The Conners Cast and Character Guide: Explore Other Projects Featuring Stars from ABC’s Roseanne Spinoff

The Conners: A Legacy Continues

Debuting in 2018, The Conners serves as an official continuation of the iconic series Roseanne. Retaining most of the original cast, the show had an uphill battle for success after Roseanne Barr was let go amid a series of controversies. However, the new series not only found its footing but also thrived, ultimately concluding with its seventh season in 2025. Facing the tragic death of Roseanne due to a prescription drug overdose, The Conners compellingly navigates the family’s journey of healing and transition.

Excluding Roseanne Barr, the cast remains intact and features talented actors such as John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, and Sara Gilbert. With the introduction of new characters, the show expertly illustrates how the dynamics of this beloved family have evolved since its original airing in the 1990s. As the series draws to a close, fans are hopeful for a satisfying resolution to over three decades of storytelling involving cherished characters.

Meet the Cast of The Conners

Character Profiles

John Goodman as Dan Conner

Birthdate: June 20, 1952

Character Overview: John Goodman reprises his role as Dan Conner, the loving husband and devoted father. Throughout The Conners, Dan faces the challenges of providing for his family, especially after the death of his wife, Roseanne. His resilience as a family man is a focal point of the series, as he strives to keep the family unit intact after such a profound loss.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Originating from Missouri, John Goodman has received numerous accolades for his work, including seven Emmy nominations for his role on Roseanne. He has also starred in several critically acclaimed films, showcasing his versatility as an actor across genres.

Katey Sagal as Louise Conner

Birthdate: January 19, 1954

Character Overview: Katey Sagal portrays Louise Conner, Dan’s romantic interest who arrives after Roseanne’s passing. Initially introduced as a friend, her character evolves into a committed partner, adding fresh dimensions to Dan’s character and storyline.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Katey Sagal is widely recognized for her role as Peggy Bundy on Married… with Children. Her impressive career spans decades, including memorable performances on various series and voice work in animated shows, such as Futurama.

Laurie Metcalf as Jackie Harris-Goldufski

Birthdate: June 16, 1955

Character Overview: Laurie Metcalf portrays Jackie Harris-Goldufski, Roseanne’s sister who steps up to support Dan and the family during challenging times. Her humor and nurturing instincts bring warmth to the family’s dynamic, especially after Roseanne’s demise.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Laurie Metcalf, originally from Illinois, began her career in theater and quickly transitioned to television, earning numerous awards for her work, including three Emmys for Roseanne. Furthermore, she has been nominated for an Academy Award for her role in Lady Bird.

Sara Gilbert as Darlene Conner-Olinsky

Birthdate: January 29, 1975

Character Overview: As Darlene Conner-Olinsky, Sara Gilbert has been a defining presence from the very beginning. Darlene’s journey has shown her grow from a witty child to a successful writer navigating the complexities of adult life, including her relationship with her kids and ex-husband.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Sara Gilbert made her mark early on Roseanne, earning accolades including Emmy nominations. Besides acting, she gained popularity as a talk show host on The Talk where she engaged in meaningful conversation on a variety of topics.

Lecy Goranson as Becky Conner-Healy

Birthdate: June 22, 1974

Character Overview: Lecy Goranson brings to life Becky Conner-Healy, Dan and Roseanne’s free-spirited eldest daughter, who grapples with self-identity and mental health challenges over the years. Her character’s evolution resonates deeply with audiences.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: With her initial success on Roseanne, Lecy Goranson uniquely portrays Becky, switching between two actresses throughout the series but ultimately returning to her original role. In addition to her acting career, she has guest-starred on various notable television shows.

Michael Fishman as D. J.Conner

Birthdate: October 22, 1981

Character Overview: Michael Fishman takes on the role of D. J.Conner, the youngest of the Conner children, who matures from a mischievous child to a devoted father. His storyline highlights themes of family duty and responsibility.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Michael Fishman began his career at a young age in Roseanne. After facing numerous ups and downs through adulthood, he eventually returned for The Conners, illustrating the lasting bond and familial ties that resonate through the series.

