History of Rosie O'Donnell in Timeline
Rosie O'Donnell is an American comedian, actress, and talk show host. She gained recognition on Star Search in 1984 before transitioning to film and television. Her daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996-2002), earned her Daytime Emmy Awards and the nickname "Queen of Nice" due to her positive demeanor and philanthropic endeavors.
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 Born
On March 21, 1962, Roseann O'Donnell was born. She later became a talk show host, comedian, and actress.
March 17, 1973: Mother's Death
On March 17, 1973, four days before her eleventh birthday, O'Donnell's mother, Roseann, died from breast cancer.
1973: Death of Roseann Teresa
In 1973, Roseann Teresa, Rosie O'Donnell's mother, died from breast cancer.
1979: Stand-up Comedy Tour Begins
In 1979, O'Donnell began touring as a stand-up comedian in clubs.
1980: High School Graduation
In 1980, O'Donnell graduated from Commack High School and subsequently attended Dickinson College before transferring to Boston University.
1984: Breakthrough on Star Search
In 1984, O'Donnell had her first big break on the television series Star Search.
1986: Series Debut on Gimme a Break!
In 1986, O'Donnell made her series debut as Nell Harper's neighbor on Gimme a Break!
1988: Joins VH1 as Veejay
In 1988, O'Donnell joined VH1 as a veejay and hosted Stand-up Spotlight.
1992: Film Debut in A League of Their Own and starring Stand By Your Man
In 1992, O'Donnell starred in Stand By Your Man, appeared in A League of Their Own, alongside Tom Hanks, Geena Davis, and Madonna.
1995: Adoption of Parker Jaren O'Donnell
In 1995, Rosie O'Donnell adopted her first child, Parker Jaren O'Donnell, as an infant.
May 1996: Book Advance and Foundation Seed
In May 1996, Warner Books gave Rosie O'Donnell a $3 million advance for her memoir, which she used to start her For All Kids Foundation to establish national day care standards.
1996: Hosting The Rosie O'Donnell Show
In 1996, O'Donnell began hosting her daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, earning the title "The Queen of Nice".
1996: Purchase of "Pretty Penny"
In 1996, Rosie O'Donnell purchased "Pretty Penny", a Victorian river home previously occupied by Helen Hayes, located in Nyack, New York.
1997: PR Blunder and Mouthwash Promotion
In 1997, Procter & Gamble's "unkissable" designation of Rosie O'Donnell for Scope mouthwash was named a PR blunder. O'Donnell then partnered with Listerine, who donated to charity for every kiss she received on her show.
1997: Release of Children's Book
In 1997, Rosie O'Donnell released her first children's book, Kids are Punny: Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show, which contained jokes she had received from children.
1997: Foundation's Grant Distribution
Since 1997, Rosie's For All Kids Foundation, has awarded over $22 million in Early Childhood Care and Education program grants to over 900 nonprofit organizations.
1998: Release of Children's Book Sequel
In 1998, Rosie O'Donnell released a sequel to her children's book titled Kids are Punny 2: More Jokes Sent by Kids to the Rosie O'Donnell Show. An HBO special was also made based on the books.
April 19, 1999: Gun Control Advocacy
On April 19, 1999, during her talk show broadcast, O'Donnell became an outspoken supporter of gun control following the Columbine shootings and stated strong opinions on gun ownership.
May 1999: Interview with Tom Selleck on Gun Control
In May 1999, O'Donnell interviewed Tom Selleck on her show about his involvement with the NRA, leading to a tense discussion.
1999: Contract Discontinuation with Kmart
In 1999, O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokeswoman due to controversy over her gun control stance.
May 2000: Bodyguard Applies for Firearm Permit
In May 2000, O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit due to threats against her and her family.
September 2000: Magazine Launch and Depression Revelation
In September 2000, Rosie O'Donnell's revamped magazine, Rosie's McCall's, covered topics like breast cancer and foster care. In the September 2000 issue, Rosie shared her lifelong struggle with depression and decision to start medication.
2000: Sale of "Pretty Penny"
In 2000, Rosie O'Donnell sold "Pretty Penny", the Victorian river home in Nyack, New York, to businessman Edward M. Kopko.
