Roseanne Barr, the iconic comedian and actress known for her groundbreaking sitcom "Roseanne," has navigated a complex and often public romantic life, marked by multiple marriages and a long-term partnership. Her relationships have frequently intertwined with her career, providing both inspiration and challenges, and reflecting the evolving stages of her public persona.
Barr's journey into motherhood began before her first marriage, with the birth of her daughter, Brandi Brown, in 1971, whom she gave up for adoption. The two later reconnected in 1988. This early experience set a precedent for a life that would often be lived in the public eye, with personal milestones becoming subjects of media attention.
Her first significant public relationship was with Bill Pentland, whom she married on February 4, 1974. During their 16-year marriage, they welcomed three children: Jessica (born 1975), Jennifer (born 1976), and Jake (born 1978). Pentland, who worked at the post office before her rise to fame, served as the inspiration for the beloved character of Dan Conner on her sitcom, grounding the show in their real-life family dynamics. Their marriage ended in divorce on January 16, 1990, amidst reports of Barr's affair with fellow comedian Tom Arnold.
Just four days after her divorce from Pentland, Roseanne married Tom Arnold on January 20, 1990. The couple had met in 1983 when Arnold opened for her stand-up act, and he later became a writer on her hit show. Their union was highly publicized and often tumultuous, characterized by their joint public appearances and even a shared restaurant venture. After four years of marriage, they divorced in 1994, with Arnold citing irreconcilable differences and later reflecting on Barr's complex personality and his own struggles with addiction during that period.
Following her split from Arnold, Barr found love again with Ben Thomas, her former bodyguard and chauffeur. They tied the knot on February 14, 1995. Through in-vitro fertilization, the couple welcomed a son, Buck, in 1995, expanding Barr's family. Their marriage lasted seven years, concluding in divorce in 2002. Barr reportedly filed for divorce, citing personal issues and accusing Thomas of being disturbed, though she had previously dropped a similar suit in 1998.
Since 2003, Roseanne Barr has been in a long-term, committed relationship with Johnny Argent. The couple reportedly met online when Argent submitted songs to her, or when she hired him to write a blog. Argent, a writer, producer, and composer, has collaborated with Barr on various projects throughout their time together, including her comedy specials. Despite being together for over two decades, they have never married, choosing instead to maintain a private partnership.
Barr and Argent have largely kept the details of their relationship out of the intense public spotlight that characterized her previous marriages, particularly after the controversies surrounding her career in recent years. They reside in Hawaii, where they continue to support each other's endeavors. This enduring partnership marks a more settled and private chapter in Roseanne Barr's extensive and varied romantic history, showcasing a shift from the highly public unions of her earlier fame to a more understated and personal connection.