Why Roseanne Recast Becky (Then Brought The Original Actress Back)
Roseanne famously recast the role of older daughter Becky Conner after season 5, then brought the original actress back, and here's why. Even by the 1990s when Becky's Roseanne recast happened, TV recastings, even on major shows, weren't a rare or new occurrence. One of the most famous examples is the recasting of husband Darrin on the 1960s sitcom Bewitched, with actor Dick Sargent replacing original cast member Dick York. It would seem Hollywood was overflowing with actors named Dick at the time.
The phenomenon makes sense, as TV shows — hopefully — run for a number of years, in some cases even decades. Networks are rarely keen to give up on a show bringing in viewers and profits, but at the same time, actors can get sick of playing the same character, and decide that they want out. When the powers that be want more of a show, but an actor no longer wants to participate, a recasting is a natural solution. Either that or create a new similar character to fill the void.
Related: Unlike Roseanne, The Conners Is Not A True Family Sitcom
With that in mind, Roseanne's Becky actress leaving and being replaced might not have been too big a deal in the grand scheme, had things played out normally. Instead, Roseanne ended up playing a game of musical Beckys, with fans never knowing for sure who they would see on a particular episode.
Actress Lecy Goranson originated the role of Becky Conner and played her for the entirety of Roseanne seasons 1-4, and part of season 5. In 1992, at age 18, Goranson decided she wanted to attend Vassar College. To accommodate her request, Roseanne's producers eventually opted to write Becky out of the show via a storyline in which she ran off and eloped with boyfriend Mark Healy, played by the late
Read more on screenrant.com
