Roseanne (1952–)

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Roseanne (1952–)

American actress. Name variations: Roseanne Barr, Roseanne Arnold. Born Roseanne Cherie Barr, Nov 3, 1952, in Salt Lake City, Utah; m. Bill Pentland, 1974 (div. 1990); m. Tom Arnold (actor), 1990 (div. 1994); m. Ben Thomas (body guard), 1995 (div. 2002); children: Brandi Brown (given up for adoption); James, Jessica and Jennifer Pentland; Buck Thomas.

Brash and brassy comedic actress with working-class persona, began career doing standup in Denver; toured nationally on comedy circuit, moved to Hollywood (1983), appeared at Mitzi Shore's Comedy Store, then on "The Tonight Show" (1985); starred on sitcom "Roseanne" (1988–1997), the #1 show for many years; films include She-Devil (1989) and Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (1994); hosted daytime talk show "The Roseanne Show" (1999); set-up The Roseanne Foundation, non-profit organization focusing on child abuse. Received 4 American Comedy Awards (1988, 1989, 1993, 1997), 2 Emmys, 2 Golden Globes, Lucy Award from Women in Film, and Peabody Award.

See also autobiography, My Life as a Woman (HarperCollins, 1989).

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