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

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

Lawrence O'Donnell is an American television anchor, author, screenwriter, and political commentator known for hosting "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" on MSNBC. He is considered a liberal political commentator. Besides his career in broadcast journalism, O'Donnell has worked as an actor and writer.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1977: Writer

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

1988: End of Writing Career

In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his career as a writer.

1989: Begins Political Career

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

1989: Legislative Aide

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

1991: Senior Adviser to Moynihan

In 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell became senior adviser to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1992: Staff director

In 1992, Lawrence O'Donnell became staff director of two senate committees that Moynihan was chairing: Environment and Public Works.

1993: Staff director

In 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell became staff director of the Finance committee, which Moynihan was chairing.

1995: End of time as Legislative Aide

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

1999: Associated with 'The West Wing'

In 1999, Lawrence O'Donnell became associated with 'The West Wing', writing 16 episodes and serving as executive story editor for 12 episodes.

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2000: Co-Producer for 'The West Wing'

In 2000, Lawrence O'Donnell worked as co-producer for five episodes of 'The West Wing'.

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2002: Supervising producer and writer for 'First Monday'

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

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2003: Consulting Producer for 'The West Wing'

In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell became consulting producer for 44 episodes of 'The West Wing'.

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2003: Creator, executive producer, and writer for 'Mister Sterling'

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

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2005: Executive Producer for 'The West Wing'

In 2005, Lawrence O'Donnell became executive producer for 22 episodes of 'The West Wing'.

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2006: End of 'The West Wing' Association

In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell's association with 'The West Wing' concluded. During his time on the show, he wrote 16 episodes, served as executive story editor, co-producer, producer, consulting producer, 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, leading to several on-air confrontations due to his aggressive debate style.

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 of '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: K.I.N.D. Fund

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell traveled to Malawi and partnered with MSNBC and UNICEF to create the K.I.N.D. Fund, which aimed to provide schoolroom desks for female children.

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

On January 21, 2011, Lawrence O'Donnell took over the 8 p.m. slot from Keith Olbermann after Olbermann's departure from 'Countdown with Keith Olbermann'.

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October 24, 2011: Switches Time Slots with 'The Ed Show'

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

As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund, founded in 2010 by Lawrence O'Donnell, has raised $40 million, supplied 330,000 desks for 1.1 million students, and provided scholarships for 27,600 girls in Malawian schools.