Johnny Galecki Returns As David Healy on ‘Roseanne’

Actor Johnny Galecki may be best known as Leonard Hofstadter in CBS’s The Big Bang Theory these days, but one of his earlier roles was David Healy on ABC’s Roseanne. Galecki reprised his role in the latest episode of the recently-revived sitcom, explaining where his character has been and where he may wind up next.

JOHNNY GALECKI RETURNS AS DAVID HEALY IN ROSEANNE

Galecki was only able to appear in one episode of Roseanne Barr‘s show this season, so its writers had to carefully utilize these 23 or so minutes to explain David’s absence. As it turns out, he’s been working for a humanitarian organization and he even has a new girlfriend named Blue. He, however, plans to move back near Lanford to spend more time with his kids.

Darlene (Sara Gilbert) and David had two children together, Mark and Harris, and it was the latter’s birthday in this episode. David returned to celebrate along with the rest of the family, although he wanted to bring Blue along.

“Blue made me see so many things,” he says to Darlene. “I was in denial. I thought Harris and Mark were better off without me… when I left you and the kids, I rationalized it was okay because I was helping people. But my brother died and I was overwhelmed by the responsibility and I just ran.”

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David also wants to sign divorce papers with Darlene, making their separation official. This somehow infatuates Darlene, and the pair sleep together with Darlene suggesting they reconcile with each other. Roseanne, who’s secretly kept in touch with David, is unenthused by this prospect, however. “He left because you guys were fighting all the time and he couldn’t handle it,” Roseanne informed her daughter.

While David and Darlene are not an item again, David’s plan to move back to Lanford remains unfazed, potentially leaving the door open for him to return in Roseanne‘s next season.