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.
In 1977, Lawrence O'Donnell began his career as a writer.
In 1983, Lawrence O'Donnell published his book, Deadly Force, which was about a case of wrongful death and police brutality.
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.
In 1988, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his career as a writer.
From 1989 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell was a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
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.
In 1991, Lawrence O'Donnell served as senior advisor to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
From 1992 to 1993, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of the Environment and Public Works senate committee that Moynihan was chairing.
From 1993 to 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell served as staff director of the Finance senate committee that Moynihan was chairing.
In 1995, Lawrence O'Donnell ended his time as legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan
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.
In 2000, Lawrence O'Donnell was co-producer for five episodes and producer for 17 episodes of The West Wing from 2000-2001.
In 2001, Lawrence O'Donnell won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series for The West Wing.
In 2002, Lawrence O'Donnell was the supervising producer and writer for the television drama First Monday.
From 2003 to 2005, Lawrence O'Donnell served as consulting producer for 44 episodes of The West Wing.
In 2003, Lawrence O'Donnell was the creator, executive producer, and writer for the television drama Mister Sterling.
From 2005 to 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell served as executive producer for 22 episodes of The West Wing.
In 2006, Lawrence O'Donnell was nominated for an Emmy in the same category.
In 2009, Lawrence O'Donnell became a regular contributor on Morning Joe with Joe Scarborough.
On September 27, 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began hosting a 10 p.m. show on MSNBC, called The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.
In 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell began appearing frequently as a substitute host of Countdown with Keith Olbermann.
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.
On January 21, 2011, Lawrence O'Donnell took over the 8 p.m. slot from Keith Olbermann after Olbermann's show was terminated.
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.
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.