2000: Took in Mia
In 2000, the family took in foster child Mia and announced intentions to adopt her.
September 11, 2001: Response to 9/11 Attacks
Following the September 11, 2001 attacks, O'Donnell encouraged support for New York City's tourism and performing arts and pledged a $1 million donation for rescue efforts.
2001: Removal of Mia from Home
In 2001, the State of Florida removed Mia from Rosie O'Donnell and Kelli Carpenter's home.
January 31, 2002: Appearance on Will & Grace
On January 31, 2002, Rosie O'Donnell appeared on the sitcom Will & Grace, playing a lesbian mother.
March 14, 2002: Diane Sawyer Interview
On March 14, 2002, Diane Sawyer interviewed Rosie O'Donnell on PrimeTime Thursday where O'Donnell discussed her life and her views on Florida's ban on gay adoption. She also spoke about two gay men in Florida who faced having a foster child removed from their home because of this law.
April 2002: Release of 'Find Me'
In April 2002, Rosie O'Donnell released 'Find Me,' a book combining memoir, mystery, and a detective story focused on reuniting birth mothers with their children. It became a New York Times bestseller.
September 2002: Resignation from Rosie's Magazine
In September 2002, Rosie O'Donnell quit Rosie's McCall's magazine following a dispute over editorial control, stating her vision was crucial for the magazine's branding.
2002: Departure from Talk Show
In 2002, O'Donnell left her talk show, which was then replaced by The Caroline Rhea Show.
2002: Coming Out as Lesbian
In 2002, O'Donnell publicly came out as a lesbian and became an advocate for lesbian rights and gay adoption issues.
2002: Publication of Find Me
In 2002, O'Donnell published her memoir Find Me, using its advance to establish her For All foundation.
2002: Person of the Year Award
In 2002, Rosie O'Donnell was named Person of the Year by The Advocate magazine for her contributions and advocacy.
February 24, 2003: Comments on Catholic Church Scandal
On February 24, 2003, O'Donnell commented on Phil Donahue's talk show regarding the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic archdiocese of Boston.
May 2003: Columnist for The Advocate
In May 2003, Rosie O'Donnell became a regular columnist for The Advocate magazine, adding her voice to the publication.
2003: Revival of Musical Taboo on Broadway
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell brought the musical Taboo to Broadway, hiring Charles Busch to rewrite the script.
2003: Creation of Rosie's Broadway Kids
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell collaborated to create Rosie's Broadway Kids, providing free music and dance instruction to New York City public schools or students.
2003: Partnership for LGBT Family Vacations
In 2003, Rosie O'Donnell partnered with Gregg Kaminsky to launch R Family Vacations, offering vacation packages for LGBT families. She initiated the idea and came up with the name R Family Vacations.
2003: Magazine's End and Lawsuits
In 2003, Rosie magazine folded, leading to breach of contract lawsuits between Rosie O'Donnell and the publishers. A trial ensued, receiving considerable press coverage, and was eventually dismissed by the judge Ira Gammerman of the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan.
February 8, 2004: Closing of Taboo on Broadway
On February 8, 2004, the musical Taboo closed on Broadway after approximately 100 performances and negative reviews.
February 26, 2004: Marriage to Kelli Carpenter
On February 26, 2004, Rosie O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco. The marriage was a statement against President George W. Bush's support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.
July 11, 2004: Inaugural R Family Vacation Cruise
On July 11, 2004, the first R Family Vacations cruise set sail with 1600 passengers, including 600 children, featuring entertainment, activities, and discussions on LGBT parenting.
August 2004: Marriage Voided
In August 2004, Rosie O'Donnell's marriage to Kelli Carpenter was among thousands voided by the California Supreme Court.
2005: Comparison of Viewership
Compared to 2005, The View's total viewership increased by 15% during O'Donnell's first year on the show.
April 6, 2006: HBO Documentary Debut
On April 6, 2006, All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise, a documentary film about the R Family Vacations trip, debuted on HBO and was nominated for three Emmy Awards.
September 2006: Joins The View as Co-host
In September 2006, O'Donnell replaced Meredith Vieira as a co-host and moderator of The View, increasing the show's ratings.
