Former co-star John Goodman reveals his long silence with Roseanne Barr, the relationship broke down due to a controversial tweet

No contact since show’s controversial end

John Goodman recently revealed that he and his former on-screen wife Roseanne Barr haven’t spoken in “seven or eight years.”

The revelation came in a candid conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, indicating their relationship ended around the time of ABC’s cancellation of the “Roseanne” revival in 2018.

The controversy that changed everything

This timing coincides exactly with that show’s abrupt cancellation, following Barr’s racist tweets about former Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett.

Within a matter of weeks, the network renamed the show “The Conners,” killed off Barr’s character and continued on without her.

When asked if he spoke to Barr about the finale of “The Conners,” Goodman was straightforward: “No. I doubt she wants to talk to me.”

Fond memories despite the distance

Despite the long silence, Goodman retains fond memories of their working relationship.

“We got along well with each other from the very beginning,” he recalled warmly. “She would make me laugh, and I would make her laugh, and wow, it was so much fun.”

The actor reminisced about the show’s incredible popularity during its original run: “We used to get so many viewers for the show at that time — 20, 30 million people. Things are so different now, but that was a special time.”

Standing by her during controversy

When the scandal first broke in 2018, Goodman defended Barr, expressing surprise at ABC’s quick decision to cancel the show. “I know for sure she’s not a racist,” he said at the time.

At the 2023 Monte-Carlo Television Festival, Goodman reflected on those comments, saying he had no regrets supporting his colleague.

“I felt bad for her,” he explained. “We had a great time. And I love her. She’s just a person in her own right.”

An uncertain future

Despite his affection for Barr, Goodman seemed unsure about working with her again. When asked about the possibility, he hesitated: “I don’t know. If she would want to… I just don’t know. I miss her. I wish her well.”

After seven successful seasons, “The Conners” aired its final episode in April, bringing the beloved TV family’s story to an end — though without the woman who originally gave them life.

Barr’s representatives have yet to respond to Goodman’s comments.