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 to film and television. Her daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996-2002), earned her Daytime Emmy Awards and the nickname "Queen of Nice" due to her positive demeanor and philanthropic endeavors.

Sections (5)

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

March 17, 1973: Mother's Death

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

1973: Death of Roseann Teresa

In 1973, Roseann Teresa, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, died from breast cancer.

September 2000: Magazine Launch and Depression Revelation

In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's revamped magazine, Rosie's McCall's, covered topics like breast cancer and foster care. In the September 2000 issue, Rosie shared her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medication.

2001: Removal of Mia from Home

In 2001, the State of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home.

September 2002: Resignation from Rosie's Magazine

In September 2002, Rosie O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine following a dispute over editorial control, stating her vision was crucial for the magazine's branding.

2003: Magazine's End and Lawsuits

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded, leading to breach of contract lawsuits between Rosie O'Donnell and the publishers. A trial ensued, receiving considerable press coverage, and was eventually dismissed by the judge Ira Gammerman of the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan.

February 8, 2004: Closing of Taboo on Broadway

On February 8, 2004, the musical Taboo closed on Broadway after approximately 100 performances and negative reviews.

October 2007: Release of Celebrity Detox

In October 2007, Rosie O'Donnell released her second memoir, Celebrity Detox, focusing on her struggles with leaving fame behind after exiting The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The View.

2007: Controversies on The View

In 2007, O'Donnell's controversial run as moderator on The View continued, marked by public disputes, including one with Donald Trump.

2008: Giving Up Alcohol

In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell stated she wasn't an alcoholic and had temporarily given up alcohol to lose weight.

March 16, 2012: Cancellation of The Rosie Show

On March 16, 2012, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) canceled The Rosie Show, with the last show taped on March 20.

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 announced her intention to adopt a whole foods, plant-based diet.

August 2015: Daughter Goes Missing

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

2016: Resuming Drinking

Following President Trump's first election victory in 2016, Rosie O'Donnell resumed drinking alcohol to cope with depression.

September 15, 2017: Death of Michelle Rounds

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

September 2024: Chelsea's First Arrest

In September 2024, Chelsea was arrested in Marinette County, Wisconsin on charges involving child neglect, domestic abuse, maintaining a drug trafficking facility, possession of methamphetamine, illegally obtaining prescriptions and drug paraphernalia, and misdemeanor possession of THC.

October 2024: Chelsea's Second Arrest

In October 2024, Chelsea was arrested again, this time in Oconto County, and soon afterwards charged with bail jumping, felony possession of methamphetamine and narcotic drugs, and misdemeanor counts involving possession of drug paraphernalia and resisting or obstructing an officer.

November 2024: Chelsea's Third Arrest

In November 2024, Chelsea was arrested a third time, again in Marinette County, on two felony counts of bail jumping, two felony counts of possession of methamphetamine, and a felony count of possession of narcotic drugs.

March 2025: Relocation to Ireland

In March 2025, Rosie O'Donnell revealed that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, in January, citing political concerns and personal well-being.