Emma Kenney as Harris Conner-Healy

Birthdate: September 14, 1999

Character Overview: Emma Kenney portrays Harris Conner-Healy, Darlene’s assertive oldest daughter. With a blend of sarcasm and rebellious spirit, Harris navigates her family’s complexities while seeking her own identity.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: New York-born Emma Kenney rose to prominence through her role as Debbie Gallagher on Shameless. Her diverse experiences in entertainment allow her to bring depth to the challenging role of Harris in The Conners.

Ames McNamara as Mark Conner-Healy

Birthdate: September 27, 2007

Character Overview: Ames McNamara plays Mark Conner-Healy, Darlene’s sensitive younger son. His character came out as gay in the second season, providing one of the show’s positive representations of the LGBTQ+ community.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Ames McNamara has emerged as a notable young talent portraying progressive themes on The Conners. His earlier work also showcases his diversity in acting, indicating a promising future for the young star.

Jayden Rey as Mary Conner

Birthdate: April 25, 2009

Character Overview: Jayden Rey portrays Mary Conner, D. J.Conner’s daughter. Living most of her life with her expansive family, she embodies innocence and warmth, showcasing the values of kindness and compassion in every episode.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Only at 16 years old, Jayden Rey has already made remarkable contributions to television alongside the seasoned The Conners cast. Her journey in the entertainment industry is just beginning, presenting prospects for further growth.

Maya Lynne Robinson as Geena Williams-Conner

Birthdate: May 11, ? ?

Character Overview: Maya Lynne Robinson plays Geena Williams-Conner, D. J.’s wife and an active military member, often away from home. Her character reflects the sacrifices made by military families, adding depth to the show’s narrative.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Hailing from Cleveland, Maya Lynne Robinson gained recognition through her role on The Conners. She has also been involved in various stage productions, showcasing her talents beyond screen acting.

Jay R. Ferguson as Ben Olinsky

Birthdate: Unknown

Character Overview: Ben Olinsky, played by Jay R. Ferguson, is Darlene’s ex-boyfriend entwined in a love triangle. His storyline highlights challenges in relationships and the balancing act of professional and personal lives.

Notable Work:

About the Actor: Known for his early work in The Outsiders, Jay R. Ferguson has successfully transitioned through various television roles, demonstrating his range and adaptability in different genres.

The Supporting Cast of The Conners

The Rest of the Ensemble

James Pickens Jr.as Chuck Mitchell: A long-time friend of Dan, Chuck has been a consistent presence throughout both Roseanne and The Conners. Beyond his role on the show, James Pickens Jr.has appeared in various series including The X-Files and The West Wing.

Rene Rosado as Emilio Rodriguez: Playing the father of Becky’s daughter, Emilio’s character showcases the complexities of modern relationships in a comedic light.

Estelle Parsons as Beverly Harris: Beverly, the matriarch of the Conner family, adds layers of humor and wisdom. Estelle Parsons, renowned for her extensive theater and film work, won an Oscar for her role in Bonnie and Clyde.

Johnny Galecki as David Healy: Darlene’s ex-husband, David, navigates challenges of fatherhood while trying to reconnect with his family amidst various obstacles.

Alexandra Billings as Robin: Darlene’s mentor, Robin provides guidance and support while exploring themes related to identity and profession.

Nat Faxon as Neville Goldufski: Louise’s brother who marries Jackie, emphasizing family ties through humor and love.

Brian Austin Green as Jeff: Representing Darlene’s workplace dynamics, Jeff adds to the narrative around relationships and professional life.

Andrew Leeds as Nick: Emerging in Darlene’s life, Nick provides comedic insight into love and relationships through his interactions with the Conners.

William H. Macy as Smitty: As Roseanne’s former love interest, Smitty opens the door for humor through nostalgia, connecting with the show’s legacy.

For more information, visit the official guide.

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