Divorces are never fun. There are a lot of complicated factors that go into splitting up with your legal partner, and it can be a major headache for everyone involved. But when your job is also on the line, that can cause even more difficulties to arise. Sure enough, when Roseanne was abruptly canceled by ABC after Roseanne Barr's inappropriate tweets, it also played a big part in actor Michael Fishman's divorce from Jennifer Briner, his wife of 19 years.
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, Michael Fishman has been in the process of splitting up with his wife in an "amicable" fashion since June 2017, although there was a hitch in the proceedings when Roseanne was taken off the air and the professional plans of the cast and crew were left uncertain. It's not entirely clear why the show's halted production put a pause in the divorce, but it resulted in a temporary delay in the separation.
In any case, now that The Conners -- the spin-off series which premiered this fall -- is moving forward in due fashion, Michael Fishman and Jennifer Briner are continuing onward with their divorce. The legal documents were filed by Briner on Thursday, and the one-time couple is figuring out their divisions.
Among the primary focuses in this divorce is how Michael Fishman and Jennifer Briner will split custody agreements with their 16-year-old daughter. Each party wants to share joint custody with their child, both physical and legal, and they are currently figuring out how to separate the bank accounts and vehicles and other factors which are currently at hand for the couple. It's certainly going to be a matter they'll continue discussing in the future -- though it is encouraging to know that they are figuring it out in relatively conflict-free fashion, at least as far as these tricky divorce matters typically go.
The two were married while Michael Fishman was still in his teenage years, and they share two children together. It's not known publicly what caused the couple to split after nearly two decades by each other's side. But alas, sometimes these things happen. Divorce is common in Hollywood. You often hear more about actors' break-ups than hear about them getting together. And ultimately, it's a private matter that's between the two people.
Michael Fishman played D.J. Conner on Roseanne from 1988 to 1997, then he reprised his famous role in ABC's controversial reboot. The new season was on the air for a year before it was cancelled only earlier in the spring. Fishman now continues to play the role of adult D.J. Conner on The Conners. From as far as we can tell, the schedule for The Conners has not been affecting his divorce plans, which is why the ex-couple is moving forward again.
The Conners will return from winter break on Tuesday, January 8 on ABC, as one of the many midseason 2019 returns. Meanwhile, for the latest news in film, television, pop culture, video games and a whole lot more, you can be sure to check back with CinemaBlend.
