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, actor, author, screenwriter, and 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 is recognized for his liberal political views and commentary on current events.
1977: Started Working as a 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 case of wrongful death and police brutality.
1986: A Case of Deadly Force Film Release
In 1986, Deadly Force was made into the film A Case of Deadly Force, with Lawrence O'Donnell serving as associate producer. Richard Crenna played O'Donnell's father, and Tate Donovan played O'Donnell.
1988: Ended working as a writer
In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his career as a writer.
1989: Legislative Aide to Senator Moynihan
From 1989 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell was a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
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 served as staff director for the Senate Finance Committee.
1991: Served as Senior Adviser to Moynihan
In 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell served as senior advisor to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
1992: Staff Director for Environment and Public Works
From 1992 to 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of the Environment and Public Works senate committee that Moynihan was chairing.
1993: Staff Director for Finance
From 1993 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of the Finance senate committee that Moynihan was chairing.
1995: End of time as legislative aide to Senator Moynihan
In 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his time as legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
1999: Associated with The West Wing
In 1999, Lawrence O'Donnell became associated with the television drama The West Wing, writing 16 episodes and serving as executive story editor for 12 episodes from 1999-2000.
2000: Co-Producer and Producer for The West Wing
In 2000, Lawrence O'Donnell was co-producer for five episodes and producer for 17 episodes of The West Wing from 2000-2001.
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.
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 for The West Wing
From 2003 to 2005, Lawrence O'Donnell served as consulting producer for 44 episodes of The West Wing.
2003: Creator, Executive Producer, and Writer for Mister Sterling
In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell was the creator, executive producer, and writer for the television drama Mister Sterling.
2005: Executive Producer for The West Wing
From 2005 to 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell served as executive producer for 22 episodes of The West Wing.
2006: Emmy Nomination for The West Wing
In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell was nominated for an Emmy in the same category.
2009: Regular Contributor on Morning Joe
In 2009, Lawrence O'Donnell became a regular contributor on Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough.
September 27, 2010: Hosts The Last Word
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
In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began appearing frequently as a substitute host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
2010: Trip to Malawi and K.I.N.D. Fund
In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell made a trip to Malawi, leading to the creation of the K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids in Need of Desks) 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 show was terminated.
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, returning to the 10 p.m. Eastern slot.
2023: K.I.N.D. Fund Success
As of 2023, the K.I.N.D. Fund had raised $40 million and supplied 330,000 desks for 1.1 million students and scholarships for 27,600 girls.
