*When the “Roseanne” spinoff premieres next month — fans will notice the family has added a bit more color to the mix.
“The Conners” is bringing in DJ’s wife…and she’s BLACK!
Maya Lynne Robinson is coming on board as a series regular, ABC announced Friday via the following tweet: “The little girl that DJ was reluctant to kiss is all grown up. Welcome to The Conners [Maya Lynne Robinson].”
Robinson will play Geena Williams-Conner, DJ’s (Michael Fishman) wife and Mary’s (Jayden Rey) mother, who returns home from active duty overseas in Afghanistan.
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As noted by foxnews.com, the character was first introduced in the Nov. 16, 1994, episode of “Roseanne” and was then played by Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly. On the “Roseanne” reboot, “The Mindy Project” actress Xosha Roquemore briefly played the role in the episode, “Go Cubs,” and was seen via Skype.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the incredibly talented Maya Lynne Robinson to the cast this season,” said showrunner and executive producer Bruce Helford in a statement. “Her character 2nd Lieutenant Geena Conner, whom a younger DJ was reluctant to kiss in his school play, comes full circle as his wife and Mary’s mother, bringing back a little piece of Conner history. Yet, while Geena is no stranger to the family, viewers old and new will enjoy seeing how her ‘military-style’ discipline meshes with the Conners’ more laid-back attitude.”
Robinson, meanwhile, says she’s “So excited to join this family!”
“The Conners” is set to premiere on ABC on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 8/7c.
