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 a multifaceted American entertainer, known as a talk show host, comedian, and actress. She gained initial recognition on Star Search in 1984 before transitioning to television and film roles. O'Donnell achieved widespread fame as the host of The Rosie O'Donnell Show from 1996 to 2002, earning Daytime Emmy Awards and the moniker "Queen of Nice" due to her positive demeanor and charitable work. Her career encompasses stand-up comedy, acting, and hosting, establishing her as a prominent figure in American entertainment.

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. He later married Roseann Teresa Murtha.

1934: Birth of Roseann Teresa Murtha

In 1934, Roseann Teresa Murtha, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, was born. She later married Edward Joseph O'Donnell.

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

On March 21, 1962, Roseann O'Donnell was born in Commack, New York, the third of five children of Roseann Teresa (née Murtha) and Edward Joseph O'Donnell.

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

On March 17, 1973, four days before O'Donnell's 11th birthday, her mother died from breast cancer, an event that significantly impacted her life.

1973: Death of Roseann Teresa O'Donnell

In 1973, Roseann Teresa O'Donnell, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, passed away, impacting Rosie's early life.

1980: High School Graduation

In 1980, after being voted homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown, Rosie O'Donnell graduated from Commack High School.

1996: Purchase of "Pretty Penny"

In 1996, O'Donnell purchased "Pretty Penny" in Nyack, New York.

May 2000: Bodyguard Applied 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

In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell launched Rosie's McCall's magazine as a competitor to Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. In the September 2000 issue, Rosie shared her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medication.

2000: Sale of "Pretty Penny"

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

September 11, 2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks

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

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

In September 2002, O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine due to a dispute over editorial control, stating that her name and brand must align with her vision.

2002: Coming Out as Lesbian

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

February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church

On February 24, 2003, during an episode of Phil Donahue's talk show, Rosie O'Donnell made controversial comments about the Catholic Church and the sexual abuse scandal in the Archdiocese of Boston.

2003: R Family Vacations Launch

In 2003, O'Donnell and Carpenter partnered with Gregg Kaminsky to launch R Family Vacations, catering to LGBT families.

2003: Rosie Magazine Folds and Lawsuits Begin

In 2003, Rosie magazine folded. Later that year, O'Donnell and the publishers sued each other for breach of contract. The case was dismissed by the judge, Ira Gammerman of the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan, ruling that neither side should receive damages.

February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco. This decision was motivated by then-President George W. Bush's stance on the Federal Marriage Amendment and Rosie's desire to advocate for gay marriage.

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 entertainment and discussions on LGBT parenting.

August 2004: Marriage Voided

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

2007: Carpenter Moves Out

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

2007: 9/11 Conspiracy Theory

In 2007, O'Donnell announced her opinion concerning the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, in which she questioned the NIST conclusions, and alleged the U.S. government's involvement in the attacks.

November 2009: Disclosure of Carpenter's Departure

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

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...

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. She later promoted a whole foods, plant-based diet to reverse her heart disease.

January 9, 2013: Adoption of Baby Girl

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

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's Disappearance

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

October 2015: Divorce Settlement

In October 2015, Rosie O'Donnell's divorce from Michelle Rounds was settled, with O'Donnell awarded full custody of their child.

2015: Death of Edward Joseph O'Donnell

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

September 15, 2017: Death of Michelle Rounds

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

September 2024: Chelsea's Arrest in Wisconsin

In September 2024, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, Chelsea, was arrested in Marinette County, Wisconsin on multiple charges, including child neglect, domestic abuse, maintaining a drug trafficking facility, and drug possession, after her child was found in unsafe living conditions.

October 2024: Second Arrest of Chelsea

In October 2024, Chelsea, Rosie O'Donnell's daughter, faced another arrest in Oconto County, leading to charges including bail jumping and drug possession.

November 2024: Third Arrest of Chelsea

In November 2024, Chelsea was arrested for a third time in Wisconsin, facing multiple felony counts related to bail jumping and drug possession.

March 2025: Move to Ireland

In March 2025, O'Donnell revealed in a TikTok video that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, in January of that year. She cited political reasons and personal well-being as the motivation behind the decision.