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 is an American television anchor, actor, author, screenwriter, and liberal political commentator. He is best known as the host of "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell," a weeknight opinion and news program on MSNBC. O'Donnell's work is characterized by his left-leaning political views and commentary on current events.

1977: Started working as writer

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

1983: Published Deadly Force

In 1983, Lawrence O'Donnell published his book, "Deadly Force", which was about a wrongful death and police brutality case 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: A Case of Deadly Force Film Adaptation

In 1986, O'Donnell's book "Deadly Force" was adapted into the film "A Case of Deadly Force". O'Donnell served as associate producer for the film.

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1988: Ended working as a writer

In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell concluded his time working as a writer.

1989: Joined Senator Moynihan's Staff

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

1989: Began Political Career

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

1991: Served as Senior Advisor to Moynihan

In 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell served as a senior advisor to Moynihan.

1992: Staff Director for Environment and Public Works

From 1992 to 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell was the staff director for Environment and Public Works.

1993: Staff Director for Senate Finance

From 1993 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director for the Senate Finance committee.

1995: Left Senator Moynihan's Staff

In 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell concluded his time as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan, having served as staff director of two senate committees.

1999: Associated with The West Wing

In 1999, Lawrence O'Donnell became associated with the television drama "The West Wing" as a writer and executive story editor.

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2000: Co-producer for The West Wing

In 2000, Lawrence O'Donnell was a co-producer for five episodes of "The West Wing".

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2001: Won Emmy Award for The West Wing

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

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2002: Supervising Producer for First Monday

In 2002, Lawrence O'Donnell worked as a 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 was a consulting producer for "The West Wing".

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2003: Creator, Executive Producer, and Writer for Mister Sterling

In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell created, executive produced, and wrote 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 "The West Wing".

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2006: Left The West Wing

In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell concluded his involvement with the television drama "The West Wing", having served in various roles including writer and executive producer.

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2009: Regular Contributor on Morning Joe

In 2009, Lawrence O'Donnell became a regular contributor on "Morning Joe" with Joe Scarborough.

September 27, 2010: Hosted The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell

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 of Countdown with Keith Olbermann

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

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

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell visited Malawi and partnered with MSNBC and UNICEF to create the K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids in Need of Desks) to provide school desks for female children.

January 21, 2011: Took Over 8 p.m. Slot

On January 21, 2011, Lawrence O'Donnell took over the 8 p.m. slot on MSNBC after Keith Olbermann's show was terminated.

October 24, 2011: Returned to 10 p.m. Eastern Slot

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

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2017: Published 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 Raised $40 Million

As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund had raised $40 million for desks and scholarships, supporting the education of Malawian schoolgirls.