October 30, 2006: Honored by NYSPCC
On October 30, 2006, Rosie O'Donnell was honored by the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NYSPCC) for her contributions through Rosie's for All Kids Foundation.
November 2006: Foundation's Emergency Response Initiative
In November 2006, Nightline aired a report about The Children's Plaza and Family Center, an emergency response initiative by Rosie's For All Kids Foundation at a FEMA trailer park in Louisiana for families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.
November 2006: Comments on Kelly Ripa and Clay Aiken Incident
In November 2006, Rosie commented on Kelly Ripa's complaints about Clay Aiken on Live with Regis and Kelly and perceived Kelly's comments to be homophobic.
December 5, 2006: Imitation of Chinese Newscasters
On December 5, 2006, Rosie O'Donnell used a series of 'ching chongs' to imitate newscasters in China, drawing criticism from Vanessa Hua of the San Francisco Chronicle.
December 2006: Criticism of Donald Trump
In December 2006, Rosie O'Donnell criticized Donald Trump for reinstating Miss USA Tara Conner after Conner violated pageant guidelines, accusing Trump of using the situation for publicity. O'Donnell questioned Trump's moral authority due to his past marital affairs and bankruptcies, leading to a media feud where Trump threatened to sue O'Donnell.
December 2006: Charitable Donations Confirmed
In December 2006, it was confirmed that $50 million from Rosie O'Donnell's five-year contract had been donated to charity in an irrevocable trust, with additional contributions for war veterans' rehabilitation.
2006: Moderator on The View
In 2006, O'Donnell became a moderator on The View, leading to controversies and public feuds.
March 2007: Launch of Video Blog Jahero
In March 2007, Rosie O'Donnell started a video blog called Jahero on her website Rosie.com, featuring her, her hair and makeup artist Helene Macaulay, and her writer Janette Barber, answering fan questions and providing behind-the-scenes information. O'Donnell won the "best celebrity blogger" category in the 2007 Blogger's Choice Awards.
April 19, 2007: Discussion on Abortion and Supreme Court
On April 19, 2007, the panel discussed the Supreme Court's ruling in Gonzales v. Carhart. O'Donnell questioned the role of Catholics on the Supreme Court and separation of church and state. Her statements were deemed anti-Catholic by conservative commentators.
April 25, 2007: Departure Announcement from The View
On April 25, 2007, ABC announced that Rosie O'Donnell would be leaving The View before the end of the year due to a failure to reach an agreement on a new contract.
May 2007: Fundraising Effort with Pogo.com
In May 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and Pogo.com announced a joint effort to raise money for Rosie's All Kids Foundation, with EA committing $30,000 and additional funds based on playing time.
May 2007: Most Annoying Celebrity of 2007
In May 2007, Rosie O'Donnell was included in Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people. She was also named "The Most Annoying Celebrity of 2007" by a PARADE reader's poll.
May 23, 2007: Heated Discussion with Elisabeth Hasselbeck
On May 23, 2007, a heated discussion ensued between Rosie O'Donnell and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, with O'Donnell feeling betrayed by Hasselbeck's unwillingness to defend her. This contributed to O'Donnell's decision to leave The View.
May 25, 2007: Contract Agreement Cut Short with ABC
On May 25, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell and ABC agreed to cut short her contract agreement for The View, following arguments and high ratings. O'Donnell was then replaced by Whoopi Goldberg.
June 8, 2007: Guest Appearance on True Colors Tour
Beginning on June 8, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell was a guest on the True Colors Tour, which traveled through 15 cities in the United States and Canada and featured various artists. Profits from the tour benefited the Human Rights Campaign, P-FLAG, and The Matthew Shepard Foundation.
June 2007: Decision Not to Host The Price Is Right
In June 2007, Rosie O'Donnell announced on her blog that she would not be replacing Bob Barker as host of CBS's The Price Is Right, citing reluctance to move her family to California.
October 2007: Release of Celebrity Detox
In October 2007, Rosie O'Donnell released her second memoir, Celebrity Detox, focusing on her struggles with leaving fame behind after exiting The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The View.
