Challenges in the Life of Rosie O'Donnell in a Detailed Timeline

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Rosie O'Donnell. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host. She gained recognition on Star Search in 1984 before transitioning into film and television roles. Her career reached its peak with The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996-2002), a successful daytime talk show that earned her the nickname "Queen of Nice" due to her positive persona and philanthropic activities. The show received multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

March 17, 1973: Death of Rosie O'Donnell's Mother

On March 17, 1973, four days before Rosie O'Donnell's eleventh birthday, her mother, Roseann, died from breast cancer, impacting her early life.

1999: Discontinuation of Kmart Contract

Later in 1999, Rosie O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokeswoman due to complaints from gun enthusiasts.

May 2000: Bodyguard Applies for Firearm Permit

In May 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats, with O'Donnell stating the need for protection for her and her family.

September 2000: Shared struggles with depression

In the September 2000 issue of Rosie's McCall's magazine, Rosie O'Donnell shared that she had struggled with depression her entire life and decided to start medications when she realized her fears were affecting her family.

2000: Staphylococcal Infection

In the summer of 2000, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a staphylococcal infection after accidentally cutting her finger, which incapacitated her for weeks and nearly led to her hand being amputated.

2001: Mia Removed From Home

In 2001, Mia was removed from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home by the State of Florida, due to laws prohibiting same-sex family adoption, leading O'Donnell to advocate for the repeal of the law.

March 14, 2002: Diane Sawyer Interview

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday, where O'Donnell discussed her life and the Florida ban on gay adoption, highlighting the case of two gay men facing the removal of their foster child due to the state's discriminatory laws.

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February 8, 2004: "Taboo" closed on Broadway

On February 8, 2004, the musical "Taboo", which Rosie O'Donnell brought to Broadway, closed after about 100 performances and mostly bad reviews.

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, because of what O'Donnell perceived as Hasselbeck's unwillingness to defend O'Donnell from criticisms regarding her statements about the Iraq War. O'Donnell felt betrayed and hurt by Hasselbeck's on-air behavior.

May 25, 2007: Agreement to Cut Short Contract

On May 25, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and ABC agreed to cut short her contract on The View. O'Donnell cited feeling set up by the show's director and producer as a contributing factor, leading to her decision to leave.

2007: Controversial Run on The View

In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell continued her controversial run on The View, which included public feuds and on-air disputes.

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2008: Temporarily Gave up Alcohol

In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell said that she was not an alcoholic, and had temporarily given up alcohol to lose weight, noting the difficulty of losing weight while drinking and her inability to have only one drink.

August 2012: Heart Attack

In mid-August 2012, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack. An artery was 99 percent blocked and a stent was inserted. She later announced she would adopt the whole foods, plant-based diet.

2012: End of The Rosie Show

In 2012, The Rosie Show came to an end after a short run.

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2014: Return to The View

In 2014, Rosie O'Donnell returned to The View, leaving after five months due to personal issues.

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February 6, 2015: Exit from The View

On February 6, 2015, Rosie O'Donnell confirmed she would exit The View again. She cited health concerns and a need to fix her personal life as the reasons for her departure.

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August 2015: Daughter Chelsea Goes Missing

In August 2015, Rosie O'Donnell tweeted that her 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, and her therapy dog, went missing from their home in Nyack. Chelsea was found a week later in Barnegat, New Jersey.

2016: Resumed Drinking Due to Depression

Following President Trump’s first election victory in 2016, Rosie O'Donnell started drinking again due to severe depression.

September 15, 2017: Michelle Rounds' Death

On September 15, 2017, Michelle Rounds, Rosie O'Donnell's ex-wife, died by suicide.

September 2024: Chelsea Arrested in Wisconsin

In September 2024, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea, was arrested in Marinette County, Wisconsin, facing charges including child neglect, domestic abuse, maintaining a drug trafficking facility, possession of methamphetamine, and other drug-related offenses after her child was found in a hazardous environment.

October 2024: Chelsea Arrested Again

In October 2024, Chelsea, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, was arrested again, this time in Oconto County, and charged with bail jumping, felony possession of methamphetamine and narcotic drugs, and misdemeanor counts involving possession of drug paraphernalia.

November 2024: Third Arrest of Chelsea

In November 2024, Chelsea, daughter of Rosie O'Donnell, was arrested a third time in Marinette County, facing felony counts of bail jumping, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of narcotic drugs.