When Roseanne first aired in 1988, the world was introduced to a cast of characters that would become television icons. The show’s blend of humor, heart, and rawness was carried by its talented cast, who brought the Conner family to life. But what happened to the cast after Roseanne ended? Let’s take a look at the journey of the original cast and see where they are today.
Roseanne Barr – From Comedy Queen to Controversial Figure
Of course, the star of the show was Roseanne Barr herself, playing the unapologetically blunt and hilarious matriarch, Roseanne Conner. Roseanne Barr’s career soared after the success of the show. She became a cultural icon, known for her outspoken nature and willingness to tackle controversial topics. But her post-Roseanne career has been a rollercoaster ride.
After the show ended in 1997, Roseanne focused on stand-up comedy, which had made her famous in the first place. She also appeared in various films and TV shows, but it wasn’t until the 2018 revival that she returned to the spotlight in a major way. However, the revival was cut short following a controversial tweet by Barr, which led to her being let go from the show. Despite this, her influence on the entertainment industry remains undeniable, and she remains a figure who sparks strong opinions.
John Goodman – From Dan Conner to Hollywood’s Heavyweight
John Goodman, who played the lovable, down-to-earth father Dan Conner, is undoubtedly one of the most successful actors to emerge from Roseanne. After the show ended, Goodman went on to have an illustrious career in both television and film. He became a staple in Hollywood, with roles in films like The Big Lebowski, Argo, and Monsters, Inc.. He also had a prominent role in the Roseanne revival and the subsequent spin-off The Conners.
Goodman’s ability to balance comedy and drama has made him one of the most respected actors in the industry. His return to the Roseanne universe as Dan Conner was met with excitement, as fans welcomed him back with open arms.
Laurie Metcalf – Jackie’s Journey to Stardom
Laurie Metcalf, who played Roseanne’s eccentric and lovable sister Jackie, has had an equally impressive career post-Roseanne. After the show, Metcalf went on to win multiple Emmy Awards for her role in the sitcom The Big Bang Theory, and she also earned critical acclaim for her performance in Lady Bird, which earned her an Academy Award nomination. Metcalf’s range as an actress is remarkable, and she has proven time and again that she is one of Hollywood’s finest talents.
Her return to Roseanne and The Conners was a reminder of how much fans adored her portrayal of Jackie. The character of Jackie, always the underdog, became a fan favorite and a symbol of loyalty, humor, and resilience.
Sara Gilbert – From Darlene Conner to TV Producer
Sara Gilbert, who portrayed Roseanne’s daughter Darlene, was a fan favorite for her sarcastic humor and dry wit. After Roseanne, Gilbert went on to have a successful career behind the camera as a producer and co-host of the talk show The Talk. She also reprised her role as Darlene in the 2018 revival and The Conners, where her character became a central figure in the family’s ongoing saga.
Gilbert’s career has demonstrated her versatility as an actress, producer, and talk-show host, cementing her place in the entertainment world. Fans of Roseanne have followed her journey closely, always eager to see what she’ll do next.
The Conners – A Legacy That Lives On
While some members of the original cast have gone on to other projects, the legacy of the Conner family continues. In 2018, the Roseanne revival brought back the beloved characters, and after the show’s abrupt cancellation, The Conners continued without Roseanne Barr. The cast’s chemistry remained strong, and the show continued to deal with the same real-life issues that made Roseanne such a hit.
The return of the cast members and their continued roles in The Conners shows just how much the world still loves the Conners. The show may have changed in some ways, but the heart of it—the love, the humor, and the struggles of an ordinary family—remains the same.
