WATN: Sara Gilbert aka Darlene from ‘Roseanne’

One of the stand-out characters in Roseanne was Darlene (played by Sara Gilbert), the sarcastic and quick-witted daughter to the human megaphone that was Roseanne Connor.

Sara as Darlene

Roseanne ran from 1988 to 1997 and notched up 4 Emmy and 3 Golden Globe Award wins and became the most watched television show 1989-90.

Blessed with ‘middle-child syndrome’ Darlene became one of the main reasons to watch Roseanne.

Whilst Roseanne’s success is attributed to its tackling of then-controversial subjects such as domestic violence, homosexuality and alcohol abuse, Darlene’s character became one of the most popular in the sitcom genre.

In 1994 she even landed her 1994 Emmy nomination (she lost out to fellow Roseanne co-star Laurie Metcalf, who played Jackie).

Almost a miniature version of Roseanne herself (and one of the reasons they clashed so much) Darlene’s anti-establishment attitude and domineering approach to her boyfriend David (played by star of The Big Bang Theory Johnny Galecki) made her a strong role model for teenage girls throughout the 90s.

Darlene started off the series as a tomboy but grew up becoming more interested in the arts and animal rights, in a move more reflective of Sara Gilbert’s own personality.

But where oh where has Darlene from Roseanne gone? Well not too far actually…

Sara got into the fame game after her adoptive big sister Melissa Gilbert from Little House on the Prairie received a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and boy was it the right decision.

Since Roseanne ceased to be, Sara Gilbert has cropped up in many familiar TV shows such as Will & Grace and Law & Order: SVU and had recurring roles in high profile television series’ including 24 and ER.

Gilbert returned to sitcoms in Twins and The Class which sadly didn’t make it to our shores but her last known appearance in the comedy club was in The Big Bang Theory.

Now if you’re a die hard Roseanne and a Big Bang Theory fan, you will have noticed that ‘Darlene and David’ were reincarnated together for a bit of geek lovin’ in The Big Bang Theory when Gilbert was cast to play Leonard’s on/off girlfriend Leslie Winkle, but sadly the romance wasn’t to last.

Sara Gilbert with her little bundle of joy

In the real world however, Gilbert is openly gay and in a relationship with Allison Adler co-executive producer of Chuck and an early producer of Family Guy.

The couple have a son and a daughter together – each giving birth to one child…fair’s fair!

If you have any burning questions like “where is Darlene from Roseanne?” let us know below and we’ll get our team of investigators on the case!