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Michael Aaron Fishman (born October 22, 1981)^[1] is an American actor, writer, director and producer known for playing D.J. Conner on the long-running series Roseanne and its spin-off show The Conners.^[2][3][4][5]

Fishman was born in Los Angeles County, California, to a family of Jewish descent.^[6] His father was born in Shanghai, China and is A Chinese, Russian, Jew ^[7] and his mom grew up in Virginia.

He grew up in Orange County, California attending public school and playing little league baseball.^[7] One of his first auditions was Roseanne.

Fishman's acting career began after he met Roseanne Barr during an early audition. She asked him to tell her a joke. He said, "Why did the turtle cross the road? It was the chicken's day off." She was immediately impressed,^[8] and although he had no experience, Barr fought for Fishman to play D.J. Conner. He worked on Roseanne from age six to fifteen.^[7]

On April 28, 2017, it was announced that an eight-episode revival of Roseanne was in the works and being shopped around to various networks and that it would feature most of the original main cast. On May 16, 2017, it was confirmed that Fishman would reprise his role as D.J. Conner in the revival, to air mid-season in 2018 on ABC.^[9]

Fishman continued to act while attending the Orange County High School of the Arts at Los Alamitos High School^[10] in the Musical Theater. Due to poor treatment of the Technical Theater department he switched departments to support those in the crew and joined them.

He appeared in guest roles on Walker, Texas Ranger and Seinfeld, and earned a recurring role alongside Andrew Dice Clay on Hitz just before it was canceled. Fishman also appeared in films, including Steven Spielberg's A.I. Artificial Intelligence. He then reconnected with Barr as a co-host of The Roseanne Show, which ran for two years before it was canceled in 2000.

Fishman has also worked on many television shows and films in other roles aside from acting, including executive producing, writing, directing, set building, production staff and camera operating. Some of his credits include Great Job, Thanks!, The Real Roseanne Show, and Sport Science.

In 2013, he was cast in Joseph Mazzello's directorial debut sports comedy-drama film Undrafted as Antonelli. The film was released on July 15, 2016.

On June 21, 2018, ABC announced a spin-off from Roseanne, titled The Conners, with all the original cast (excluding Barr) to return; the show premiered on October 16, 2018.^[11] On March 22, 2019, ABC announced that the show had been renewed for a second season. Fishman was not listed as part of the returning main cast, but the network press release said that additional cast would be announced at a later date.^[12]

On October 5, 2020, Fishman announced he would be directing the seventh episode of the show's third season. Although it was the seventh episode to be filmed, it aired in the second week of the show, as the Halloween special Halloween and the Election vs. the Pandemic.^[13][14]

Fishman was told he would not return for season 5 of The Conners.^[15][16]

In 2023, Fishman starred in Abducted By My Teacher: The Elizabeth Thomas Story^[17] as part of its "Ripped From the Headlines" feature films where he portrayed Tad Cummins who was responsible for the kidnapping of Elizabeth Thomas.^[18] Executive producer Elizabeth Smart, selected him for his ability to a wide range of emotions and handle difficult subjects in interviews with excellence. ^[19]

Fishman has expanded into directing including five episodes on ABC's top comedy The Conners. ^[20][21]His exception leadership as the Director on legacy Halloween episode Halloween and the Election vs. the Pandemic ^[22] earned him recognition from Disney, and four more episodes on the series.

A very active member of the DGA, Fishman is a member of the Asian American and Jewish committees.^[23][24]

Known for high concepts and visceral storytelling Fishman continues to generate work as writer.^[25][26]

An active producer who has worked across the industry in almost every department Fishman continues to be a leader on set. In 2022, he produced his first full length feature film for Lionsgate, A Place in the Field a heartfelt military drama. ^[27][2]

An advocate for inclusivity and collaboration, he continues to elevate his peers throughout the entertainment industry. He serves on countless boards including Women in Media. ^[26]

Fishman and Jennifer Briner married on October 22, 1999. They were separated as of June 10, 2017, according to a formal application for legal separation Briner filed on December 27, 2018. On April 22, 2019, Briner officially filed for divorce, then entered a new marriage in 2020.^[28] The couple have two children, son Aaron and daughter Isabelle.^[29][30]

Fishman later adopted two adult children, daughter Camille Spirlin (who played Briana on Marvin Marvin)^[31] and son Larry Jones.^[32][2]

Known for his acting work, Fishman is also a renowned coach. He spent twenty six years coaching sports. Primary baseball and softball. He was one of Southern California's most successful high school baseball coaches.^[33] He worked for the Los Angeles Angels for a decade helping to organize and coach their community clinics with Major League Baseball (MLB) Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities program (RBI). ^[34][2]

Fishman has coached every age from Tee-ball to professional adults, including a semi-pro Korean team.^[35][36] He specialized in injury rehabilitation and mental skills training. He remains a roving instructor frequently working with athletes. ^[37][38]

An active scuba diver, Fishman spent almost a decade working as a rescue diver. From productions, to photography expeditions, to search and recovery, he specialized in ensuring the safety of others.^[26][34]

In order to support his family, Fishman has worked countless blue-collar jobs including construction, warehouses, manufacturing, drywall, electrical, carpentry, and other working-class positions.^[34][2]

Fishman worked alongside his friend Manny as a bounty hunter, apprehending dangerous criminals for several years.^[26][2]

Known for his extensive humanitarian work since 1988, Fishman continues to give back to others. He has been a volunteer and spokesman for numerous charities including the American Red Cross, Make-A-Wish foundation, the Special Olympics, MADD, RADD, D.A.R.E., the Humane Society, and World Wildlife Fund among countless others. ^[35][34]

Fishman has represented the Audrey Hepburn Children's fund, and give presentations to the United Nations.^[26][2]

He regularly volunteers in NICU and Small Baby Unit at Children's Hospital of Orange County. (CHOC) ^[26][34]

Emmy Award

• 2007: Nominated, "Outstanding Production Design / Art Direction" – Sports Science

TV Land Award

• 2008: Won, "Innovator Award" – Roseanne

Young Artist Award

• 1989: Nominated, "Best Young Actor Under Nine Years of Age" – Roseanne
• 1991: Nominated, "Best Young Actor Under Nine Years of Age" – Roseanne
• 1995: Won, "Best Performance: Young Actor in a TV Comedy Series" – Roseanne

YoungStar Awards

• 1997: Nominated, "Best Performance by a Young Actor in a Comedy TV Series" – Roseanne

• Michael Fishman at IMDb

Category:1981 births Category:American male child actors Category:20th-century American male actors Category:21st-century American male actors Category:American male film actors Category:American male television actors Category:Living people Category:Male actors from Long Beach, California Category:Orange County School of the Arts alumni Category:Jewish American male actors Category:Los Alamitos High School alumni