John Goodman, renowned for portraying Roseanne Barr's on-screen husband, Dan Conner, for over a decade, recently opened up about the aftermath of Barr's controversial 2018 Twitter comments and their subsequent impact on their professional relationship.
Goodman and Barr co-starred in the hit sitcom "Roseanne" from 1988 to 1998 and later reprised their roles for a reboot in 2018. However, Barr's firing following a series of racially charged tweets about former presidential advisor Valerie Jarrett led to the show's rebranding as "The Conners," with Barr's character written off.
Goodman expressed empathy for Barr during the controversy, stating in a 2018 interview that he knew she wasn't racist and that she was "going through hell." More recently, at the Monte-Carlo Television Festival, he reiterated his support for Barr, saying he felt uncomfortable with how she was treated and that he felt bad about the entire situation. He affirmed his affection for her, saying, "We had a great time. And I love her. She’s just her own person."
Despite his fondness for Barr, Goodman remains uncertain about the prospect of working with her again. When questioned about the possibility, he responded with, "I don’t know. If she’d like to… I just don’t know. I miss her. I wish her well."
Goodman also commended Barr's contribution to the enduring legacy of the Conner family's working-class struggles, which have been a central theme in both "Roseanne" and "The Conners." He recalled Barr's insightful comment, "Just because we’re poor doesn’t make us stupid," emphasizing its relevance to the series' portrayal of financial hardship with humor.
The actor's reflections offer a glimpse into the complex dynamics and enduring impact of a long-standing professional relationship, navigating the turbulent waters of public controversy and personal sentiment.
