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, and political commentator known for hosting "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell" on MSNBC. He is recognized as a liberal voice in political commentary. O'Donnell's career spans various roles including acting and screenwriting, but he is primarily known for his work in television journalism and his outspoken political views.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1977: Writer

From 1977, Lawrence O'Donnell was a writer.

1983: Published Deadly Force

In 1983, Lawrence O'Donnell published the book "Deadly Force", about a case of wrongful death and police brutality.

1986: A Case of Deadly Force Film Release

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

1988: End of Writing Career

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

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: Senior Advisor to Moynihan

From 1989 to 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell served as senior advisor to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1992: Staff Director

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

1993: Staff Director

From 1993 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell was the staff director of the Finance senate committee that Moynihan was chairing.

1995: End of Service to Senator Moynihan

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

1999: The West Wing

From 1999, Lawrence O'Donnell was associated with the television drama "The West Wing," writing episodes and serving as executive story editor.

2000: Co-Producer

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

2001: Primetime Emmy Award

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

2002: Supervising Producer and Writer for First Monday

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

2003: Consulting Producer

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

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

In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell created, executive produced, and wrote the television drama "Mister Sterling".

2005: Executive Producer

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

2006: End of The West Wing

In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell concluded his involvement with the television drama The West Wing, after writing episodes and serving as executive producer.

2009: Regular Contributor on Morning Joe

In 2009, Lawrence O'Donnell became a regular contributor on "Morning Joe" with Joe Scarborough. His debate style led to on-air confrontations, including one with Marc Thiessen.

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

On September 27, 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began hosting a 10 p.m. show on MSNBC, called "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell".

2010: Substitute Host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell frequently appeared as a substitute host of "Countdown with Keith Olbermann", particularly when Olbermann's father was ill.

2010: K.I.N.D. Fund

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

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

On January 21, 2011, it was announced that Lawrence O'Donnell would take over the 8 p.m. slot from Keith Olbermann after Olbermann announced the abrupt termination of his show, Countdown with Keith Olbermann.

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 Ed Schultz taking over the 8 p.m. Eastern slot, and O'Donnell returning to the 10 p.m. Eastern slot.

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

Check it on Amazon

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

As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund, established by Lawrence O'Donnell, had raised $40 million for desks and scholarships to support the education of Malawian schoolgirls, supplying 330,000 desks and scholarships for 27,600 girls.