John Goodman has been acting for over five decades, yet his career cannot be separated from his role as Dan Conner. As The Conners prepares to air its final episode, the 72-year-old actor opens up about how hard it is to say goodbye to the character he has portrayed for nearly 40 years, which he has become used to.
Goodman appeared as Dan Conner in 1988 on the original Roseanne. The sitcom quickly gained the attention of fans thanks to its honest portrayal of working-class family life. It ran for nine seasons and was preferred for its unfiltered look at real-life struggles, allowing it to resonate with millions of viewers not just in America but nationwide.
Why John Goodman will miss Dan Conner
Years after Roseanne ended in 1997, the cast returned in 2018 for a reboot. However, following controversy surrounding Roseanne Barr, the series was rebranded as The Conners, continuing with the same cast minus its original star. For Goodman, returning to the familiar role of Dan Conner was exciting, and he described the experience of working with his longtime co-stars again as something special.
Throughout the years, Dan Conner became more than just a character for Goodman. The sitcom depicted the life of a typical American family facing daily challenges, which struck a chord with audiences. Goodman believes that what made both Roseanne and The Conners stand out was their portrayal of people who have “been up against it.” Now, he admits that leaving the show has been tough. Despite being grateful for the chance to give the series a proper conclusion, Goodman said he is not entirely ready to part ways with the character or the cast.
Career journey
While The Conners is ending, it is not the only farewell John Goodman is facing this year. His HBO series The Righteous Gemstones, where he plays Eli Gemstone, the patriarch of a powerful megachurch family, is also set to conclude. Its final episode airs on May 4.
After over 50 years in the industry, the actor shared that he is still learning. As The Conners wraps up its seventh and final season, John Goodman says he will carry the memories and the role of Dan Conner with him for a long time to come.