Michael Fishman is opening up about the reason he was not included in the series finale episode of The Conners.
The Roseanne spinoff ended after seven seasons on ABC, and Fishman took to social media to share his thoughts after fans noticed his absence from the series finale.
“Thankful for the Gift of Grief, that it happened, that I got to share the experience, forever changed by it.To everyone who build our shows and all those who empowered it,” Fishman posted on Instagram.
Fishman played DJ Conner on all 10 seasons of Roseanne and reprised his role in The Conners for four seasons.
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“People seem to want to have there be some kind of conflict or controversy, especially on my part,” he said in the video. “The reality is, all I really have is empathy and understanding for all of the people on set, and for all of our audience that’s grieving. I prefer to be a lighthouse in the dark. And it’s for that reason that I’m creating a safe space to build community to process difficult emotions and transitions.”
He continued, “When I look back at the legacy of the show. A legacy that started with Roseanne Barr and that we built into Roseanne and The Conners, I have only gratitude. And I really believe that that legacy belongs to all of you in the audience. I’ve been really lucky to be rewarded for my professionalism and kindness and collaboration.:
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Fishman cited the Carsey-Werner Company, the production company behind the development of Roseanne. The company’s co-founder then produced The Conners alongside Sara Gilbert under the Sara + Tom banner.
The actor said that he thinks The Conners is a “comfort show for so many,” and added, “I keep thinking to myself it’s the perfect time to reconnect. It’s the perfect time to go back and celebrate. And so I’m looking back, starting over, and watching from the beginning with a whole new perspective.
Fishman left The Conners after four seasons after being “told I would not be returning for Season 5,” he said in a statement in 2022.
“It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner. It’s every actor’s dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics,” he said.
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