Silke Jasso
The Conners are losing a core member of the family this fall. According to TVLine, legacy Roseanne actor Michael Fisherman will not be returning for season 5. Fishman plays Becky and Darlene’s younger brother DJ in the spinoff.
Videos by Rare
Jayden Rey, who was introduced as DJ’s daughter Mary in the Roseanne Revival, will still remain a regular. ABC previously stated the young actress had been downgraded to a recurring guest star. It’s still unclear whether Fishman will appear in the upcoming season, but executives noted that the “door has been left open for the character’s return.”
The Conners
“It has been my honor to play DJ Conner,” Fishman said. “It’s every actor’s dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics,” Fisherman said in a statement.
“The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life. I am proud of the work I did as part of Roseanne and The Conners. Especially the privilege of playing a military veteran, interracial spouse, and the father of a biracial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey.”
“While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop,” he noted. “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.”
Fisherman initially made his debut as Dan and Roseanne’s son in the second episode of Roseanne. He went don’t to succeed child actor Sal Barone who appeared as DJ in the pilot back in 1988. He played DJ from ages 6 to 15 later returning for the revival in 2018.
Returning to the Conners for Season 5 are Laure Metcalf, John Goodman, Lecy Goranson, Sara Gilbert, Jay R. Ferguson, Emma Kenny, Ames McNamara, Katy Sagal and Jay R. Ferguson. Season 5 is set to premiere on Wednesday, September 21 at 8/7c on ABC.
His name is Fishman, not Fisherman! Seriously, who writes these headlines? Have any of you ever heard of journalistic integrity? Checking your facts before you print?