Goranson studied acting in Chicago and subsequently landed the role of Becky Conner. It was only the second time she auditioned for a part. She played the character for five seasons, exiting the series in 1992, several episodes into the fifth season, to pursue an education at Vassar College. Her schedule permitted her to continue appearing part-time as Becky. Under her new arrangement, the show's producers and Writers had to take care to write scenes for Becky sparingly. Goranson's exit resulted in Becky's eloping with her boyfriend. Becky would be seen via the phone briefly on some occasions as she now lived out of state. In the next season, although not at the beginning, the producers decided to bring the character back. Goranson was still unavailable, so Sarah Chalke auditioned and won the role.