During its celebrated nine-season run, Roseanne featured a plethora of guest stars, many of whom went on to become household names. From rising talents to established stars, here’s a nostalgic look at 12 celebrities you might not remember graced the set of Roseanne.
12. Bruce Willis
One of the most unexpected cameos came from Bruce Willis. In a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moment during the end credits of the season one episode “Dear Mom and Dad,” Willis appears when Roseanne calls for her husband—only for Bruce to show up instead of John Goodman. This fleeting cameo, primarily unnoticed by viewers, was a fun nod to their collaboration in Look Who’s Talking Too and showcased Roseanne’s ability to attract big names early in its run.
11. Leonardo DiCaprio
Before he was a global superstar, Leonardo DiCaprio made a brief appearance in the season three episode “Home-Ec.” Credited simply as “Darlene’s Classmate,” DiCaprio had no lines and was just a background character sitting next to Darlene. This was one of his earliest roles, and it marked the beginning of a remarkable career that would soon skyrocket with films like Titanic and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.
10. Alyson Hannigan
Alyson Hannigan, best known for her roles in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and How I Met Your Mother, appeared in the season three episode “Like, a New Job” as Jan, a supportive friend to Becky. This was one of her early roles, showcasing her talent long before she became a household name.
9. Tobey Maguire
In 1991, a young Tobey Maguire appeared in the episode “Valentine’s Day” as Jeff, a boy who catches the attention of both Becky and Darlene. This was only Maguire’s sixth acting role, and though he would go on to major successes like Spider-Man, his time on Roseanne remains a charming footnote in his early career.
8. Florence Henderson
Florence Henderson, beloved for her role as Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch, made a memorable guest appearance in the season six episode “Suck Up or Shut Up.” As Flo Anderson, a member of the Lanford Women’s Association, she brought her signature charm to the show, blending seamlessly into its comedic atmosphere.
7. Stephen Dorff
Stephen Dorff portrayed Jimmy Meltrigger, one of Becky’s early boyfriends, appearing in several episodes during the second season. This role was just a stepping stone for Dorff, who would later find fame in films like Blade and Immortals.
6. Tim Curry
Tim Curry, renowned for his eclectic roles, appeared in two episodes of Roseanne as Roger, a business partner of Dan’s who creates financial chaos for the Conners. Curry’s presence added a layer of comedy to the show, further solidifying its status as a platform for talented actors.
5. Joseph Gordon-Levitt
In 1993, Joseph Gordon-Levitt made his first appearance in Roseanne as George, a friend of DJ’s. His recurring role over multiple seasons predated his stardom in projects like 3rd Rock from the Sun and Inception.
4. Neil Patrick Harris
Before he became famous as Barney Stinson on How I Met Your Mother, Neil Patrick Harris made a brief uncredited cameo on Roseanne as Dr. Doogie Howser. This playful nod to his iconic role came in the episode “Less Is More,” where Roseanne dreams of him as her doctor.
3. Johnny Galecki
Johnny Galecki is well-known for his role as Leonard Hofstadter on The Big Bang Theory, but many forget he played David Healy on Roseanne. His character had a significant impact on the series, and he later returned for the revival, connecting the two eras of the show.
2. Ellen DeGeneres
In a groundbreaking move for the time, Ellen DeGeneres appeared in Roseanne as Dr. Whitman, a marriage counselor for Jackie and Fred. This episode aired before she publicly came out as gay, adding another layer of significance to her appearance on the show.
1. George Clooney
Before his ascent to A-list fame, George Clooney starred as Booker Brooks, Roseanne’s boss and Jackie’s ex-boyfriend. Clooney’s character appeared in 11 episodes from the show’s inception to season four, demonstrating his comedic chops long before he became a Hollywood icon.
Conclusion
Roseanne was not just a groundbreaking sitcom for its portrayal of working-class life but also a launching pad for many now-famous actors. These guest appearances reflect the show’s cultural impact and its ability to attract talent, making it a memorable part of television history. As we look back, it’s fascinating to see how these stars have evolved, often starting their journeys on the set of Roseanne.
