Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rosie O'Donnell
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Rosie O'Donnell made an impact.
Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host, who gained recognition on Star Search in 1984. Her career includes various television and film roles. From 1996 to 2002, she hosted the successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which earned her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. During that time, she was known as the "Queen of Nice" and became known for her charitable work.
19 hours ago : Rosie O'Donnell reveals drastic weight loss transformation, expressing disbelief and celebrating health.
Rosie O'Donnell showcases a significant weight loss, expressing disbelief in a recent photo. She attributes the transformation partly to Mounjaro, celebrating her improved health and appearance. The comedian's journey inspires many.
1979: Stand-up Comedy Tour
From 1979, Rosie O'Donnell toured as a stand-up comedian in clubs.
1986: Series Debut on Gimme a Break!
In 1986, Rosie O'Donnell made her series debut as Nell Harper's neighbor on Gimme a Break!
1988: Joins VH1 as Veejay
In 1988, Rosie O'Donnell joined VH1's lineup of veejays and began hosting Stand-up Spotlight.
1992: Starring in Stand By Your Man and A League of Their Own
In 1992, Rosie O'Donnell starred in Stand By Your Man and made her film debut in A League of Their Own.
May 1996: Seeding the For All Kids Foundation
In May 1996, Warner Books advanced Rosie O'Donnell $3 million to write a memoir, which she then used to seed her For All Kids Foundation.
1996: Hosting The Rosie O'Donnell Show
In 1996, Rosie O'Donnell began hosting her daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which became very successful and earned her the title of "The Queen of Nice".
1996: The Rosie O'Donnell Show Debut
In 1996, Rosie O'Donnell began hosting her own syndicated daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show.
1997: Publication of 'Kids are Punny: Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show'
In 1997, Rosie O'Donnell released her children's book, 'Kids are Punny: Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show', which featured jokes she had received from children.
1997: Partnership with Listerine
In 1997, following Procter & Gamble's "unkissable" designation of O'Donnell in a Scope mouthwash promotion, O'Donnell partnered with Warner–Lambert's competitor Listerine. Listerine donated bottles of mouthwash to the studio audience and $1,000 to charity every time a hosted guest would kiss her.
1997: Rosie's For All Kids Foundation Awards Grants
Since 1997, Rosie's For All Kids Foundation, overseen by Elizabeth Birch, has awarded more than $22 million in Early Childhood Care and Education program grants to over 900 nonprofit organizations.
1998: Release of 'Kids are Punny 2: More Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show'
In 1998, Rosie O'Donnell released a sequel to her first book titled, 'Kids are Punny 2: More Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show'.
April 19, 1999: Gun Control Stance
On April 19, 1999, following the Columbine shootings, Rosie O'Donnell expressed a strong stance on gun control during her talk show, stating that those who own guns should go to prison.
May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck
In May 1999, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck on her talk show about his involvement with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and questioned him about the NRA's position on the use of assault weapons.
1999: Contract Discontinuation with Kmart
In 1999, Rosie O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokesperson due to complaints from gun enthusiasts.
September 2000: Launch of Rosie's McCall's Magazine
In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell partnered with McCall's publishers to revamp the magazine as Rosie's McCall's, launching it as a competitor to Oprah Winfrey's 'O'. In the September 2000 issue, she revealed her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medication.
September 11, 2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks
After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Rosie O'Donnell encouraged support for New York City and the performing arts, donating 1 million dollars for aid.
January 31, 2002: Appearance on Will & Grace
On January 31, 2002, Rosie O'Donnell appeared on the sitcom Will & Grace, playing a lesbian mother.
April 2002: Release of 'Find Me'
In April 2002, Rosie O'Donnell released 'Find Me', a book that combined memoir, mystery, and a detective story, focusing on reuniting birth mothers with their children. The book delved into O'Donnell's childhood, early adulthood and relationship with a woman with dissociative identity disorder.
September 2002: O'Donnell Quits Rosie's McCall's
In September 2002, Rosie O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine following a dispute over editorial control, stating that she needed to have her vision represented if her name and brand were on the magazine.
2002: Departure from Talk Show
In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell left her talk show, which was then replaced by The Caroline Rhea Show.
2002: Coming Out as Lesbian
In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell publicly came out as a lesbian, becoming an advocate for lesbian rights and gay adoption.
2002: Publication of Find Me
In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell published her memoir, Find Me, and used the $3 million advance to establish her For All foundation.
2002: End of The Rosie O'Donnell Show
In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell's daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, came to an end after a successful run.
May 2003: Columnist for The Advocate
In May 2003, Rosie O'Donnell became a regular columnist for The Advocate magazine.
2003: Founding of Rosie's Broadway Kids
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli O'Donnell collaborated with Lori Klinger to create Rosie's Broadway Kids, an organization dedicated to providing free instruction in music and dance to New York City public schools and students.
2003: Launch of R Family Vacations
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli O'Donnell partnered with Gregg Kaminsky to launch R Family Vacations, which catered to LGBT families, offering "the very first all gay and lesbian family vacation packages."
