Who is Rosie O Donnell? Biography & Net Worth

Rosie O’Donnell, born March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York, is a celebrated actress, comedian, talk show host, and activist.

Best known for The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996–2002) and her time on The View (2006–07; 2014–15), O’Donnell has made a lasting impact on television, film, and advocacy work.

Early Life and Comedy Career

O’Donnell’s comedic talents emerged early, partly as a coping mechanism after losing her mother at age 10. Her humor made her popular in high school, where she was elected homecoming queen, senior class president, and prom queen.

After starting college at Dickinson College and later studying drama at Boston University, O’Donnell left school to pursue stand-up comedy. She gained national attention as a five-time champion on the talent show Star Search, which paved the way for her Hollywood career.

Film and Stage Career

O’Donnell made her film debut in A League of Their Own (1992), playing the comic best friend—a role that would define much of her early film career. She went on to star in:

• Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
• Another Stakeout (1993)
• The Flintstones (1994)
• Now and Then (1995)
• Beautiful Girls (1996)

She took a bold turn in Exit to Eden (1994), playing a dominatrix, but the film and her role were poorly received. However, she found success on stage, earning acclaim as Rizzo in Broadway’s Grease! (1994).

The Rosie O’Donnell Show: A Game-Changer in Daytime TV

In 1996, O’Donnell launched The Rosie O’Donnell Show, a celebrity-filled talk-variety program that became a massive hit. Known for her authenticity, pop culture enthusiasm, and humor, she won an Emmy Award for Best Talk Show Host in its first season.

She also ventured into publishing with Rosie’s McCall’s magazine (later called Rosie) in 2000, but after creative differences, she left the publication in 2002.

Controversy and Return to Television

O’Donnell joined The View in 2006, where her outspoken liberal stance and clashes with Elisabeth Hasselbeck over President George W. Bush and the Iraq War made headlines. She also had a high-profile feud with Donald Trump, leading to an explosive tenure before leaving in 2007.

She later had roles in TV series like:

• Queer as Folk
• Nip/Tuck
• The Fosters
• Mom
• SMILF

O’Donnell hosted another talk show, The Rosie Show (2011–12), on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network, and briefly returned to The View (2014–15).

In 2016, she appeared in Hairspray Live!, and in 2020, she played a social worker in the HBO miniseries I Know This Much Is True.