History of Lawrence O'Donnell in Timeline

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

November 7, 1951: Lawrence O'Donnell Born

On November 7, 1951, Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Jr. was born. He is an American television anchor, actor, author, screenwriter, political commentator, and host of The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC.

Others born on this day/year

1970: Graduated from St. Sebastian's School

In 1970, Lawrence O'Donnell graduated from St. Sebastian's School, where he was the baseball team captain and a wide receiver on the undefeated football team.

1976: Graduated from Harvard College

In 1976, Lawrence O'Donnell graduated from Harvard College, majoring in economics. While at Harvard, he also wrote for the Harvard Lampoon.

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.

February 14, 1994: Marriage to Kathryn Harrold

On February 14, 1994, Lawrence O'Donnell married Kathryn Harrold. The couple had one child, Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O'Donnell.

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: Honorary Degree from Suffolk University

In 2001, Lawrence O'Donnell was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters (DHL) by Suffolk University.

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".

October 2010: Controversy with Ron Paul Interview

During an October 2010 interview, Lawrence O'Donnell faced criticism from Congressman Ron Paul, who accused him of breaking an agreement not to ask about other candidates.

October 2010: Controversy over Michael Steele Remarks

In late October 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell made remarks about RNC Chairman Michael Steele that were criticized as racially insensitive, leading to an apology from O'Donnell.

November 6, 2010: Declared Himself a Socialist on Morning Joe

On November 6, 2010, Lawrence O'Donnell declared himself a "socialist" on the Morning Joe show, distinguishing himself from liberals and progressives.

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.

August 1, 2011: Explained His Socialism

On August 1, 2011, during an episode of The Last Word, Lawrence O'Donnell further explained his political views, stating he had been calling himself a socialist since his first economics class in college.

October 2011: Criticism of Herman Cain Interview

During an October 2011 interview, Lawrence O'Donnell was criticized for his line of questioning of Republican primary candidate Herman Cain, with accusations of jingoism.

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.

April 3, 2012: Comments on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

On April 3, 2012, during the broadcast of "The Last Word", Lawrence O'Donnell made controversial comments regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, referring to it as an "invented religion".

April 11, 2012: Apology for LDS Church Comments

On April 11, 2012, during the broadcast of "The Last Word", Lawrence O'Donnell apologized for his April 3 comments regarding the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, stating that they had offended many.

2013: Divorce from Kathryn Harrold

In 2013, Lawrence O'Donnell and Kathryn Harrold divorced.

April 2014: Traffic Accident in British Virgin Islands

In April 2014, Lawrence O'Donnell and his brother Michael were injured in a traffic accident while vacationing in the British Virgin Islands, leading to a two-month recuperation period.

September 20, 2017: Video Leak and Apology

On September 20, 2017, an eight-minute video clip was leaked showing Lawrence O'Donnell cursing about background noise during a live broadcast on August 29, 2017. O'Donnell apologized on Twitter.

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

August 27, 2019: Report on Trump and Russian Loans

On August 27, 2019, Lawrence O'Donnell reported on MSNBC that Deutsche Bank documents showed Russian oligarchs had cosigned loan applications for Trump, which he later retracted due to lack of verification.

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.