After finding childhood stardom, Roseanne’s Michael Fishman is opening up about how many have struggled to handle fame at a young age.
“This is what I would say: I think people have difficulties. I think for child stars, the problem is that everything you do is public. It grows and it can be kind of magnified,” he said in a Monday, March 17, interview with Remind Magazine.
“I think most people have had moments, especially in their teenage years, where they’re awkward and uncomfortable, and you did something stupid,” he reflected. “The difference is ours is usually front and center and then if you add shame to that or judgment. Then people start to spiral and become bigger and bigger. Then, if you start self-medicating, it becomes a bigger issue. That’s not unique to us, but unfortunately that has become somewhat synonymous. There are a lot of good people doing a lot of great things in the world that started this way.”
Michael, 43, played DJ Conner, the son of Roseanne and Dan Conner, beginning when he was 6 years old. The TV star was a teen when the show ended. He reprised his role in The Conners, the continuation of the series from season 1 to season 4.
He announced in 2022 that he was leaving The Conners in a statement via People.
“It has been my honor to play D.J. Conner,” he said at the time. “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.”
The California native said that he “wholeheartedly will miss Friday night tapings in front of our loyal audiences, alongside our amazing cast and crew,” but was “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,” Michael said. “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.”
The Conners is set to air its seventh and final season on March 26 on ABC. Michael will not be making an appearance in the final season, per TVLine.
Instead, he said that he is “looking for the right projects as an actor and every actor has gone through this.”
“You’re limited a little bit by your type and the opportunities of what’s around you,” he explained. “The flip side of that, as a writer and a director, there is no limitation. The only limitation is my creativity or finding the right opportunity. So, I have a bunch of shows I’m pitching. I have a couple of comedies, a couple of dramas and a couple of films on the writing side and then across a bunch of genres.”
Additionally, he is looking for work as a director and he wants it to “be a passion project because I think if you’re going to step into that role, it has to be that.”
“On the television side, I’m looking for more episodes and more opportunities anywhere that I’m a little more wide open. So, pretty much any show that wants somebody, I’m a good choice,” Michael continued.
