“I was told I would not be returning”: Michael Fishman exits The Conners

Another US actor has taken to social media after being let go from their television show.

Michael Fishman, who played D.J. Conner in The Conners -a role he played for 10 seasons on Roseanne– has exited the series after 5 seasons.

“It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner. It’s every actors dream to be a series regular, especially on a groundbreaking show, where we tackle significant topics. 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 Bi-racial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey. I pride myself on professionalism, building lifelong connections and 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.

“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. 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. While I was told I would not be returning for season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop. 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.”

The Conners screens in Australia on 10 Peach.

Recently SVU actor Kelli Giddish was reported as not returning to the show following a shake-up within production.

Meanwhile Jeff Garlin has also departed The Goldbergs as patriarch, Murray Goldberg.

Garlin’s exit was a “mutual agreement” between himself and Sony Pictures Television following an HR investigation into his on-set behaviour, which the actor chalked up to “silliness.”

Garlin had previously addressed the allegations against him in an interview with Vanity Fair, saying, “Well, to be honest with you, there is no story. We have a difference of opinion, Sony and myself.

“My opinion is, I have my process about how I’m funny, in terms of the scene and what I have to do. They feel that it makes for a quote ‘unsafe’ workspace. Now, mind you, my silliness making an unsafe workspace — I don’t understand how that is… I am always a kind and thoughtful person. I make mistakes, sure. But my comedy is about easing people’s pain. Why would I ever want to cause pain in anybody for a laugh? That’s bullying. That’s just uncalled for.”

Source: Variety