Early Life and Education of Rosie O'Donnell: A Complete Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Rosie O'Donnell, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host who gained prominence through 'Star Search' in 1984. She achieved widespread recognition hosting 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show' from 1996 to 2002, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and the nickname 'Queen of Nice' for her positive and philanthropic image. Prior to her talk show success, she appeared in various TV and film roles, solidifying her place in the entertainment industry.

Sections (5)

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

1933: Birth of Father, Edward Joseph O'Donnell

In 1933, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, Rosie O'Donnell's father, was born.

1934: Birth of Mother, Roseann Teresa Murtha

In 1934, Roseann Teresa Murtha, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, was born.

March 21, 1962: Roseann O'Donnell Born

On March 21, 1962, Roseann O'Donnell was born. She later became an American talk show host, comedian, and actress.

March 17, 1973: Death of Mother

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

1973: Death of Mother, Roseann Teresa O'Donnell

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

1980: Graduation from High School

In 1980, Rosie O'Donnell graduated from Commack High School.

1995: Adoption of Parker Jaren O'Donnell

In 1995, Rosie O'Donnell adopted her first child, Parker Jaren O'Donnell, as an infant.

1996: Purchase of 'Pretty Penny' Home in Nyack

In 1996, Rosie O'Donnell purchased "Pretty Penny", a Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, previously occupied by Helen Hayes.

1997: Response to 'Unkissable' Designation

In 1997, after Procter & Gamble designated Rosie O'Donnell as "unkissable" in a promotion for Scope mouthwash, she partnered with Warner-Lambert's competitor Listerine, who donated bottles of mouthwash to the studio audience and donated $1,000 to charity every time a hosted guest would kiss her, resulting in over $350,000 donated.

1997: Birth of Mia

Mia was born in 1997 and later became a foster child in Rosie O'Donnell's family in 2000.

May 2000: Bodyguard Applies for Firearm Permit

In May 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats against her and her family.

September 2000: Rosie's McCall's Magazine Launch and Depression Revelation

In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell partnered with McCall's to revamp the magazine as "Rosie's McCall's". In the September 2000 issue, she shared that she had struggled with depression her entire life and decided to start medications.

2000: Taking in foster child Mia

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter took in Mia (born in 1997) as a foster child, with intentions to adopt her.

2000: Sale of 'Pretty Penny' Home

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell sold "Pretty Penny", her Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, to businessman Edward M. Kopko.

2000: Staphylococcal Infection

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

September 11, 2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks

Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Rosie O'Donnell donated $1 million to aid in rescue efforts and encouraged others to support New York City's performing arts.

2001: Removal of Mia from O'Donnell's home

In 2001, the State of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell's home, leading to O'Donnell's activism against the Florida law prohibiting same-sex family adoption.

March 14, 2002: Diane Sawyer Interview

On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday about Florida's ban on gay adoption and O'Donnell's life. She discussed a case involving two gay men in Florida who were at risk of losing their foster child due to the state's ban on gay adoption.

2002: Coming Out as Lesbian

In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell publicly came out as a lesbian and became an advocate for lesbian rights and gay adoption issues.

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 a show of defiance against President George W. Bush's support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.

July 11, 2004: First R Family Vacations Cruise

On July 11, 2004, the first R Family Vacations cruise was held with 1600 passengers including 600 children, featuring traditional entertainment and discussions on LGBT parenting.

August 2004: Marriage Voided

In August 2004, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's marriage was voided by the California Supreme Court.

November 2006: Opening of The Children's Plaza and Family Center in Louisiana

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, an emergency response initiative of Rosie's For All Kids Foundation to assist families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

2007: Carpenter Moves Out

In 2007, Kelli Carpenter moved out of the home she shared with Rosie O'Donnell.

2008: Giving up Alcohol

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

November 2009: Disclosure of Carpenter Moving Out

In November 2009, Rosie O'Donnell disclosed that Kelli Carpenter had moved out of their home in 2007 and that their marriage had ended in August 2004.

December 5, 2011: Engagement Announcement

On December 5, 2011, Rosie O'Donnell announced her engagement to Michelle Rounds during a taping of The Rosie Show.

Loading Video...

2011: Parker at Valley Forge Military Academy

In 2011, Parker O'Donnell successfully lobbied his mother, Rosie, to send him to Valley Forge Military Academy.

June 9, 2012: Marriage to Michelle Rounds

On June 9, 2012, Rosie O'Donnell married Michelle Rounds in a private ceremony in New York.

August 2012: Heart Attack

In mid-August 2012, Rosie O'Donnell suffered a heart attack and had a stent inserted after an artery was found to be 99 percent blocked.

2012: Roseanne Barr's Presidential Bid

In 2012, Roseanne Barr had a presidential bid which was documented in the movie 'Roseanne For President!' in which Rosie O'Donnell made an appearance.

January 9, 2013: Adoption of a Baby Girl

On January 9, 2013, Rosie O'Donnell and Michelle Rounds announced they had adopted a baby girl.

February 2015: Divorce Filing

In February 2015, Rosie O'Donnell filed for divorce from Michelle Rounds after two years of marriage.

August 2015: Daughter Chelsea Missing

In August 2015, Rosie O'Donnell tweeted that her 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, was missing from their home; she was found a week later.

2015: Death of Father, Edward Joseph O'Donnell

In 2015, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, Rosie O'Donnell's father, died.

2016: Resuming Drinking

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

September 15, 2017: Death of Michelle Rounds

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

2024: Chelsea's Arrests

In 2024, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter Chelsea was arrested multiple times on charges including drugs, child neglect, domestic abuse, and bail jumping.

March 2025: O'Donnell Moves to Ireland

In March 2025, shortly after Trump was inaugurated for a second term, O'Donnell revealed in a TikTok video that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, that January, citing political reasons.