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 a well-known American comedian, actress, and talk show host. Starting her comedy career early, she gained prominence on Star Search in 1984. She transitioned to television and film roles before hosting the highly successful daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. During this time, she was known as the "Queen of Nice" for her positive demeanor and philanthropic activities.

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 her 11th birthday, Rosie O'Donnell's mother died from breast cancer.

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, launched as a competitor to Oprah Winfrey's magazine. In the September 2000 issue, O'Donnell shared her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medications. The magazine had a strong start, but conflicts with editors later emerged.

2000: Staph Infection

In the summer of 2000, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a staph infection after cutting her finger while removing a price tag from a fishing pole, nearly leading to amputation. She quipped that it was George W. Bush's fault because she was avoiding watching him on television during the Republican National Convention. Also O'Donnell has acknowledged her struggles with recurrent major depressive episodes during the fall and winter months consistent with seasonal affective disorder.

September 2002: O'Donnell Quits Rosie's McCall's Magazine

In September 2002, Rosie O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine following a dispute over editorial control. O'Donnell stated that if her name and brand were on the magazine, it had to be her vision.

2003: Rosie Magazine Folds and Lawsuits Ensue

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded, and O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract. O'Donnell made an apology for stating that people who lie "get sick and they get cancer". The judge dismissed the case, ruling that neither side should receive damages.

February 8, 2004: 'Taboo' Closes on Broadway

On February 8, 2004, 'Taboo' closed on Broadway after about 100 performances and mostly bad reviews.

2008: Denial of Alcoholism

In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell denied she is an alcoholic and claimed to have temporarily given up alcohol to lose weight, stating she was drinking too much.

August 2012: Heart Attack and Treatment

In August 2012, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack and had a stent inserted to treat a 99 percent blocked artery. She later adopted a whole foods, plant-based diet promoted by Caldwell Esselstyn to reverse her heart disease.

August 2012: Heart Attack

In mid-August 2012, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack.

February 6, 2015: Exit from The View

On February 6, 2015, Rosie O'Donnell confirmed she would once again exit The View, citing health concerns.

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August 2015: Daughter Goes Missing

In August 2015, Rosie O'Donnell tweeted that her 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, had gone missing from their Nyack, New York, home along with her therapy dog.

September 2024: Chelsea O'Donnell Arrest

In September 2024 Chelsea O'Donnell 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 O'Donnell Second Arrest

In October 2024, Chelsea O'Donnell 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 O'Donnell Third Arrest

In November 2024, Chelsea O'Donnell was arrested for a third time in Wisconsin, this time 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.