John Goodman Opens Up About Heartbreaking Fallout with Former ABC Costar
Hollywood is a place where careers can rise and fall with the flick of a camera. Over the years, John Goodman has cemented himself as a beloved figure, known for his work in both film and television. His role as Dan Conner on the hit show Roseanne remains one of the most iconic performances of his career, and his impact on television history is undeniable.
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But as with many in the entertainment industry, relationships evolve over time, and not all connections remain as strong as they once were. Goodman recently shared some personal thoughts on his experiences, including his long-standing relationships with former co-stars.
Goodman and Roseanne Barr have taken divergent paths since the show ended, and Goodman has spoken candidly about the abrupt change in their relationship.
The actor recently opened up in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, shedding light on his feelings regarding his former co-star and the circumstances surrounding their estrangement.
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A Bitter Divide
Goodman, known for his portrayal of Dan Conner on Roseanne, admitted that he hasn’t spoken with Barr in nearly a decade. When asked about their current relationship, he explained, “No. I’d rather doubt if she wants to talk to me. We haven’t talked for about seven or eight years.”
His response was direct, leaving fans wondering what could have caused such a sudden rift between two people who once shared a deep professional connection.
Goodman didn’t offer any reasons for the lack of communication, but it’s clear that their relationship had undergone some kind of transformation over time. Despite their shared history, the actor seemed resigned to the fact that their friendship had fizzled out.
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The Roseanne Reboot and Its Aftermath
The Roseanne reboot in 2018 brought the cast back together, but a sudden and dramatic turn of events led to Barr’s firing and the cancellation of the revival. When Goodman was asked about the cancellation of the show and Barr’s subsequent firing, he expressed surprise at the network’s actions.
He shared, “I’ll put it this way, I was surprised at the response. And that’s probably all I should say about it. I know for a fact that she’s not a racist.”
The show had returned to much fanfare after its initial cancellation in 1996, and Goodman was excited for the future. However, the backlash against Barr’s controversial tweet about Valerie Jarrett, a former aide to President Obama, changed the course of the reboot.
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ABC swiftly parted ways with Barr, and the show was rebranded as The Conners, which continued without Barr but featured much of the original cast, including Goodman.
Despite the public fallout, Goodman remained empathetic towards his former co-star, expressing that he would miss working with her.
“I would’ve loved to have worked with her again. She made me laugh, and I made her laugh. We hit it off from jump street. She made me laugh, and I made her laugh, and wow, it was so much fun.”
From Comedy to Controversy
Goodman’s admission of not speaking to Barr came amid ongoing controversy surrounding the actress’s outspoken political views. Barr, who was fired for her racist tweet, later doubled down on her position, claiming that her dismissal wasn’t just about her offensive remarks but also her political views, particularly her support for Donald Trump.
In a subsequent interview, Barr said, “I don’t regret my tweet and that ABC and Bob Iger were the racist ones.” She went on to claim that her firing was more about the network’s unwillingness to address the political divide in the country.
This sharp contrast in their views became one of the many reasons for the breakdown of their friendship. Goodman’s defense of Barr following the incident was well-known, but the actor clearly doesn’t hold onto any lingering hope of reconciliation.
A Decade of Silence
The gap between Goodman and Barr has only widened over the years. The actor made it clear in his recent interview that the break was likely permanent, revealing that Barr’s silence had been going on for a long time. Though he didn’t elaborate on why she hadn’t reached out or why their connection faltered, Goodman still seemed nostalgic about the good times they shared.
As for Goodman, he remains appreciative of the time he spent on Roseanne and The Conners, expressing his gratitude for being part of such an iconic family. He fondly remembers the high viewership the show once enjoyed, even mentioning that the series was one of the few that reached 20 to 30 million viewers, an extraordinary feat in today’s television landscape.
Does it make you sad to hear that Roseanne Barr and John Goodman no longer stay in touch? What do you think could be the reason behind her not wanting to talk to him? Would you love to see them come together for a future project? We’d love to hear your thoughts—drop them in the comments below!
