Who is Rosie O’Donnell?
Rosie O’Donnell (born Roseann O’Donnell on March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York) is an Emmy-winning comedian, actress, talk show host, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Over her decades-long career, Rosie has become a household name, not just for her quick wit and charm but also for her outspoken views, philanthropy, and unwavering advocacy for social justice and children’s rights.
From her early rise in stand-up comedy to hosting The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and later becoming a fierce political voice, Rosie has continuously evolved, proving she’s more than just a celebrity; she’s a cultural force.
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Roseann O’Donnell |
| Stage Name | Rosie O’Donnell |
| Date of Birth | March 21, 1962 |
| Place of Birth | Commack, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Comedian, Actress, Talk Show Host, Activist |
| Years Active | 1979 – Present |
| Net Worth (2025) | $80–125 Million USD |
| Sexual Orientation | Lesbian |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Children | 5 (Adopted) |
| Residence (2025) | New York & Ireland |
| Known For | The Rosie O’Donnell Show, activism, comedy |
Rosie O’Donnell Early Life
Rosie was born into an Irish-American Catholic family as the third of five children. Her father, Edward Joseph O’Donnell, was an electrical engineer, and her mother, Roseann Teresa, died of breast cancer when Rosie was just 10 years old. This tragic loss had a deep impact on her and shaped her comedic and emotional expression in later years.
She attended Commack High School, where she was voted class clown and homecoming queen. She later dropped out of Dickinson College and briefly attended Boston University before diving into stand-up comedy full-time.
Rosie O’Donnell Career
Stand-up & TV Beginnings (1980s–1990s)
- Rosie began her career in stand-up comedy in the early 1980s, winning Star Search in 1984.
- This led to appearances on TV shows like Gimme a Break! and roles in movies including:
- A League of Their Own (1992)
- Sleepless in Seattle (1993)
- Now and Then (1995)
The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996–2002)
- Rosie rose to national fame with The Rosie O’Donnell Show, which earned multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.
- Known as the “Queen of Nice,” she brought warmth, humor, and a focus on family-friendly content.
- Her interviews were famously spontaneous and often filled with Broadway love and giveaways.
Later TV & Film Work
- Co-hosted The View (2006–2007, 2014), where she stirred political discourse and challenged norms.
- Acted in:
- SMILF (2017–2019) as Tutu
- The Fosters and its spin-off Good Trouble
- American Gigolo (2022)
Podcasting & Writing
- Hosted SiriusXM’s Rosie Radio
- Authored books like Find Me (2002) and Celebrity Detox (2007), revealing deeply personal and political stories.
Activism & Advocacy
Rosie is a passionate LGBTQ+ rights advocate, especially for same-sex adoption and mental health awareness. She publicly came out as a lesbian in 2002, during the peak of her television success. Some of her advocacy highlights:
- Founder of Rosie’s Theater Kids, a nonprofit that provides free theater education to underserved NYC children.
- Vocal critic of gun violence, racism, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
- Opened Rosie’s Family Cruise, the first cruise catering to LGBTQ+ families.
Her philanthropy, especially for children and education, remains central to her identity.
Rosie O’Donnell Family
Rosie has five children from two previous relationships and adoptions.
| Relation | Name | Notes |
| Mother | Roseann Teresa | Homemaker; died of breast cancer (1973) |
| Father | Edward J. O’Donnell | Electrical engineer |
| Siblings | Daniel, Maureen, etc. | She has four siblings |
| Ex-Wife | Kelli Carpenter | Married 2004–2007; adopted children together |
| Ex-Wife | Michelle Rounds | Married 2012–2015; adopted one daughter |
| Children | 5 total | Parker, Chelsea, Blake, Vivienne, Dakota |
She is currently not publicly in a relationship and lives between the U.S. and Ireland as of 2025.
🇮🇪 Recent Move & Controversy (2025)
In early 2025, Rosie relocated to Ireland with her youngest daughter. She cited increasing political hostility and concerns over safety for LGBTQ+ families as reasons.
On July 12, 2025, President Donald Trump publicly threatened to revoke her U.S. citizenship, calling her a “threat to humanity.” Legal experts quickly dismissed the claim as unconstitutional. Rosie responded on Instagram with humor and defiance, sharing a meme mocking Trump’s links to Jeffrey Epstein.
This revived their decades-long feud and sparked widespread debate about political speech and constitutional rights.
Rosie O’Donnell Social Media
Rosie is active and outspoken on social platforms:
| Platform | Handle | Notable For |
| @rosie | Personal posts, activism, humor | |
| Twitter/X | @Rosie | Political commentary, viral responses |
| TikTok | @Rosie | Occasionally reposted content |
She regularly uses social media to call out injustice, support LGBTQ+ youth, and share glimpses into her life.
Rosie O’Donnell Net Worth
Rosie has accumulated wealth through TV, film, real estate, and publishing:
| Income Source | Estimate |
| TV Hosting & Acting | $40M+ |
| Real Estate Holdings | $15M+ |
| Book Sales & Royalties | $5M+ |
| Syndication & Investments | $20M+ |
| Total Net Worth | $80M – $125M (as of 2025) |
Rosie O’Donnell Physical Appearance
| Attribute | Details |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | Approx. 190 lbs (86 kg) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown (graying) |
| Eye Color | Hazel |
| Build | Average/Plus-size |
| Style | Casual, outspoken, expressive |
| Distinctive Features | Wide smile, confident presence |
Interesting Facts about Rosie O’Donnell
- Won Star Search in 1984, launching her comedy career.
- Had a famous feud with Donald Trump that spanned two decades.
- Was once dubbed “The Queen of Nice” before shifting to political activism.
- Performed on Broadway in Grease and Fiddler on the Roof.
- Adopted five children and is a strong voice for foster care reform.
- Collects McDonald’s Happy Meal toys.
- Survived a heart attack in 2012 and became a heart health advocate.
- Recently expressed interest in becoming an Irish citizen.
FAQs About Rosie O’Donnell
Q1. Who is Rosie O’Donnell?
She is an American comedian, TV host, and activist known for The Rosie O’Donnell Show and her LGBTQ+ advocacy.
Q2. How many children does she have?
She has five children, all adopted from two previous marriages.
Q3. Why did she move to Ireland?
To seek a more inclusive environment amid rising U.S. political hostility.
Q4. What was her feud with Donald Trump about?
It began in 2006 over Miss USA remarks and escalated into years of public insults.
Q5. Has she won any major awards?
Yes, including Daytime Emmy Awards for her talk show and humanitarian recognition.
Q6. What is her net worth?
Estimated between $80–125 million as of 2025.
Q7. Is she still active in showbiz?
Yes, she appears in occasional acting roles and remains active online and in public speaking.
Q8. Is she planning to renounce U.S. citizenship?
No, but she’s exploring dual citizenship in Ireland.
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