2007: Kelli Carpenter moves out
In 2007, Kelli Carpenter moved out of the home she shared with Rosie O'Donnell.
2007: Publication of Celebrity Detox
In 2007, O'Donnell released her memoir Celebrity Detox.
2007: Controversies on The View
In 2007, O'Donnell's controversial run as moderator on The View continued, marked by public disputes, including one with Donald Trump.
2007: Controversial Opinion on 9/11 Attacks
In 2007, Rosie O'Donnell voiced her controversial opinion concerning the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, questioning NIST conclusions and alleging U.S. government involvement.
2007: Celebrity Detox Profits to Rosie's Broadway Kids
In 2007, all net profits from Rosie O'Donnell's book Celebrity Detox were donated to Rosie's Broadway Kids.
2008: True Colors Tour Appearance
In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell appeared again on the True Colors Tour.
2008: Starring in America
In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell starred in and executive produced "America", a Lifetime channel film where she played the therapist of a 16-year-old boy aging out of foster care, based on the E.R. Frank book of the same name.
2008: Giving Up Alcohol
In 2008, Rosie O'Donnell stated she wasn't an alcoholic and had temporarily given up alcohol to lose weight.
2008: Emmy Win for Autism Episode
In 2008, The View won an Emmy for "Outstanding Special Class Writing" for a specially themed Autism episode that Rosie O'Donnell helped create.
October 2009: Appearance in Love, Loss, and What I Wore
In October 2009, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the original cast of 'Love, Loss, and What I Wore'.
November 2009: Premiere of Rosie Radio
In November 2009, "Rosie Radio", a daily two-hour show with Rosie O'Donnell discussing news and events on Sirius XM Radio, premiered.
November 2009: Disclosure of Separation
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.
2009: Hosting Rosie Radio
In 2009, O'Donnell began hosting Rosie Radio on Sirius XM Radio.
May 2011: Premiere of The Doc Club
In May 2011, The Doc Club with Rosie O'Donnell premiered on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), where O'Donnell moderated panel discussions following premieres of OWN Documentaries. She also hosted specials for Becoming Chaz in May 2011.
June 2011: End of Rosie Radio
In June 2011, Rosie O'Donnell's radio show, "Rosie Radio" on Sirius XM Radio, ended.
October 10, 2011: Debut of The Rosie Show
On October 10, 2011, The Rosie Show debuted on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), taping at the former studio of The Oprah Winfrey Show in Chicago, receiving generally positive reviews.
October 2011: Hosting Miss Representation Special
In October 2011, Rosie O'Donnell hosted a special for Miss Representation on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
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: Hosting The Rosie Show on OWN
In 2011, O'Donnell hosted a second talk show, The Rosie Show, on OWN.
2011: Parker attends Valley Forge Military Academy
In 2011, Parker successfully lobbied his mother, Rosie O'Donnell, to send him to Valley Forge Military Academy.
2011: Guest Appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm
In 2011, Rosie O'Donnell made another guest appearance on Curb Your Enthusiasm, competing for the affection of a bisexual woman with Larry in an episode called "The Bi-Sexual".
March 16, 2012: Cancellation of The Rosie Show
On March 16, 2012, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) canceled The Rosie Show, with the last show taped on March 20.
March 29, 2012: Final Airing of The Rosie Show
On March 29, 2012, the final episode of The Rosie Show aired on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
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 announced her intention to adopt a whole foods, plant-based diet.
2012: The Rosie Show Ended
In 2012, The Rosie Show ended its short run on OWN.
2012: Roseanne Barr's Presidential Bid
Rosie O'Donnell appeared in a film about Roseanne Barr's 2012 presidential bid
January 9, 2013: Adoption of Baby Girl
On January 9, 2013, Rosie O'Donnell and Michelle Rounds announced they had adopted a baby girl.
2013: Television Appearances in Bomb Girls, Jake and the Never Land Pirates, Smash, and Impractical Jokers
In 2013, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in various television shows, including playing Dottie Shannon in an episode of Bomb Girls, voicing the Bouncing Bumble Queen in Jake and the Never Land Pirates, appearing as herself in two episodes of Smash, and appearing as herself in an episode of Impractical Jokers.
