Johnny Galecki on ‘Roseanne’s’ Embrace of Politics: ‘That’s What Families Argue About’ (Exclusive Video)

“It’s always been a show that was very contemporary and very honest about what families go through,” actor tells TheWrap

“Roseanne” made waves when it returned to ABC after 21 years for diving head first into the U.S.’ current political divide. Johnny Galecki, who came back as David Healy last month, credits the revival’s embrace of politics as a reason for its success.

“It’s always been a show that was very contemporary and very honest about what families go through … what families argue about,” the actor told TheWrap while promoting his new indie movie “The Cleanse.”

The show, namely because of series star Roseanne Barr’s real-life politics, has been lauded by the conservative community for promoting their values and showcasing working-class, middle America. “I don’t know that a lot of shows are doing that,” the “Big Bang Theory” star said.

For Galecki — who joined Season 4 in 1992 — the show also has a personal connection, as he remembers watching the first episode when he was growing up in Chicago. “My parents said, ‘It’s like the writers are peering through our windows,’” he recalled, adding that the original series “governed when my family ate dinner.”

Galecki said he wasn’t surprised that the “Roseanne” revival has been successful. “I was one of the people who couldn’t wait for it to return,” he said.

While he had kept in touch with Barr, Laurie Metcalf and Sara Gilbert (who had a recurring role on “The Big Bang Theory”) over the years, Galecki said when he was on set for the revival, it was the first time he had been with the entire cast in one sitting.

“Except for some sort of award the cast was given, maybe nine years ago, we’ve never all been in the same room together,” he explained.

Watch the video above.

Comments