2003: Brings Musical Taboo to Broadway
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell brought the musical Taboo to Broadway, hiring Charles Busch to rewrite the book.
2003: Rosie Magazine Folds and Lawsuits Begin
In 2003, Rosie magazine folded. Later in 2003, Rosie O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract, leading to a trial that received press coverage. The case was eventually dismissed by the judge Ira Gammerman of the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, with neither side receiving damages.
February 8, 2004: Taboo Closes on Broadway
On February 8, 2004, the musical Taboo closed on Broadway after approximately 100 performances and "mostly bad" reviews.
February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter
On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco after Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized same-sex marriage licenses. The marriage was seen as a defiance against President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment. The ceremony was conducted by San Francisco Treasurer Susan Leal and included a performance by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus.
2005: Ratings Before Rosie on The View
In 2005, before Rosie O'Donnell joined The View, the show had lower ratings compared to when she joined in 2006.
April 6, 2006: HBO Documentary Debut
On April 6, 2006, 'All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise', a documentary film about the R Family Vacation's cruise, debuted on HBO.
September 2006: Co-host of The View
In September 2006, Rosie O'Donnell replaced Meredith Vieira as a co-host and moderator of The View, leading to increased ratings.
October 30, 2006: Honored by NYSPCC
On October 30, 2006, Rosie O'Donnell was honored by the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) for her contributions through Rosie's for All Kids Foundation.
November 2006: Response to Hurricane Katrina
In November 2006, Nightline aired a video report about the opening of The Children's Plaza and Family Center in Renaissance Village, a FEMA trailer park in Louisiana. This was an emergency response initiative of Rosie's For All Kids Foundation with the help of many local nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses to assist the families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
December 2006: Charitable Donations Confirmed
In December 2006, at a charity event, it was confirmed that $50 million from Rosie O'Donnell's five-year contract were donated in an irrevocable trust to charity.
2006: Moderator on The View
In 2006, Rosie O'Donnell became the moderator on The View, leading to controversial discussions and a public feud with Donald Trump.
March 2007: Launch of Video Blog Jahero
In March 2007, Rosie O'Donnell started a video blog called Jahero on her website Rosie.com. It featured O'Donnell, her hair and makeup artist Helene Macaulay, and her writer Janette Barber, answering fans' questions and providing behind-the-scenes information. Jahero became popular, leading to considerations of an 'on the road' version. O'Donnell won the 'best celebrity blogger' category in the 2007 Blogger's Choice Awards.
April 25, 2007: Departure from The View Announced
On April 25, 2007, ABC announced that Rosie O'Donnell would be leaving The View before the end of the year due to a failure to reach an agreement on a new contract.
May 2007: Partnership with Pogo.com
In May 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and Pogo.com announced a joint effort to raise money for Rosie's All Kids Foundation. EA committed $30,000 and also held a sweepstakes.
May 17, 2007: Questioning the Iraq War and U.S. Actions
On May 17, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell questioned the high number of Iraqi civilian deaths and the U.S.'s role in Iraq, leading to criticism from conservative commentators.
May 23, 2007: Heated Discussion with Elisabeth Hasselbeck
On May 23, 2007, a heated discussion ensued between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View, stemming from O'Donnell's perception that Hasselbeck was unwilling to defend her from criticism. O'Donnell felt betrayed and hurt by the interaction.
May 25, 2007: Agreement to Cut Short Contract with ABC
On May 25, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and ABC agreed to cut short her contract agreement, following heated discussions on The View. ABC News reported that the arguments with Hasselbeck brought the show its best ratings ever.
June 8, 2007: Appearance on True Colors Tour
On June 8, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell was a guest on the True Colors Tour, sponsored by Logo, that traveled through 15 cities. The True Colors Tour benefited the Human Rights Campaign, P-FLAG, and The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
June 2007: Declined The Price Is Right Hosting Opportunity
In June 2007, Rosie O'Donnell announced on her blog that she would not be replacing Bob Barker as the host of The Price Is Right, citing reluctance to move her family to California.
October 2007: Release of 'Celebrity Detox'
In October 2007, Rosie O'Donnell released her second memoir, 'Celebrity Detox', which focused on her struggles with leaving fame behind and her exits from The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The View.
2007: Publication of Celebrity Detox
In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell published her memoir, Celebrity Detox.
2007: Donation of Celebrity Detox Profits
In 2007, all net profits from Rosie O'Donnell's book 'Celebrity Detox' were donated to Rosie's Broadway Kids.
2008: Appearance on True Colors Tour 2008
In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell appeared again on the True Colors Tour.
2008: Starred in 'America'
In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell starred in and executive produced "America", a Lifetime channel film based on the E.R. Frank book, in which she played the therapist of the title character.
2008: Emmy Award for Autism Episode
In 2008, The View won an Emmy for "Outstanding Special Class Writing" for a specially themed Autism episode that Rosie O'Donnell helped create.
October 2009: Appearance in Love, Loss, and What I Wore
In October 2009, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the original cast of Love, Loss, and What I Wore.
