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 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

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 was born, later becoming a well-known American talk show host, comedian, and actress.

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.

1980: Graduation and College Attendance

In 1980, Rosie O'Donnell graduated high school and briefly attended Dickinson College before transferring to Boston University.

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" in Nyack, New York

In 1996, O'Donnell purchased "Pretty Penny", a Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, that previously belonged to Helen Hayes.

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 family.

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: Sale of "Pretty Penny"

In 2000, O'Donnell sold "Pretty Penny" to businessman Edward M. Kopko.

2000: Family takes in foster child Mia

In 2000, the family of Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter took in a foster child named Mia, who was born in 1997, with intentions to adopt her.

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 11, 2001: Support After 9/11 Attacks

After the September 11, 2001 attacks, Rosie O'Donnell encouraged support for Broadway and New York City tourism, donating $1 million for rescue efforts.

2001: Mia Removed from Home

In 2001, the state of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home, leading O'Donnell to advocate against Florida's law prohibiting same-sex family adoption.

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 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter

On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco after the city authorized same-sex marriage licenses. The decision to marry Carpenter was a form of defiance against President George W. Bush's stance on 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 and partnered with Family Pride to host discussions on LGBT parenting.

August 2004: Marriage Voided

In August 2004, Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's marriage was among the thousands 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.

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.

November 2009: Disclosure of Separation

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.

2011: Parker lobbies for military academy

In 2011, Parker, Rosie O'Donnell's son, successfully lobbied his mother 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 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.

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 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.

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.

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 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.

March 2025: O'Donnell Relocates 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, citing political reasons.