2014: Return to The View
In 2014, O'Donnell returned to The View but left after five months due to personal issues.
2014: Recurring Role on The Fosters
In 2014, Rosie O'Donnell landed a recurring role as Rita Hendricks on The Fosters, playing a compassionate woman working for the foster care system, lasting through the 2016 season.
February 6, 2015: Exit from The View
On February 6, 2015, Rosie O'Donnell's representatives confirmed her exit from The View, citing health and personal life reasons.
February 2015: Filing for Divorce
In February 2015, Rosie O'Donnell filed for divorce from Michelle Rounds after two years of marriage.
April 2015: Appearance in Roseanne For President!
In April 2015, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in Roseanne For President!, a film about Roseanne Barr's 2012 presidential bid, alongside Michael Moore and Sandra Bernhard.
August 2015: Daughter Goes Missing
In August 2015, Rosie O'Donnell tweeted that her 17-year-old daughter, Chelsea, had gone missing from their home in Nyack along with her therapy dog. Chelsea was found a week later in Barnegat, New Jersey.
September 2015: Appearance in Everything Is Copy
In September 2015, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the documentary Everything Is Copy, a film by Jacob Bernstein about his mother Nora Ephron.
2015: Death of Edward Joseph O'Donnell
In 2015, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, Rosie O'Donnell's father, passed away.
November 2016: Joining the Cast of SMILF
In November 2016, Showtime announced that Rosie O'Donnell had joined the cast of the comedy pilot SMILF.
2016: Resuming Drinking
Following President Trump's first election victory in 2016, Rosie O'Donnell resumed drinking alcohol to cope with depression.
2016: Appearances in Mom, Match Game, The $100,000 Pyramid, and Hairspray Live!
In 2016, Rosie O'Donnell appeared in the CBS series Mom as Jeanine, was a regular panelist on Match Game, competed on The $100,000 Pyramid, and played the gym teacher in Hairspray Live!
2016: The Fosters Season Finale
Rosie O'Donnell's character, Rita Hendricks, lasted through the 2016 season of The Fosters.
September 15, 2017: Death of Michelle Rounds
On September 15, 2017, Michelle Rounds, ex-wife of Rosie O'Donnell, died by suicide.
November 5, 2017: Premiere of SMILF
On November 5, 2017, the series SMILF aired, with Rosie O'Donnell receiving critical acclaim for her portrayal of Tutu.
2017: Starring in SMILF
In 2017, O'Donnell began starring in the Showtime comedy series SMILF.
April 3, 2019: Joining the Cast of I Know This Much Is True
On April 3, 2019, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would play the role of Lisa Sheffer in the HBO series I Know This Much Is True.
2019: End of SMILF
In 2019, O'Donnell concluded her starring role on the Showtime comedy series SMILF.
June 15, 2021: Starred in American Gigolo reboot
On June 15, 2021, it was announced that Rosie O'Donnell would star as Detective Sunday, alongside Jon Bernthal, in a series reboot of American Gigolo on Showtime, premiering in 2022.
2022: Voice Acting and TV Appearances in 2022
In 2022, Rosie O'Donnell voiced the role of the MTA subway announcements in the second season of the Netflix series Russian Doll starring Natasha Lyonne, and appeared as Vi in the Amazon Prime Video series A League of Their Own (2022).
2023: Contributor to The Advocate
In 2023, O'Donnell started as a regular contributor to The Advocate magazine, further cementing her role as an advocate.
September 2024: Chelsea's First Arrest
In September 2024, Chelsea 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's Second Arrest
In October 2024, Chelsea 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's Third Arrest
In November 2024, Chelsea was arrested a third time, again 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: Relocation to Ireland
In March 2025, Rosie O'Donnell revealed that she had moved to Ireland with her child, Clay, in January, citing political concerns and personal well-being.
July 2025: Trump Threatens Citizenship Revocation
In July 2025, Donald Trump threatened to revoke O'Donnell's U.S.-born birthright citizenship.
July 2025: Citizenship Threat
In July 2025, Trump threatened to revoke US-born Rosie O'Donnell's birthright US citizenship after her move to Ireland.
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