108 million and Dan had suffered a heart attack. Roseanne then revealed to the audience that the whole series was a story written by herself and in reality, the family had not won the lottery and Dan had died from his heart attack.

Yet in the revival, Dan is still alive – with the writers explaining his death was still part of Roseanne’s book. Caught up?

See what the cast look like like now and what their characters are up to.

Roseanne Barr

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Roseanne Barr played Roseanne Conner, the matriarch of the central family.

Playing a character who was bossy and loud, the show was Roseanne’s vision of exploring a working class family and their issues.

After the sitcom ended, Roseanne went on to launch her own talk show, which ran from 1998 to 2000.

Afterwards she nabbed herself a number of guest roles in shows such as My Name is Earl and The Office US.

Oh yeah, and she ran for President in 2012.

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be as she only managed to pull in 61,971 votes. Better luck next time!

On the show revival, the actress, 65, is a proud grandma and still the head of her family.

John Goodman


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John Goodman played Dan Conner, the husband of Roseanne.

Mainly relaxed and chilled out, the character was a struggling contractor just trying to make ends meet.

John was a hit with viewers and critics alike, earning himself a Golden Globe award in 1993 and a string of Emmy nominations.

Dad-of-one John’s not been short of work since the sitcom ended, having starred in such films as Argo and The Hangover Part 3.

Over the years he’s also made frequent appearances on Saturday Night Live.

Writers say his death in the 1997 finale will be explained to viewers but he is firmly back on the show and alive and kicking.

Laurie Metcalf

Laurie Metcalf played Jackie Harris, Roseanne’s younger sister.

A life-long underachiever, Jackie rarely failed to bring humour to the show.

In the series finale the character broke down barriers when it was revealed she was a lesbian.

Afterwards Laurie went on to star on The Norm Show from 1999 to 2001.

She also enjoyed a brief stint in Desperate Housewives in 2006 as Carolyn Bigsby, a neighbour intent on outing Orson Hodge as a killer.

The role earned her nominations at the Emmy Awards and the Satellite Awards.

In the revival, Laurie and Roseanne can be seen butting heads over their differing political beliefs – after Roseanne voted for Trump and Jackie for Clinton.

Michael Fishman

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