Roseanne Cast: Where Are They Now?
When Roseanne first hit the airwaves in 1988, it became an instant classic. The sitcom, centered around the Conner family, tackled issues that were rarely seen on TV—economic struggles, family dynamics, and personal triumphs and failures. Its massive success made stars out of its cast members, many of whom went on to carve out diverse careers in Hollywood.
But after the show ended in 1997, then had a successful reboot in 2018 and another spin-off (The Conners), fans have been curious about what happened to the Roseanne cast. From Roseanne Barr’s controversial departure to John Goodman’s ongoing success, let’s take a closer look at where these iconic characters are now.
1. Roseanne Barr: From TV Icon to Controversy
Roseanne Barr, the star of the show and creator, was undoubtedly the face of Roseanne. Her bold, no-holds-barred comedic style and unapologetic approach made her a household name. However, her career took a tumultuous turn after a series of controversial tweets led to her being fired from the Roseanne reboot in 2018.
Despite the scandal, Barr has remained active in entertainment, primarily focusing on her stand-up comedy career. She also went on to appear in various podcasts and has kept a low profile in Hollywood. After her firing, The Conners continued without her, with Roseanne Conner being written off as having passed away from an opioid overdose. While Barr’s personal life has certainly been controversial, her legacy in comedy is undeniable.
2. John Goodman: A Continued Hollywood Success
John Goodman, who played the lovable yet gruff Dan Conner, has seen his career soar even after Roseanne ended. Known for his powerful performances and iconic voice, Goodman continued to be a major force in Hollywood with roles in films like The Big Lebowski, Monsters, Inc., Argo, and more.
Goodman returned to his role as Dan in the Roseanne reboot and continued to appear as Dan in The Conners, the spin-off series. His portrayal of Dan, a working-class father trying to keep his family together, remains a standout part of the Roseanne universe. In addition to his TV work, Goodman continues to appear in movies, maintaining a highly successful career both in comedy and drama.
3. Laurie Metcalf: A Critical Darling
Laurie Metcalf, who played Roseanne’s sister Jackie Harris, has had one of the most successful post-Roseanne careers in Hollywood. Metcalf’s acting career flourished after Roseanne, with standout performances in films such as Lady Bird (which earned her an Academy Award nomination) and Toy Story 4 (as the voice of Mrs. Davis).
Additionally, Metcalf has been a key figure in television, starring in the critically acclaimed sitcom The Big Bang Theory, where she played Sheldon Cooper’s mother. She also starred in the TV series 3rd Rock from the Sun and has continued to garner praise for her ability to tackle both dramatic and comedic roles.
4. Sara Gilbert: From Darlene Conner to TV Producer
Sara Gilbert, who played Darlene Conner, has had a unique path post-Roseanne. After the show ended, Gilbert turned her attention to producing and hosting, with a notable role as one of the co-hosts of the daytime talk show The Talk. She has also been involved in producing and writing for various television projects, including the reboot of Roseanne in 2018, where she reprised her role as Darlene.
Gilbert has also appeared in several acting roles, including The Simpsons, The Big Bang Theory, and The Conners. In 2019, she announced her departure from The Talk to focus on other projects, though she remains a beloved figure in the entertainment world.
5. Michael Fishman: DJ Conner’s Journey Post-Roseanne
Michael Fishman, who portrayed the youngest Conner, DJ, has had a less public post-Roseanne career, but he has remained involved in the entertainment industry. After the show ended, Fishman dabbled in both acting and producing, though none of his roles have quite matched the popularity of Roseanne.
He reprised his role as DJ Conner in The Conners and has worked behind the scenes on the production side of the series as well. Fishman has also been outspoken about the challenges of growing up in the spotlight, and he has embraced a quieter, more private life compared to some of his co-stars.
6. Alicia Goranson: Becky Conner’s Evolution
Alicia Goranson, who portrayed Becky Conner, was one of the standout characters on Roseanne. After leaving the show midway through its original run, she returned to Roseanne in the final seasons and also reprised her role in the 2018 reboot and The Conners.
Since her time on Roseanne, Goranson has worked on a variety of projects, including the TV series The Mindy Project and various theater productions. While she has not become as much of a household name as some of her co-stars, Goranson’s acting career remains steady, and she has enjoyed a successful life away from the public eye.
7. Estelle Parsons: Beverly Harris’ Lasting Impact
Estelle Parsons, who played Roseanne’s mother Beverly Harris, continued to enjoy a successful career after Roseanne. Parsons, a veteran of both film and theater, earned an Academy Award for her performance in Bonnie and Clyde (1967) long before she joined Roseanne.
Since leaving the show, she has continued to appear in films and on stage, maintaining her reputation as one of the most respected actresses of her generation. Although her role on Roseanne was not the largest, she left a lasting impression as the sometimes overbearing, yet endearing, matriarch.
8. Sandra Bernhard: Nancy Bartlett’s Cultural Influence
Sandra Bernhard, who played Roseanne’s best friend Nancy, has been known for her sharp wit and strong personality both on and off-screen. Bernhard is a comedian, actress, and singer who has appeared in films and television series such as The L Word and Two Broke Girls.
Known for her stand-up comedy, Bernhard continues to perform live, release albums, and appear in various television series. Her unique style and outspoken views on pop culture and politics have kept her a relevant figure in entertainment.
9. Johnny Galecki: Leonard Hofstadter Before Big Bang Theory
Johnny Galecki, who played David Healy, Darlene’s boyfriend (and eventual husband), was just starting out in Hollywood when Roseanne made him famous. After Roseanne, Galecki moved on to other TV roles, but it wasn’t until The Big Bang Theory that he became a global star as Leonard Hofstadter.
With the success of The Big Bang Theory, Galecki cemented his place in TV history, and he has since appeared in films such as Rings and The Master. His career continues to flourish, and he remains one of the most successful former cast members of Roseanne.
10. What’s Next for the Roseanne Cast?
While many of the Roseanne cast members have moved on to new projects, their legacy as the Conner family remains intact. The reboot of Roseanne in 2018 and the continuation in The Conners proves that the show’s impact is far from over. As for the future, fans are left wondering if there will be any more reunions or potential new projects that will bring the beloved family back together on screen.
Conclusion: From Iconic Beginnings to New Horizons
The cast of Roseanne has certainly led varied and interesting lives since the show’s inception. Some, like John Goodman and Laurie Metcalf, have continued to thrive in Hollywood, while others have embraced quieter lives or shifted careers behind the scenes. Despite the ups and downs, the impact of Roseanne and the Conner family remains a part of TV history.
Whether it’s through The Conners, new film roles, or returning to the stage, the cast of Roseanne has managed to keep their legacy alive. Each member of the Conner family has gone on to explore new creative paths, proving that their journey is far from over.
FAQs
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Why did Roseanne Barr leave the Roseanne reboot in 2018?
Roseanne Barr was fired from the Roseanne reboot due to controversial social media posts. Her character was written off as having passed away in the first episode of The Conners. -
Is John Goodman still working in Hollywood?
Yes, John Goodman remains a prolific actor
