John Goodman

John Stephen Goodman was born on June 20, 1952, in St. Louis, Missouri, United States. He grew up in Affton, a suburb of St. Louis, where he developed an interest in the arts. Goodman attended Affton High School and later received a football scholarship to Missouri State University (then called Southwest Missouri State University), but after an injury ended his football career, he pursued acting instead. He graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in 1975.

John Goodman was cast in the role of Dan Conner on the television sitcom 'Roseanne,' which premiered on October 18, 1988, but became widely recognized as a defining role for Goodman when the show solidified its popularity by its second season. Goodman's portrayal of Dan Conner, the loving husband and father, was critically acclaimed and earned him several award nominations, including Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. The role established Goodman as a household name in television.

'The Big Lebowski,' a film directed by Joel and Ethan Coen, was released on March 6, 1998. John Goodman played the role of Walter Sobchak, a Vietnam War veteran and bowling enthusiast with strong principles about rules in both life and the game. While initially receiving mixed reviews, the film became a cult classic, and Goodman's performance was hailed as one of the standout elements. The film has since been referenced in popular culture and has solidified Goodman's status as a versatile actor.

On March 18, 2007, John Goodman guest-starred in a pilot episode of 'The Big Bang Theory,' where he played Wyatt, Penny's father. Though his role did not become a series regular, Goodman's guest appearance was notable during the early creation of what would become one of television's most popular sitcoms. His performance was briefly a 'what could have been' moment for fans, adding to his collection of memorable TV appearances. The series evolved significantly, becoming a long-running hit.

In 2008, at the 65th Annual Golden Globe Awards, John Goodman won the award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series - Musical or Comedy for his role as Dan Conner on 'Roseanne.' This award highlighted Goodman's exceptional talent in portraying the comedic yet heartfelt character that resonated with audiences throughout the show's original and revival runs. His portrayal made significant contributions to the success and cultural impact of 'Roseanne' in American television history.

On May 20, 2011, it was announced that John Goodman had joined the cast of 'Flight,' a drama film directed by Robert Zemeckis. In the film, which stars Denzel Washington as an airline pilot struggling with addiction, Goodman plays the role of Harling Mays, a colorful and charismatic drug dealer who provides aid to Washington's character. The film received critical acclaim, and Goodman’s role was noted for its impact and quirky humor that contrasted with the film's darker themes.

John Goodman made his Broadway debut on April 28, 2013, as Pozzo in a production of Samuel Beckett's classic play 'Waiting for Godot.' The production, directed by Sean Mathias, was notable for Goodman's commanding performance, which brought a unique blend of humor and gravitas to the role. The play co-starred esteemed actors such as Ian McKellen and Patrick Stewart, and Goodman's transition from screen to stage was met with critical acclaim, marking a significant milestone in his acting career.

John Goodman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on July 19, 2016. The star, which recognized his contributions to film and television, was unveiled in a ceremony attended by friends, family, and fellow actors. The award acknowledged Goodman's extensive career in Hollywood, including his memorable roles in both comedic and dramatic films, as well as his iconic television performances. Fans celebrated his achievements, solidifying his status as a beloved entertainment figure.

The revival of 'Roseanne' premiered on March 27, 2018, with John Goodman reprising his role as Dan Conner. The series revived the story of the Conner family with contemporary themes and was met with high ratings and positive reviews for its initial debut. Goodman’s return to this iconic role was welcomed by audiences and showcased his enduring appeal as a television actor. The show was later rebranded as 'The Conners' following controversies, continuing to explore societal issues through its characters.

On October 12, 2021, John Goodman appeared in the eagerly awaited premiere of the fourth season of 'The Conners.' Continuing his role as Dan Conner, Goodman again brought depth and humor to the character, who navigates both personal and familial challenges. The ABC series, a direct continuation of the groundbreaking 'Roseanne,' has been praised for its handling of current social issues, and Goodman’s portrayal has been an integral part of its success, demonstrating his ability to resonate with both long-time fans and new audiences.