Rosie O’Donnell, a multi-talented comedian, actress, author, and talk show host, has carved out an illustrious career in the entertainment industry. With a current net worth estimated at $80 million, O’Donnell’s journey from stand-up stages to Hollywood and daytime television is nothing short of remarkable. Born on March 21, 1962, she has consistently reinvented herself, balancing success across various media platforms.
Early Life and Education
Rosie O’Donnell, originally named Roseann O’Donnell, was born in Commack, Long Island, New York. She was the third of five children in a close-knit Irish-American family. Her parents, Edward Joseph O’Donnell, an electrical engineer, and Roseann Teresa, a homemaker, played significant roles in shaping her early years. Unfortunately, O’Donnell faced a major tragedy when she lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of ten, an event that deeply impacted her life.
O’Donnell attended Commack High School, where she displayed a dynamic personality. She was voted homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown, reflecting her popularity and charismatic nature. Although she pursued higher education at Dickinson College and later Boston University, she ultimately dropped out to pursue a career in entertainment.
Career Beginnings: Stand-Up and Television
Rosie O’Donnell’s entry into show business started with stand-up comedy. Between 1979 and 1984, she performed in various comedy clubs before making a significant breakthrough on “Star Search” in 1984. Her victory on the show opened doors for television opportunities. She made her debut in 1986 on the NBC sitcom “Gimme a Break!” and later became a VH1 veejay, hosting “Stand-Up Spotlight” in 1988.
Hollywood Success and Breakthrough Roles
O’Donnell transitioned into film in the early ’90s, making a remarkable debut in “A League of Their Own” (1992) alongside Tom Hanks, Madonna, and Geena Davis. This was followed by memorable roles in films like “Sleepless in Seattle” (1993), “The Flintstones” (1994) as Betty Rubble, “Exit to Eden” (1994), “Beautiful Girls” (1996), and “Wide Awake” (1998). Her voice work as Terk in Disney’s “Tarzan” (1999) further showcased her versatility.
“The Rosie O’Donnell Show” and Talk Show Reign
In 1996, O’Donnell reached a new level of fame with her daytime talk show, “The Rosie O’Donnell Show”. The program, which ran until 2002, was a massive success, winning multiple Emmy Awards. Her engaging and warm personality earned her the nickname “The Queen of Nice.” The show frequently promoted Broadway musicals, and O’Donnell was an advocate for various causes, including gun control, particularly after the Columbine school shooting in 1999.
“The View” and Later Talk Shows
In 2006, O’Donnell joined “The View”, replacing Meredith Vieira. Her tenure was marked by passionate debates on political and social issues, leading to a 27% ratings boost for the show. However, her outspoken nature led to her departure in 2007 after failing to reach a contract agreement with ABC.
She later hosted “Rosie Radio” on Sirius XM Radio from 2009 to 2011 and launched “The Rosie Show” on Oprah Winfrey’s OWN network in 2011, though it ended in 2012. O’Donnell made a brief return to “The View” in 2014, but left in 2015, citing personal reasons, including health concerns.
Acting and Television Appearances
Beyond her hosting duties, O’Donnell continued acting, appearing in popular shows like “Bomb Girls” (2013), “Smash” (2013), “Impractical Jokers” (2013), “The Fosters” (2014-2016), “Empire” (2015), “Mom” (2016), and “SMILF” (2017-2019). Her ability to adapt to different roles kept her relevant in Hollywood.
Other Ventures: Books and Business
O’Donnell has also made her mark as a published author. She released multiple books, including the children’s book “Kids Are Punny” (1997) and memoirs “Find Me” (2002) and “Celebrity Detox” (2007). Additionally, she co-founded R Family Vacations, a travel company catering to LGBTQ+ families, with her former partner Kelli Carpenter.
Personal Life and Family
Rosie O’Donnell has been open about her personal life, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. She has been married multiple times, first to Kelli Carpenter (2004-2007) and later to Michelle Rounds (2012-2015), who tragically passed away in 2017. She has five children and remains an active voice on social and political issues.
Real Estate Portfolio
O’Donnell has been a savvy real estate investor, buying and selling multiple high-profile properties:
- Miami’s Star Island (1999) – Purchased for $6.75M, sold in 2003 for $16.5M. The property was listed in 2024 for $54M.
- Saddle River, NJ (2013) – Bought for $6.375M, later sold in 2021 at a $1M loss.
- West Palm Beach, FL (2015) – Bought for $5M, sold in 2018.
- New York City (2017) – Purchased a triplex condo for $8M, listed for $7.5M in 2024.
- Nyack, NY – Owns a 2.4-acre compound, parts of which she has sold since 2017.