November 2009: Premiere of "Rosie Radio"
In November 2009, Rosie O'Donnell's daily two-hour show, "Rosie Radio", premiered on Sirius XM Radio, where she discussed news and events.
2009: Hosting Rosie Radio
From 2009, Rosie O'Donnell hosted Rosie Radio on Sirius XM Radio.
May 2011: Premiere of The Doc Club with Rosie O'Donnell
In May 2011, The Doc Club with Rosie O'Donnell premiered on OWN, featuring O'Donnell moderating live panel discussions following premieres of OWN Documentaries. She also hosted specials for Becoming Chaz in May 2011.
June 2011: End of "Rosie Radio"
In June 2011, Rosie O'Donnell's radio show "Rosie Radio" ended its run on Sirius XM Radio.
October 10, 2011: Debut of The Rosie Show
On October 10, 2011, The Rosie Show debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), receiving generally positive reviews. The show was taped at the former studio of The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago.
October 2011: Hosted Miss Representation Special
In October 2011, Rosie O'Donnell hosted a special for Miss Representation on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
December 5, 2011: Engagement to Michelle Rounds announced
On December 5, 2011, Rosie O'Donnell announced her engagement to Michelle Rounds during a taping of "The Rosie Show."
2011: Hosting The Rosie Show
From 2011, Rosie O'Donnell hosted a second talk show on OWN, The Rosie Show.
2011: Guest Appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm
In 2011, Rosie O'Donnell made another guest appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, competing for the affection of a bisexual woman with Larry in the episode titled "The Bi-Sexual".
March 16, 2012: Cancellation of The Rosie Show
On March 16, 2012, OWN canceled The Rosie Show, with the last show taped on March 20, on the eve of O'Donnell's 50th birthday.
March 29, 2012: Final Airing of The Rosie Show
On March 29, 2012, the final episode of The Rosie Show aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
2012: End of The Rosie Show
In 2012, Rosie O'Donnell's talk show on OWN, The Rosie Show, ended.
2013: Television Appearances in Bomb Girls, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Smash, and Impractical Jokers
In 2013, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in a number of television shows. She played reporter Dottie Shannon in an episode of Bomb Girls, voiced the Bouncing Bumble Queen in Jake and the Never Land Pirates, appeared in two episodes of Smash as herself, and appeared in an episode of Impractical Jokers called "Everything's Rosie" as herself.
2014: Recurring Role on The Fosters
In 2014, Rosie O'Donnell landed a recurring role as Rita Hendricks on The Fosters, portraying a compassionate woman working for the foster care system and mentoring a member of the Foster family. The character appeared through the show's 2016 season.
2014: Return to The View as Co-Host
In 2014, Rosie O'Donnell returned to The View as a co-host, with a revamped version of the show, alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie Perez, and Nicolle Wallace.
February 6, 2015: Exit from The View Announced
On February 6, 2015, it was confirmed that Rosie O'Donnell would once again exit The View, citing health concerns and a need to focus on her personal life.
April 2015: Appearance in Roseanne For President!
In April 2015, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in Roseanne For President!, a film about Roseanne Barr's 2012 presidential bid, alongside Michael Moore and Sandra Bernhard.
September 2015: Appearance in Everything Is Copy
In September 2015, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the documentary Everything Is Copy, a film by Jacob Bernstein about his mother Nora Ephron, to help "bring his mother into focus."
November 2016: Joined the Cast of SMILF
In November 2016, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell had joined the cast of the comedy pilot SMILF on Showtime.
2016: Appearances in 'Mom', 'Match Game', 'The $100,000 Pyramid', and 'Hairspray Live!'
In 2016, Rosie O'Donnell made a two-episode appearance in the CBS series Mom, playing Jeanine, the ex-girlfriend of Bonnie. That same year, she was also a regular panelist on Match Game and appeared in one episode of The $100,000 Pyramid. Later that year, O'Donnell played the role of the gym teacher in Hairspray Live!
November 5, 2017: SMILF Series Airing
From November 5, 2017, until March 31, 2019, Rosie O'Donnell received critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tutu in the series SMILF.
2017: Starring in SMILF
From 2017, Rosie O'Donnell starred on the Showtime comedy series SMILF.
April 3, 2019: Casting in I Know This Much Is True
On April 3, 2019, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would play the role of Lisa Sheffer in the HBO series I Know This Much Is True.
2019: End of SMILF Role
In 2019, Rosie O'Donnell's role on the Showtime comedy series SMILF came to an end.
June 15, 2021: Casting in American Gigolo Reboot
On June 15, 2021, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would star as Detective Sunday in a series reboot of American Gigolo on Showtime, premiering in 2022.
2022: Voice Role and Appearance in Other Series
In 2022, Rosie O'Donnell voiced the MTA subway announcements in the second season of the Netflix series Russian Doll starring Natasha Lyonne. That same year she appeared as Vi in the Amazon Prime Video series A League of Their Own (2022).
2023: Regular Contributor to The Advocate
In 2023, Rosie O'Donnell became a regular contributor to The Advocate magazine.
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