‘Roseanne’ Star Issues Statement After Being Left Out of ‘The Conners’ Finale
Original Roseanne star Michael Fishman spoke out after the series finale of The Conners spinoff aired on ABC.
Fishman, who played youngest child D.J. Conner in both series, did not appear in the finale—and his character wasn’t even mentioned. Soon after the episode aired, he posted a video to social media to share his reaction to the end of the spinoff series.
Addressing fans in an Instagram reel, Fishman, 43, said he has been “inundated with people looking for [his] reaction” to The Conners finale.
“People seem to want there to be some kind of conflict or controversy, especially on my part,” the actor said. “And the reality is, all I’ve ever had was empathy and understanding. For all the people on set and all of our audience that’s grieving, I prefer to be a lighthouse in the dark.”
Fishman credited the legacy of the sitcom franchise to Roseanne Barr, who parted ways with the revival series amid a 2018 Twitter scandal. “I have only gratitude,” he added of his experience on the show. “And I believe the legacy belongs to you in the audience.”
The actor also said he continues to shine a light on The Conners. “And it’s been my honor because I believe it’s been a comfort to so many people,” he said.
Fishman captioned his post with, “Thankful for the Gift of Grief, that it happened, that I got to share the experience, forever changed by it. To everyone who built our shows and all those who empowered it. #Legacy #Community #Love #Family #Roseanne.”
He also responded to a commenter who questioned, “They fire you and your name wasn’t even mentioned in the finale. What’s up with that?”
“Creative choice. I move forward,” Fishman positively replied.
Fishman made his debut as D.J. Conner at just six years old on the original Roseanne series. The show aired for nine seasons, from 1988 to 1997, and he returned as the character for the reboot in 2018.
Fishman also joined The Conners spinoff in 2018, but after four seasons, he was let go from the series with the explanation that his military veteran character went to join his wife overseas.
At the time, he issued a positive statement to People magazine. “It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner," Fishman said in 2022. "While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn, and develop. I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. As I venture into the world to build the future, I send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production.”
As for why Fishman wasn’t brought back for The Conners series finale, it all came down to the final season being just six episodes, with a lot to wrap up with all of the other characters.
“Honestly, once you see the arcs [you will understand],” showrunner Bruce Helford told TVLine in March. “What we never want to do is just bring somebody in just to see that person on the show. We want everyone to have something important to play.”
Related: John Goodman Had Special Request for Ending to ‘The Conners’