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. 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

1933: Birth of Edward Joseph O'Donnell

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

1934: Birth of Roseann Teresa Murtha

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

March 21, 1962: Roseann O'Donnell's Birth

On March 21, 1962, Roseann O'Donnell, who would later become a well-known talk show host, comedian, and actress, was born.

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.

1973: Death of Roseann Teresa O'Donnell

In 1973, Roseann Teresa O'Donnell (née Murtha), Rosie O'Donnell's mother, died.

1980: Graduation from Commack 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: Purchased "Pretty Penny" in Nyack, New York

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

1997: Birth of Foster Child Mia

In 1997, Mia, who later became a foster child in Rosie O'Donnell's family, was born.

April 19, 1999: Statement on Gun Ownership

On April 19, 1999, during her talk show broadcast, Rosie O'Donnell stated her views on gun ownership following the Columbine shootings, advocating for stricter gun control.

May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck on Gun Control

In May 1999, a month after the Columbine shootings, Rosie O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck and questioned him about his involvement with the National Rifle Association of America (NRA) and the NRA's stance on assault weapons.

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: Family Takes in Foster Child Mia

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's family took in Mia, a foster child born in 1997, with the intention of adopting her.

2000: Sold "Pretty Penny"

In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell sold "Pretty Penny", a 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 incapacitated her for weeks and nearly led to her hand being amputated.

September 11, 2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Rosie O'Donnell encouraged viewers to support New York City's performing arts and donated 1 million dollars for rescue efforts.

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.

2002: Departure from Talk Show

In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell left her talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which was then replaced by The Caroline Rhea Show.

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2002: Coming Out as Lesbian

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

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Abuse Scandal

On February 24, 2003, during an episode of Phil Donahue's talk show, Rosie O'Donnell commented on the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic archdiocese of Boston, expressing her hope that the Church would be sued until the end of time.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco, following the authorization of marriage licenses for same-sex couples. This act was a statement against President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment. The marriage took place in San Francisco.

July 11, 2004: Inaugural R Family Vacations cruise

On July 11, 2004, the first R Family Vacations cruise was held with 1600 passengers including 600 children, partnering with Provincetown's Family Pride to host discussions on topics relevant to gay parenting.

August 2004: Marriage Voided

In August 2004, Rosie O'Donnell's marriage to Kelli Carpenter was voided by the California Supreme Court along with thousands of others.

April 19, 2007: Discussion on Abortion and Supreme Court

On April 19, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and The View panel discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart, with O'Donnell questioning the influence of Catholicism on the court's decision, which led to accusations of "anti-Catholic bigotry".

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2007: Carpenter Moves Out

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

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.

November 2009: Disclosure of Carpenter Moving Out

In November 2009, Rosie O'Donnell publicly 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 to her studio audience during a break in the taping of The Rosie Show.

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2011: Parker Lobbies to Attend Military Academy

In 2011, Parker Jaren O'Donnell successfully lobbied his mother, Rosie O'Donnell, to attend 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. An artery was 99 percent blocked and a stent was inserted. She later announced she would adopt the whole foods, plant-based diet.

January 9, 2013: Adoption of Baby Girl

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

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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February 2015: Filing for Divorce

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

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.

2015: Death of Edward Joseph O'Donnell

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

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.

March 2025: Moved to Ireland with her child

In March 2025, Rosie O'Donnell revealed in a TikTok video that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, that January, citing political reasons and personal needs. She applied for Irish citizenship through descent and initially lived in Howth before moving to Sandymount.