Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell 2

American comedian, actress, and television personality

Rosie O'Donnell

Name	Rosie O'Donnell
Birth name
Birth date	Birth date -1st March 1966
Birth place	Commack, New York, U.S.
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Comedian, actress, television personality, author
Years active	1979–present
Organization
Known for
Notable works
Spouse(s)
Website

Roseann O'Donnell (born March 21, 1962) is an American comedian, actress, television personality, and author. She has been a prominent figure in the entertainment industry since the late 1970s.

Early Life

Rosie O'Donnell was born in Commack, New York, to parents Edward Joseph O'Donnell and Roseann Teresa Murtha. She is of Irish descent and was raised Roman Catholic. O'Donnell lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of ten, an event that had a profound impact on her life.

Career

Stand-Up Comedy

O'Donnell began her career as a stand-up comedian, performing in various clubs and gaining recognition for her quick wit and relatable humor. Her big break came when she appeared on the television show Star Search in 1984, where she won multiple rounds.

Acting

O'Donnell transitioned into acting with roles in films such as A League of Their Own (1992), Sleepless in Seattle (1993), and The Flintstones (1994). She also appeared in the television series Gimme a Break! and Stand by Your Man.

The Rosie O'Donnell Show

In 1996, O'Donnell launched The Rosie O'Donnell Show, a daytime talk show that became immensely popular. The show won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and was known for its light-hearted, fun atmosphere and O'Donnell's enthusiastic personality.

The View

O'Donnell joined the cast of The View in 2006, bringing her outspoken and often controversial opinions to the show. Her tenure on The View was marked by several high-profile disagreements with co-hosts and guests.

Other Work

In addition to her work in comedy and television, O'Donnell has written several books, including her memoir Find Me and the children's book Kids Are Punny. She has also been involved in various Broadway productions, both as a performer and producer.

Personal Life

O'Donnell is openly lesbian and has been an advocate for LGBT rights. She has five children and has been involved in various charitable activities, particularly those related to adoption and foster care.

Philanthropy

O'Donnell is the founder of Rosie's Theater Kids, an organization that provides arts education to underserved children in New York City. She has also been involved in numerous other charitable endeavors, including support for Hurricane Katrina victims and advocacy for gun control.

Awards and Honors

Throughout her career, O'Donnell has received numerous awards, including several Emmy Awards and a Tony Award for her contributions to the theater community.

See Also

• List of American comedians
• List of LGBT rights activists
• List of people from New York