Hey there, friends! Let’s talk about something exciting happening in the world of TV. The much-anticipated reboot of the classic sitcom Roseanne is bringing fresh faces to the Conner household. Among these new characters, one stands out in a truly special way. Back in August, whispers began circulating that the reboot would introduce a "gender creative" character. And guess what? That character is none other than Mark Conner-Healy, the nine-year-old son of Darlene Conner and David Healy.
Meet Mark Conner-Healy: A Groundbreaking Role
Mark’s casting description painted a vivid picture: a sensitive, effeminate child with traits that blend traditional male and female characteristics. This groundbreaking character is brought to life by newcomer Ames McNamara. In an exclusive interview with Entertainment Weekly, Sara Gilbert, who not only plays Darlene but also serves as the series’ executive producer, shared some insights into why Mark chooses to wear girls’ clothing.
Ames as Mark on Roseanne.
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According to Sara Gilbert, Mark is not a transgender character. He’s a young boy who simply enjoys wearing traditionally feminine clothing. "He’s based on a few kids in my life who are boys who dress in more traditionally feminine clothing," Sara explained. "He’s too young to identify as gay or transgender, but he likes this kind of clothing, and that’s where he is in his life right now." There’s even a dedicated episode addressing his fashion choices, ensuring the storyline is handled with care and sensitivity.
Why Include Mark in the Reboot?
Sara shared her reasons for including Mark in the reboot. "This is a show that’s always represented the world and spoken about it without being overly issue-focused," she said. "We can address these topics through the family dynamics. I know kids like Mark—sweet, funny, charming, and brilliant. He’s not just defined by what he wears. There’s so much more to him, and you’ll see that through the character and the incredible actor, Ames McNamara, who plays him."
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Family Dynamics and Nods to the Past
We learned from TV Line that Darlene and David, portrayed by Johnny Galecki, have two children—a boy and a girl—in the reboot. Their daughter, Harris Conner-Healy, is played by Emma Kenney. Interestingly, Mark’s name honors the late Glenn Quinn, who played David’s brother Mark Healy during the original run of Roseanne. Glenn tragically passed away in 2002 at the age of 32 from an accidental heroin overdose.
Read also:The Conners A New Chapter Without Roseanne
What to Expect from the Reboot
With Roseanne returning, fans are curious about how the story will unfold after the original series' dramatic finale. In the 1997 conclusion, Roseanne Conner revealed her beloved husband Dan had died of a heart attack. However, the reboot takes a different path. Spoiler alert: Dan is alive! Not only that, but familiar faces like D.J. Conner, Becky Conner, and Jackie Harris are back. Sarah Chalke, who played Becky in the final seasons, will reappear in a new role as Andrea, a middle-class woman hiring Becky as her surrogate.
The Roseanne revival premieres on Tuesday, March 27, on ABC. In a recent interview with Closer Weekly, Laurie Metcalf, who plays Jackie, expressed her excitement about reuniting with her former co-stars. "It feels like no time has passed at all. We really became a family, and that bond never left us," she said. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for the Conner family!
