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Chalke opens up about replacing Lecy Goranson on iconic sitcom
The Scrubs star recalls intense fan reactions after replacing Lecy Goranson in season six
Sarah Chalke has reflected on stepping into the iconic role of Becky Conner on Roseanne, admitting that she underestimated the pressure and backlash that came with replacing Lecy Goranson.
The 49-year-old actress, speaking on Jesse Tyler Ferguson’s Dinner’s on Me podcast, recalled how her youthful naivety made it possible for her to audition and take on the role in 1993.
“I think the only reason that I was able to actually even go and do the job was because I was so naive, and I didn't actually get it,” Chalke said. “I mean, I got it a little bit. I didn't really get it in the same way that I would now in terms of potentially the pressure cooker that that situation was.”
Chalke stepped into the role after Goranson, who had originated Becky in the sitcom’s first five seasons, left to attend college. Fans had grown deeply attached to Goranson’s portrayal, leading to a strong reaction when Chalke assumed the character.
“I was pretty young and naive,” Chalke added. “It’s the only reason I was actually able to even go and audition and be in that room and be present and have a conversation with them.”
She shared a memorable encounter with a fan at a Freedom Tibet rally, who bluntly told her, “I like the first Becky way better.” Chalke recalled responding with grace: “Okay, yeah. She was fantastic. I agree. She was great.”
The interaction took an unexpected turn when the fan later returned to apologize, explaining they “always wanted to yell at an actor.” “I was like, ‘Oh, thank you for clarifying,’” Chalke said with a laugh.
Although Goranson eventually returned to the role, Chalke continued portraying Becky through several episodes of the eighth and ninth seasons, leaving a lasting mark on the beloved sitcom.
Chalke later gained wider fame on Scrubs, playing Dr. Elliot Reid for nearly a decade, and she remains connected to the Roseanne universe. She will return to the show in an upcoming revival on Feb. 28, reuniting with original costars Zach Braff and Donald Faison.