Roseanne ran for nine seasons from 1988 to 1997, and 20 years later, it’s been picked up for a tenth. The beloved sitcom was one of the first to realistically portray a blue collar family and the struggles they face.
The show was also notable because its two stars were overweight and joked about it—something that was not seen on TV at that time. The realism and humor were a breath of fresh air, and audiences responded by tuning in every week. Two decades later, Americans are excited to check in with the Conners on ABC once again.
Roseanne Barr (Roseanne Conner)
Barr created the titular character, who was once of the most memorable in television history. Roseanne worked in a factory with sister Jackie and friend Crystal and spoke candidly about her struggles in life.
Since her amazing success on the show, Barr has starred in several movies, written three books, and started a reality show. She also returned to her roots in standup comedy doing a world tour and agreeing to be roasted on Comedy Central.
John Goodman (Dan Conner)
Dan was a construction worker with a big appetite and a friendly demeanor. He was constantly cracking open a beer and dishing out deadpan humor.
Since the show ended, Goodman resumed his successful film career. He continued his work with the Coen Brothers in The Big Lebowski and Inside Llewyn Davis and explored new territory in the horror/thriller 10 Cloverfield Lane.
Laurie Metcalf (Jackie Harris)
Metcalf played Roseanne’s sister, Jackie. She worked at the factory with Roseanne before becoming a police officer. She memorably had a fling with George Clooney’s character, Booker.
After Roseanne wrapped, Metcalf starred in the sitcom The Norm Show for three seasons. She has also done a significant number of voice roles for animated shows and movies and has made many appearances on stage and screen.
Lecy Goranson (Becky Conner)
Goranson played the oldest Conner child, Becky. She was rebellious and hated being stuck in the cramped Conner house. The actress left the show for other pursuits and was replaced by Sarah Chalke on the sixth season.
Goranson has had many minor roles in film and TV, but none as big as Becky. She will be returning to play her original part, while Clarke has reportedly rejoined the cast as a different character.
Sara Gilbert (Darlene Conner)
Darlene stole everyone’s heart as a smart and stifled teenager. She had a tough facade, but underneath it, she was a softie.
Gilbert went on to nab minor roles in Grey’s Anatomy and ER, but she is better known as a host on The View. We can’t wait to see if her character’s attitude has improved in the last 20 years.
Michael Fishman (DJ Conner)
Fishman literally grew up on the set of Roseanne. He starred on the show from ages 6 to 15 after winning the role of DJ by telling Barr a joke in the audition.
Fishman now spends more time on the other side of the camera. He has worked building and designing sets as well as assistant directing. He’ll now have a chance to show what he’s learned as an actor since being a child star.
Roseanne will return for an eight-episode season in mid-2018 on ABC.
