whitney Cummings Explains Why Sabrina Carpenter Didn’t Land Roll on Roseanne Revival
Table of Contents
During a recent appearance on CNN’s New Year’s Eve Live, comedian Whitney Cummings found herself revisiting a casting decision from the 2018 Roseanne revival. While on air with Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen, Cummings addressed the fact that singer and actress Sabrina Carpenter had auditioned for the role of Harris Conner Healy, Roseanne’s granddaughter and Darlene’s daughter.
“Sabrina Carpenter auditioned…and it wasn’t the right fit,” Cummings revealed. “She got a rejection that day when we were casting the daughter. And incidentally, thank God we said no to her because she’d be stuck on a sitcom set and not being Sabrina Carpenter.”
Cummings, who served as an executive producer and showrunner on the revived sitcom, believes that sometimes a “no” can be better than a “yes,” especially in the entertainment industry.
“I think that we’re still trained in our society to want to win and get a yes. Sometimes a yes is the worst thing you can get, because then you’re stuck on the wrong show for 7 years. You’re in the wrong thing.”
Carpenter, who had previously gained recognition for her role as Maya Hart in Disney Channel’s Girl Meets World, ultimately went on to achieve success in music, following her rejection. The role of Harris Conner Healy eventually went to Emma Kenney.
With a playful tone, Cummings joked, “I deserve a percentage of her touring money for not hiring her. Otherwise,she woudl still be on that show. you’re welcome, Sabrina.”
Related
## Whitney Cummings on Sabrina Carpenter’s “Roseanne” Audition
**Archyde:** Whitney, thanks so much for joining us today. On New Year’s Eve, you revealed that Sabrina Carpenter had actually auditioned for the role of Harris Conner Healy on the *Roseanne* revival. Can you tell us a little more about that experience?
**Whitney Cummings:** Sure! Sabrina came in for the role, and while she’s an incredibly talented young woman, it just wasn’t the right fit. Sometimes a “no” can be a blessing in disguise.
**Archyde:** You’ve said that you think a “no” can be better then a “yes” in the entertainment industry. Can you elaborate on that thought?
**Whitney Cummings:** I definitely believe that. In this business, we’re trained to seek validation, to want that “yes”.But taking a role that isn’t right can lead to being stuck in something that isn’t fulfilling for years.Sometimes, the best thing an artist can do is be told “no”.
**Archyde:** It’s captivating to think how Sabrina Carpenter’s career might have been different had she landed the role. Do you think this rejection ultimately helped her succeed as a musician?
**Whitney Cummings:** Absolutely! Sabrina has gone on to have an unbelievable career in music. Maybe she wouldn’t be where she is today if she’d been cast on *Roseanne* [laughs].
**Archyde:** That’s a engaging outlook. Do you think there are instances where a “no” can be detrimental to an artist’s career? Or is it always ultimately for the best?
**Whitney Cummings:** That’s a great question and one that sparks a lot of debate. I personally believe that in most cases,a carefully considered “no” can lead to better opportunities down the line.
**Archyde:** what advice would you give to aspiring young actors and performers who face rejection, especially early on in their careers?
**Whitney Cummings:** Keep pushing forward! Rejection is just part of the journey.