“Roseanne” alum Michael Fishman “was told” he would not be along for the ride of the upcoming “The Conners” season, but is taking the exit in stride, the 40-year-old actor confirmed in a statement to People.
“It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner,” said Fishman. “It’s every actors [sic] dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics. The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life.”
Fishman said he is “proud of the work” he’s done on both the ’80s sitcom and its new chapter, which premiered on the same network, ABC, in 2018.
Particular points of pride, said Fishman, are having played “a Military Veteran, Interracial Spouse, and the father of a Bi-racial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey.”
Fishman didn’t just star as the titular character’s youngest child with her husband Dan (John Goodman) in “Roseanne” and “The Conners,” but went on to direct five episodes of the latter, starting with 2020’s “Halloween and the Election vs. the Pandemic.”
“I achieved a dream with lifelong friends, propelling me toward another aspect of my career that comes with endless possibilities,” said Fishman. “While I wholeheartedly will miss Friday night tapings in front of our loyal audiences, alongside our amazing cast and crew, I am excited for the opportunities coming in the next chapter of my career. I have a number of projects I am pitching as a writer, and am negotiating my next directing opportunities.”
Happy as he is to embrace his expanded horizon, Fishman’s departure doesn’t appear to be voluntary.
He noted toward the end of his statement that he “was told I would not be returning for season 5,” which returns next month, but does “send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production.”
