Roseanne Barr is a name that has long been recognized in the world of American television and comedy. Known for her bold humor, distinctive voice, and role in redefining the portrayal of working-class women on television, Barr became a cultural icon through her sitcom Roseanne. Her career has spanned decades and included significant achievements, as well as public controversy. Given her long presence in the spotlight, many people now ask: Is Roseanne Barr still alive? This article provides a factual, comprehensive update on her current status, health, career, and personal life.
Is Roseanne Barr Still Alive?
Yes, Roseanne Barr is still alive as of 2025. Born on November 3, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah, she is currently 72 years old. She remains active on social media, has recently returned to stand-up comedy, and continues to participate in public discourse through interviews and commentary.
Despite stepping back from network television after the abrupt end of her Roseanne reboot in 2018, Barr has maintained her voice and influence, particularly among her supporters and fans of her early work. There are no credible reports indicating serious health issues or any claims that she has passed away.
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Roseanne Barr began her journey in the entertainment industry as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. Her raw and honest comedic style quickly earned her a following, especially among women and working-class audiences who related to her observations on motherhood, marriage, and blue-collar life.
She gained national attention after appearing on The Tonight Show and HBO specials. Her unique stage persona, dubbed the “Domestic Goddess,” set her apart in the male-dominated stand-up scene of the time.
Barr’s big break came in 1988 when ABC premiered the sitcom Roseanne, which would become one of the most successful television series of the late 20th century.
The Original Roseanne Sitcom and Its Impact
The original Roseanne ran from 1988 to 1997, spanning nine seasons. The show broke new ground in its realistic portrayal of a working-class American family. Roseanne Conner, played by Barr, was a witty, assertive mother who balanced family and financial struggles with unfiltered humor.
The series earned critical acclaim and was praised for addressing real-world issues such as unemployment, domestic struggles, teenage pregnancy, and gender roles. It won numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and Emmy Award for Barr’s performance.
Roseanne was considered one of the most groundbreaking sitcoms of its time and solidified Barr as a powerful creative force in television.
The 2018 Roseanne Reboot and Controversy
In 2018, Roseanne returned to television with a successful reboot, again starring Barr alongside most of the original cast. The show premiered to high ratings and was praised for its nostalgia and relevance in contemporary culture.
However, in May 2018, Barr faced major backlash after posting a controversial tweet that was widely criticized as racist. ABC responded by canceling the reboot despite its strong performance.
Barr publicly apologized but also defended herself, stating that her comments were misinterpreted and that she was unfairly targeted. The incident reignited debates about cancel culture, media accountability, and political bias.
The network later launched a spinoff series titled The Conners, which continued the storyline without Barr’s character.
Career After Television
Following her departure from network television, Roseanne Barr shifted her focus to independent projects, political commentary, and a return to stand-up comedy. She remains active on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and YouTube, sharing her views on politics, society, and pop culture.
In 2023, Barr released a new comedy special titled Cancel This! which debuted on a streaming platform. The special addressed her public controversies, personal beliefs, and reflections on fame and freedom of speech.
Though no longer affiliated with major television networks, Barr continues to reach audiences through alternative media channels and remains relevant in public discourse.
Health and Public Well-being
As of 2025, Roseanne Barr is in stable health. She has previously discussed experiencing macular degeneration and glaucoma, which affect her vision. However, she has reported that these conditions are being managed and have not prevented her from performing or engaging in public life.
Barr has also spoken openly about mental health, past trauma, and plastic surgery. Her candidness about personal challenges has earned her both criticism and support, depending on the context.
There are no verified reports of life-threatening illness, and she appears regularly in public, whether through podcasts, interviews, or on-stage performances.
Personal Life and Family
Roseanne Barr has been married three times and has five children. She was previously married to Bill Pentland, Tom Arnold, and Ben Thomas. Her marriage to fellow comedian Tom Arnold was heavily publicized and ended in a very public and contentious divorce.
Barr resides primarily in Hawaii, where she owns a large macadamia nut farm. She has described the location as a peaceful retreat from Hollywood and a space where she can live and work creatively away from media scrutiny.
Her children largely maintain private lives, though Barr occasionally shares updates about her family in interviews and on social media.
Political and Social Views
Barr is known for her outspoken political beliefs, which have shifted over the years. Once a liberal voice, she later supported more conservative and populist political platforms. Her political journey has been controversial and complex, often making headlines for her statements and affiliations.
She ran for president in 2012 as a candidate for the Peace and Freedom Party, promoting issues such as economic justice and campaign reform. She has since become an advocate for free speech and critic of media bias.
Her commentary often sparks debate and is followed by both supporters and critics across the political spectrum.
Cultural Influence and Legacy
Roseanne Barr’s influence on American culture, particularly in comedy and television, is undeniable. She helped change the way working-class women were represented on screen and opened doors for more realistic and diverse portrayals in sitcoms.
Despite her controversies, she is widely credited with revolutionizing the sitcom format and giving voice to underrepresented communities in media. Shows like The Middle, Mom, and One Day at a Time owe some creative debt to the path Barr helped pave.
Her legacy remains multifaceted—marked by significant achievements, passionate advocacy, and contentious public debate.
Public Recognition and Awards
Throughout her career, Barr has received numerous accolades for her work in entertainment and writing.
Notable Honors Include:
- Emmy Award (1993) – Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series
- Golden Globe Award (1993) – Best Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical
- American Comedy Awards – Multiple wins for her work on Roseanne
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1992)
Though her later years have been marked by controversy, these awards highlight the creative impact she had during her peak in television and comedy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Roseanne Barr still alive?
Yes, Roseanne Barr is alive as of 2025. She is 72 years old and remains publicly active through comedy, media appearances, and online platforms.
What is Roseanne Barr doing now?
She has returned to stand-up comedy, released a 2023 special titled Cancel This!, and continues to engage in political and cultural commentary.
Did Roseanne Barr leave Hollywood?
While she no longer works with mainstream networks, she still creates content independently and lives on a farm in Hawaii.
What health issues has Roseanne Barr faced?
She has discussed vision problems, including macular degeneration and glaucoma, but remains in stable overall health.
What happened to the Roseanne reboot?
The reboot was canceled by ABC in 2018 following a controversial tweet. A spinoff titled The Conners continues without her involvement.
Conclusion
Roseanne Barr is still alive and remains an influential, if polarizing, figure in American entertainment. At 72, she continues to speak her mind, perform stand-up, and connect with her audience through independent channels.
Her journey—from a groundbreaking sitcom star to a voice in modern political and cultural debates—reflects both the evolution of American media and the complexities of public life. While opinions about her vary, her contributions to comedy and television remain significant.