5 Shocking Truths Behind DJ Conner's Sudden Exit From The Conners (Latest Update 2025)
The disappearance of D.J. Conner from the main cast of The Conners remains one of the most talked-about shake-ups in the show’s run. As of the latest updates in December 2025, the character, played by legacy actor Michael Fishman, has been completely written out of the series, leaving a major void for fans who grew up with the youngest Conner sibling. The truth behind his sudden departure before Season 5 is a complex mix of creative decisions, reduced screen time, and a surprising revelation from the actor himself.
The decision to remove the character was not a mutual one, and it sent shockwaves through the fandom of both The Conners and its predecessor, Roseanne. While the door has been left open for a potential guest appearance, D.J. Conner’s absence is now a permanent fixture of the show's later seasons.
Michael Fishman: The D.J. Conner Legacy Profile
Michael Fishman is an American actor, writer, and director best known for his portrayal of David Jacob "D.J." Conner, a role he held for decades across two major television series. His connection to the Conner family is one of the longest-running in sitcom history.
- Full Name: Michael Aaron Fishman
- Date of Birth: October 22, 1981
- Age (as of 2025): 44
- Birthplace: Los Angeles, California, U.S.
- Key Roles: David Jacob "D.J." Conner on Roseanne (1988–1997, 2018) and The Conners (2018–2022).
- Career Highlights: Fishman was personally selected by Roseanne Barr to play the role. Beyond acting, he has a notable career behind the camera, having directed several episodes of The Conners and served as a producer.
- Family: He has two children, a son and a daughter, with his ex-wife Jennifer Fishman.
Truth 1: The Actor Was 'Axed'—It Was Not His Choice
The most shocking truth about D.J. Conner’s departure is that it was not Michael Fishman’s decision to leave the show. Fishman, who played D.J. since the original Roseanne series premiered in 1988, confirmed in August 2022 that he was not asked to return for The Conners Season 5.
In a public statement, the actor revealed that he was effectively "axed" from the series. He expressed his pride in the work he had done, particularly his efforts to bring D.J. Conner's adult life and his biracial family storyline to the screen.
This news came as a surprise to many fans, as Fishman was one of the few original cast members who had been a part of the Conner family since childhood, alongside Sara Gilbert (Darlene Conner) and Lecy Goranson (Becky Conner). His exit meant the loss of another legacy character following the departure of Johnny Galecki as David Healy.
Truth 2: The Character Was Quietly Written Out Due to Reduced Role
While the actor's departure was abrupt, D.J. Conner's role had been significantly reduced in the seasons leading up to his exit.
D.J.'s storyline in The Conners centered on his life as a military veteran and his family with his wife, Geena Williams-Conner (played by Maya Lynne Robinson), who was an active-duty soldier. Geena was a series regular in Season 1 but returned to active service, making her a guest star in Season 3. This created a narrative challenge for D.J., who was often left without a major, central storyline.
Creative decisions ultimately minimized D.J.'s presence, focusing the show's energy on the dramatic arcs of Dan (John Goodman), Jackie (Laurie Metcalf), Darlene, and Becky. The lack of a major, ongoing plot for D.J. made his character expendable from a production standpoint, leading to the decision to not bring him back for Season 5.
Truth 3: The In-Universe Explanation is Off-Screen Military Service
The show avoided a dramatic send-off for D.J. Conner. Instead, the character's absence was handled with a quick, off-screen explanation that leveraged his existing storyline as a military veteran.
The in-universe explanation, which was subtly mentioned in Season 5, is that D.J. moved to be with his wife, Geena, who was stationed overseas in the military. This narrative choice allows the character to remain alive and well in the show's universe, keeping the door open for a potential return, even if the actor was not asked back. The showrunners, including executive producer Bruce Helford, have publicly stated that they "love him" and the door is not shut on the character.
This quiet write-off contrasts sharply with the dramatic death of the family matriarch, Roseanne Conner (Roseanne Barr), in the first season of the spin-off, highlighting the difference in importance the writers placed on the two characters' exits.
Truth 4: D.J.’s Daughter, Mary, Followed Him Out of the Show
A crucial piece of the puzzle that confirms D.J.'s permanent absence is the subsequent departure of his daughter, Mary Conner, played by Jayden Rey.
Mary Conner was D.J. and Geena's only child and a series regular for the first five seasons. Her departure was confirmed ahead of Season 6.
The show's storyline for Mary had her living with her paternal grandfather, Dan Conner, for a time after her father left. However, Mary's character was also written out, with the implication that she went to live with her father, D.J., and mother, Geena.
The removal of both D.J. and Mary effectively erased the entire immediate family unit from the main cast, further solidifying the creative decision to streamline the focus of the series onto the original three Conner siblings and Dan. This move significantly reduces the likelihood of D.J. ever returning as a main character.
Truth 5: Michael Fishman Continued to Direct Episodes
Despite being removed from the acting cast, Michael Fishman continued his professional relationship with the production team. He was not only an actor but also a talented director on the series.
Fishman directed multiple episodes of The Conners, including some in the later seasons. This allowed him to remain a part of the show's crew even after his character was written out. This dual role is a testament to his commitment to the series and his versatility in the industry.
However, despite his continued involvement behind the camera, Fishman confirmed that he was not asked to appear in a cameo for the season finales, which he addressed publicly in April 2024. His final appearance as D.J. Conner was in the Season 4 finale, marking the end of a television run that spanned over 30 years.
What Does This Mean for The Conners' Future?
The removal of D.J. Conner and his family unit is a clear signal that The Conners is tightening its focus. The show now primarily revolves around the core relationships of Dan, Jackie, Darlene, and Becky. The storylines are centered on their struggles, their children (Harris, Mark, and Beverly Rose), and their new partners (like Ben and Louise).
While fans continue to hope for a brief return, perhaps for a major family event like a wedding or a birth, the current reality is that Michael Fishman will not be returning to the role of D.J. Conner. The show has moved on, and the legacy character of D.J. Conner is now living his life off-screen with his wife, Geena, and daughter, Mary, away from the familiar couch in Lanford, Illinois. The show's commitment to Season 7 without D.J. further cements this decision.
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