Michael Fishman The Conners

'Roseanne' star Michael Fishman, who plays DJ, is opening up about his exit from 'The Conners' ahead of Season 5.

Fishman played DJ from ages 6 to 15, then returned for the 2018 revival. Now, in a statement provided to [People.com](https://people.com/tv/roseanne-alum-michael-fishman-leaving-the-conners-after-4-seasons/), Fishman is reflecting on the profound impact the role of DJ has had on his life. “While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop,” he continued. He took on a more active role behind the scenes, directing five episodes of the ABC comedy. 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 biracial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey.

Michael Fishman has released a statement regarding his departure from ABC's "The Conners" ahead of the show's fifth season.

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 have a number of projects I am pitching as a writer, and am negotiating my next directing opportunities. I am proud of the work I did as part of Roseanne and The Conners. Demonstrating my skills through the first few years of ‘The Conners’ culminating in the opportunity to Direct ‘Halloween’ and ‘The Election vs. “I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. “While I was told I would not be returning for season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop,” Fishman concluded.

Fishman first appeared as D.J. Conner on Roseanne in 1988 and continued through the sitcom's nine-season run, ending in 1997. He then returned alongside veteran ...

"I have a number of projects I am pitching as a writer, and am negotiating my next directing opportunities. Demonstrating my skills through the first few years of The Conners culminating in the opportunity to direct 'Halloween' and 'The Election vs. Especially the privilege of playing a Military Veteran, Interracial Spouse, and the father of a Biracial child, portrayed by the amazing Jayden Rey." I am proud of the work I did as part of Roseanne and The Conners. As I venture into the world to build the future, I send tremendous love and success to everyone involved in production." "The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life.

And he says in a new interview that bosses of the sitcom told him he “would not be returning for Season 5” of the sitcom. The actor, known for playing D.J. ...

“While I was told I would not be returning for Season 5, Lanford was a valuable place to grow up, learn and develop,” Fishman added. He was listed as a series regular on The Conners across the show’s first four seasons, though he only featured in 36 of the spin-off’s 71 episodes. “I was incredibly lucky to return home and demonstrate my expansion. [People](https://people.com/tv/roseanne-alum-michael-fishman-leaving-the-conners-after-4-seasons/), Fishman said, “It has been my honor to play DJ Conner. from ages 6 to 15, later returning for the 2018 revival. The opportunity to do comedy and drama alongside iconic castmates, while reaching fans in meaningful ways has profoundly impacted my life.”

Michael Fishman, who originally played DJ Connor in the sitcom "Roseanne," is leaving the spinoff show "The Conners" after four seasons.

will be written out of the series remaining under wraps. [developed as a spinoff](https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/TV/2018/10/16/Roseanne-spinoff-The-Conners-debuts-on-ABC-Barr-weighs-in/7981539726241/) of Roseanne following the latter's cancellation in 2018, retooling the show to work [without original series star](https://www.upi.com/Entertainment_News/2018/06/21/ABC-orders-Roseanne-spinoff-The-Conners-without-Roseanne-Barr/2491529628056/) [Roseanne Barr](https://www.upi.com/topic/Roseanne_Barr/), who was written out of the show after a slate of controversial comments on social media. [John Goodman](https://www.upi.com/topic/John_Goodman/), [Sara Gilbert](https://www.upi.com/topic/Sara_Gilbert/), [Laurie Metcalf](https://www.upi.com/topic/Laurie_Metcalf/), Emma Kenney, Ames McNamara, [Lecy Goranson](https://www.upi.com/topic/Lecy-Goranson/), Katey Segal and Jay R. [also reported](https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-conners-michael-fishman-exit-season-5-1235353675/) that actress Jayden Ray, who portrays D.J.'s daughter, Mary, would be returning to The Conners as a series regular. [TVLine](https://tvline.com/2022/08/29/michael-fishman-leaving-the-conners-season-5-dj-not-returning/) first reported that Fishman was exiting the show, with details on how D.J. [Michael Fishman](https://www.upi.com/topic/Michael-Fishman/), who stars in the ABC sitcom The Conners, is leaving the show prior to its fifth season, it was reported Tuesday.