Michael Fishman shares his surprising takeoff from The Conners spin-off in front of the fifth season.
A statement from Fishman’s team to PEOPLE indicates that it was his call to leave the show.
“While I was told I would not be returning for season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn, and develop,” Fishman stated in a part of a long reply statement.
“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.”
Fishman originally appeared as D.J. Conner on Roseanne in 1988 and stayed on for nine seasons of the sitcom until it ended in 1997.
He then returned with veteran co-stars such as Roseanne Barr, John Goodman, Sara Gilbert and Laurie Metcalf for a 2018 revival season on ABC before the show was revamped by the network known as The Conners after disputes have circulated around Barr.
EW noted on Monday that Fishman won’t be returning to The Connors for the upcoming fifth season, but a future guest appearance is likely and plausible.
“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,” Fishman said.
“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.”
The actor said, “I pride myself on professionalism, building lifelong connections, and making meaningful friends through production. Demonstrating my skills through the first few years of The Conners, culminating in the opportunity to direct ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Election vs. The Pandemic.’
“That successful collaboration earned me four more opportunities as a director last season. I achieved a dream with lifelong friends, propelling me toward another aspect of my career that comes with endless possibilities.”
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Fishman Sees the Bright Side in This
Goodman, Metcalf, Gilbert, and Lecy Goranson, alongside Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara, and Jay R. Ferguson, will all come back for the fifth season of The Conners. Katey Sagal will also still play the role of Louise, the second wife of Dan.
Fishman remains to be positive.
“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,” he stated.
“I have a number of projects I am pitching as a writer and am negotiating my next directing opportunities. Although I no longer have the privilege to portray D.J., my desire, passion, and skill of bringing characters to life as an actor continues. I appreciate all those who support and have supported my work.”
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