Michael Fishman, the original star of "Roseanne," lent his voice to the public discourse following the broadcast of the final episode of the "The Conners" spin-off on ABC. The actor, who portrayed the youngest Conner sibling, D.J., across both series, notably absent from the season closer and unacknowledged within its narrative, swiftly responded to the episode's airing with a poignant video message on social media,reflecting thoughtfully upon the conclusion of the spin-off series.
In an Instagram reel directed at his loyal fans, the 43-year-old Fishman, amidst a deluge of inquiries seeking his perspective on "The Conners" finale, shared, "There's an understandable yearning among people for some sort of drama or conflict, particularly from my standpoint. But the truth is, my feelings have been solely rooted in empathy and comprehension. For the cast and crew, as well as our grieving audience, I strive to be a beacon of hope in the midst of darkness."
Fishman attributed the enduring legacy of the sitcom series to Roseanne Barr, whose departure from the revived show stemmed from a controversial 2018 Twitter incident. He expressed, "I am filled with gratitude for my time on the show. And I firmly believe that the lasting impression it leaves belongs to you, our dear audience."
Continuing his tribute, Fishman emphasized his continued support for "The Conners," stating, "It has been my privilege, for I genuinely believe it has served as a solace to countless individuals." His Instagram post was accompanied by the caption: "Grateful for the gift of sorrow, for its occurrence, for the opportunity to share in this experience, forever transformed by it. To all who crafted our shows and those who championed them. #Legacy #Community #Love #Family #Roseanne."
When confronted with a query from a commentator wondering, "They fired you, and your name wasn't even mentioned in the finale. What gives?", Fishman replied with positivity, "It was a creative decision. I keep moving forward."
Fishman first stepped into the shoes of D.J. Conner at the tender age of six in the original "Roseanne" series, which spanned nine seasons from 1988 to 1997. He reprised his role in the 2018 reboot and subsequently joined "The Conners" spin-off. However, after four seasons, his military veteran character was written out to join his wife overseas, marking his departure from the series.
At that time, Fishman issued a heartfelt statement to People magazine, expressing, "It has been an honor to embody D.J. Conner. Although I won't be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a pivotal setting for my growth, learning, and development. I was incredibly fortunate to revisit my roots and showcase my evolution. As I embark on new adventures to forge my future, I send immense love and success to everyone involved in the production."
Regarding Fishman's exclusion from "The Conners" finale, showrunner Bruce Helford clarified to TVLine in March, "When you witness the story arcs, you'll understand. We never want to bring back a character solely for the sake of screen presence. Each return must serve a significant purpose within the narrative."
