Michael Fishman

Michael Aaron Fishman (born October 22, 1981) is an American actor, writer, and producer known for playing D.J. Conner on the long-running series '' Roseanne'' and its spin-off show, '' The Conners''.

Early life

Fishman was born in Los Angeles County, California, to a family of Jewish descent.

He grew up in Cypress, California in Orange county and attended Arnold Elementary School.

Career

''Roseanne'': 1988–1997, 2018

Fishman's acting career began after he met Roseanne Barr during an early audition. She asked him to tell her a joke. He said, "Why did the turtle cross the road? it was the chicken's day off." She was impressed, and although he had no experience, Barr fought for Fishman to play D.J. Conner. He worked on '' Roseanne'' from age six to fifteen.

On April 28, 2017, it was announced that an eight-episode revival of ''Roseanne'' was in the works and being shopped around to various networks and that it would feature most of the original main cast. However, at the time, it was unknown if Fishman would reprise his role as D.J. Conner. On May 16, 2017, it was confirmed that Fishman had signed on to appear in the revival, to air mid-season in 2018 on ABC.

1997–2017

Fishman continued to act while attending the Orange County High School of the Arts at Los Alamitos High School in the Musical Theater and Technical Theater departments.

He appeared in guest roles on ''Walker, Texas Ranger'' and ''Seinfeld'', and earned a recurring role alongside Andrew Dice Clay on '' Hitz'' just before it was canceled. Fishman also appeared in films, including Steven Spielberg's '' A.I. Artificial Intelligence''. He then reconnected with Barr as a co-host of ''The Roseanne Show'', which ran for two years before it was canceled in 2000.

Fishman has also worked on many television shows and films in other roles aside from acting, including executive producing, writing, directing, set building, production staff and camera operating. Some of his credits include, ''Great Job, Thanks!'', '' The Real Roseanne Show'' & '' Sport Science''.

In 2013, he was cast in Joseph Mazzello's directorial debut sports comedy-drama film '' Undrafted'' as Antonelli. The film was released on July 15, 2016.

''The Conners'': 2018–2022

On June 21, 2018, ABC announced a spin-off from ''Roseanne'', titled '' The Conners'', with all the original cast (excluding Barr) to return; the show premiered on October 16, 2018. On March 22, 2019, ABC announced that the show had been renewed for a second season. Fishman was not listed as part of the returning main cast, but the network press release said that additional cast to be announced at a later date.

On October 5, 2020, Fishman announced he would be directing the seventh episode of the show's third season. Although it is the seventh episode to be filmed, it will air in the second week of the show, as the Halloween special.

Fishman was told he will not return for season 5 of ''The Conners''.

Personal life

Fishman and Jennifer Briner married on October 22, 1999. They were separated as of June 16, 2017, according to a formal application for legal separation Briner filed on December 27, 2018. On April 22, 2019, Briner officially filed for divorce. The couple have two children, son Aaron & daughter Isabelle.Fishman in

Filmography

Film

Television

Awards and nominations

Emmy Award
* 2007: Nominated, "Outstanding Production Design / Art Direction" - ''Sports Science''

TV Land Award
* 2008: Won, "Innovator Award" - ''Roseanne''

Young Artist Award
* 1989: Nominated, "Best Young Actor Under Nine Years of Age" - ''Roseanne''
* 1991: Nominated, "Best Young Actor Under Nine Years of Age" - ''Roseanne''
* 1995: Won, "Best Performance: Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series" - ''Roseanne''

YoungStar Awards
* 1997: Nominated, "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Comedy TV Series" - ''Roseanne''

References

External links

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Fishman, Michael
1981 births
American male child actors
American male film actors
American male television actors
Living people
Male actors from Long Beach, California
Orange County School of the Arts alumni