Career Timeline of Lawrence O'Donnell: Major Achievements and Milestones

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Lawrence O'Donnell

How Lawrence O'Donnell built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Lawrence O'Donnell Jr. is an American television anchor known for hosting "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" on MSNBC. Beyond his role as a news program host, he is a liberal political commentator, author, screenwriter, and actor. He is noted for his liberal political commentary and activism through his show.

1977: Writer

In 1977, Lawrence O'Donnell began working as a writer.

1983: Publishes 'Deadly Force'

In 1983, Lawrence O'Donnell published his book, Deadly Force, which is about a case of wrongful death and police brutality where his father served as the plaintiff's lawyer.

Deadly Force: A Police Shooting and My Family's Search for the Truth
Deadly Force: A Police Shooting and My Family's Search for the Truth

1986: 'Deadly Force' Film Adaptation

In 1986, Lawrence O'Donnell's book 'Deadly Force' was adapted into a film titled 'A Case of Deadly Force,' where he served as an associate producer.

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1988: End of Writing Career

In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his writing career.

1989: Legislative Aide to Senator Moynihan

In 1989, Lawrence O'Donnell became a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1989: Begins Political Career

In 1989, O'Donnell started his political career as an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, eventually becoming staff director for the Senate Finance Committee.

1991: Senior Advisor to Moynihan

From 1989 to 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell served as senior adviser to Moynihan.

1992: Staff director of Environment and Public Works

From 1992 to 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of Environment and Public Works senate committees that Moynihan was chairing.

1993: Staff director of Finance

From 1993 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of Finance senate committees that Moynihan was chairing.

1995: End of time as Legislative Aide to Senator Moynihan

In 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell's time as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan ended.

1999: Associated with The West Wing

In 1999, Lawrence O'Donnell began his association with the television drama The West Wing, writing 16 episodes and serving as executive story editor for 12 episodes (1999-2000).

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2000: Co-producer and Producer for The West Wing

In 2000, Lawrence O'Donnell served as a co-producer for five episodes and a producer for 17 episodes of The West Wing.

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2001: Primetime Emmy Award for The West Wing

In 2001, Lawrence O'Donnell won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for his work on The West Wing.

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2002: Producer and Writer for First Monday

In 2002, Lawrence O'Donnell was the supervising producer and writer for the television drama First Monday.

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2003: Consulting Producer for The West Wing

From 2003 to 2005, Lawrence O'Donnell served as a consulting producer for 44 episodes of The West Wing.

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2003: Creator, EP, and Writer for Mister Sterling

In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell served as creator, executive producer, and writer for the television drama Mister Sterling.

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2005: Executive Producer for The West Wing

From 2005 to 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell was an executive producer for 22 episodes of The West Wing.

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2006: Nominated for Emmy for The West Wing

In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell was nominated for an Emmy in the Outstanding Drama Series category for The West Wing.

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2009: Contributor on Morning Joe

In 2009, Lawrence O'Donnell became a regular contributor on Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough. His debate style led to confrontations.

September 27, 2010: Hosts 'The Last Word'

On September 27, 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began hosting 'The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell' on MSNBC.

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2010: Substitute Host for Countdown with Keith Olbermann

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell frequently appeared as a substitute host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

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2010: Trip to Malawi and K.I.N.D. Fund Launch

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell visited Malawi to provide schoolroom desks for female children, leading to the partnership between MSNBC and UNICEF to create the K.I.N.D. Fund.

January 21, 2011: Takes over 8 p.m. Slot

On January 21, 2011, Lawrence O'Donnell took over the 8 p.m. slot on MSNBC from Keith Olbermann after the termination of 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann'.

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October 24, 2011: Time Slot Switch

Beginning October 24, 2011, 'The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell' switched time slots with 'The Ed Show', with O'Donnell returning to the 10 p.m. Eastern slot.

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2017: Publishes 'Playing with Fire'

In 2017, Lawrence O'Donnell published the book 'Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics'.

Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics
Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics

2023: K.I.N.D. Fund Success

As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund has raised $40 million for desks and scholarships to support the education of Malawian schoolgirls, supplying 330,000 desks for 1.1 million students and scholarships for 27,600 girls.