A familiar character is returning to the Conner family. Maya Lynne Robinson is set as a series regular on ABC’s The Conners, joining John Goodman, Laurie Metcalf, Sara Gilbert, Lecy Goranson, Michael Fishman, Emma Kenney Ames McNamara and Jayden Rey in the Roseanne spinoff from Tom Werner and Werner Entertainment.
Robinson will play Geena Williams-Conner, DJ’s (Fishman) wife and Mary’s (Rey) mother, who returns home from active duty overseas in Afghanistan. Her character — then played by Rae’Ven Larrymore Kelly) first appeared in “White Men Can’t Kiss,” the celebrated 1994 episode from the original Roseanne series. Robinson takes over the role from Xosha Roquemore, who played the character in one episode in the first revival season of Roseanne.
Along with her on-screen roles, Robinson has also been active in the theater scene, most recently playing Stella in A Streetcar Named Desire at the Theatre at Boston Court and Eunice in the world premiere of Runaway Home at The Fountain Theatre as a co-lead.
A Helen Hayes and LA drama Critics Circle award winner, Robinson is also the creator of the web series, HTMAST, and co-creator/co-lead of the web series GURL, as well as the solo shows Character Breakdown and Straight A Student. She’s repped by BRS/Gage Talent Agency and Principal Entertainment LA.
The Conners premieres at 8 PM Tuesday, October 16, on ABC.
(Excerpt) Read more in: Deadline