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 identified as a liberal political commentator and is also involved in acting and screenwriting. O'Donnell's work primarily focuses on news and opinion, making him a prominent figure in political commentary and media.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

1977: Begins career as a writer

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

1988: End of writing career

In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell's writing career came to an end.

1989: Begins Political Career

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

1989: Becomes Senior Adviser to Senator Moynihan

In 1989, Lawrence O'Donnell started serving as the senior adviser to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1991: Continues as Senior Adviser to Moynihan

In 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell continued in his role as senior adviser to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1992: Staff director for Environment and Public Works

In 1992, Lawrence O'Donnell became the staff director for the Environment and Public Works committee, which was chaired by Senator Moynihan.

1993: Staff director for Finance Committee

In 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell became the staff director for the Finance Committee, chaired by Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

1995: End of service as legislative aide

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

1999: Joins The West Wing

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

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2000: Serves as Co-Producer and Producer for The West Wing

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

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2002: Supervising Producer for First Monday

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

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2003: Creator of Mister Sterling

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

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2003: Serves as Consulting Producer for The West Wing

In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell served as a consulting producer for 44 episodes of the television drama "The West Wing".

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2005: Serves as Executive Producer for The West Wing

In 2005, Lawrence O'Donnell served as an executive producer for 22 episodes of the television drama "The West Wing".

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2006: Leaves The West Wing

In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell concluded his association with the television drama "The West Wing" after writing 16 episodes and serving in various production roles.

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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, which led to on-air confrontations.

September 27, 2010: Hosts The Last Word

On September 27, 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began hosting "The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell", a 10 p.m. show 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: Visit to Malawi

In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell traveled to Malawi with the intention of providing schoolroom desks for female children. This led 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 after the termination of Keith Olbermann's show.

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

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

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

As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund, founded through a partnership between MSNBC and UNICEF following Lawrence O'Donnell's 2010 trip to Malawi, had raised $40 million for desks and scholarships, supplying 330,000 desks for 1.1 million students and scholarships for 27,600 girls.