Meeting The Masterful Michael Fishman

The star of the ABC network TV show The Conners (formerly known as Roseanne)

Why did you originally decide to get into the entertainment business? My sister started auditioning for commercials and they would ask if I was auditioning too, so I asked my parents if I could try. My parents both had full-time jobs, so they were only willing for us to do commercials in case they had to rearrange a day or two, instead I landed a job for nine years on Roseanne.

How has the industry changed from when you first started off as a child actor and rising star? Everything is different from 1988! The technology has revolutionized the industry. I have lived the transition in entertainment media from TV antennas with bunny ears and no remotes, to the digital age of streaming from inside the industry. While so much has changed the core of what we do as an Actor, Writer, Director, Producer remains the same. I create visceral stories audiences can relate to that empower inclusion and create community.

How do you personally relate to your character on the show The Conners? D.J. Conner is a deep and complex character. He has experienced the most growth, change, and worldly interaction. We are both dedicated Dads, heartfelt, responsible, and inclusive. D.J. is archetypal in dealing with traumas of his life, forced to undergo massive transitions, yet remain kind. This is all our journey in many ways.

While the character of D.J. Conner’s initial outlook on the world was far different than mine, I take great pride in getting to share the growth of D.J. from a young man with ignorance regarding race, religion, and socioeconomic status to a loving partner in an interracial relationship, with religious acceptance, military experience and economic stability. He is an incredible character with a rich story to tell.