Rosie O’Donnell is an American comedian, actress, producer, author, and television personality who has a net worth of $120 million as of 2023. She is best known for hosting her own syndicated talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002, and for being a co-host on the daytime talk show The View from 2006 to 2007 and from 2014 to 2015.
She has also appeared in several films and television shows, such as A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, Tarzan, The Flintstones, SMILF, and The L Word: Generation Q. She is also an outspoken advocate for lesbian rights, gay adoption, and various social causes.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Background and Early Life
Early Life and Upbringing
Rosie O’Donnell was born Roseann O’Donnell on March 21, 1962, in Commack, Long Island, New York. She is the third of five children of Roseann Teresa (Murtha) and Edward Joseph O’Donnell, an electrical engineer who worked in the defense industry. Her father was an Irish immigrant from County Donegal, and her mother was of Irish descent. She was raised Roman Catholic.
She lost her mother to breast cancer when she was 10 years old. She said that she watched TV nearly 24 hours a day to cope with the loss. She developed an interest in comedy and entertainment at a young age. She was voted homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown at Commack High School.
Educational Background
After graduating high school in 1980, O’Donnell attended Dickinson College in Pennsylvania for a year. She then transferred to Boston University but dropped out after a semester. She decided to pursue a career in stand-up comedy instead.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Career
Stand-up Comedy and Early Work
O’Donnell began her comedy career as a teenager and performed at various clubs and venues. She got her breakthrough on the television series Star Search in 1984, where she won five times. She then landed roles in several television shows and films, such as Gimme a Break!, Stand By Your Man, A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, Another Stakeout, The Flintstones, Exit to Eden, Now and Then, Beautiful Girls, Harriet the Spy, and The Twilight of the Golds. She also did voice work for animated films such as Tarzan and Rugrats in Paris: The Movie.
The Rosie O’Donnell Show
In 1996, O’Donnell launched her own syndicated daytime talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show. The show was a hit with audiences and critics alike. It featured celebrity interviews, musical performances, comedy segments, games, giveaways, and social commentary. It also showcased O’Donnell’s love for Broadway musicals, pop culture trivia, children’s books, and celebrities such as Tom Cruise and Barbra Streisand. The show won several Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show and Outstanding Talk Show Host. During this period, O’Donnell earned the nickname “Queen of Nice” for her friendly and generous personality. She also used the show as a platform to raise awareness and funds for various charitable causes. She donated millions of dollars to children’s organizations, breast cancer research, AIDS prevention, animal rights groups, and other causes. She also encouraged celebrities on her show to take part in her philanthropic efforts.
O’Donnell ended her talk show in 2002 after six seasons. She said that she wanted to spend more time with her family and focus on other projects. She also said that she felt restricted by the format of the show and wanted to express her opinions more freely.
The View
In 2006, O’Donnell joined the daytime talk show The View as a co-host and moderator. She replaced Meredith Vieira who left the show to join Today. O’Donnell brought new energy and controversy to the show with her outspoken views on politics, current events, religion, sexuality, and entertainment. She often clashed with her co-hosts Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Joy Behar over their differing opinions on topics such as the Iraq War, the Bush administration, abortion rights, gun control, gay marriage, and Donald Trump. She also had heated debates with guests such as Bill O’Reilly, Kelly Ripa, Danny DeVito, Clay Aiken, Star Jones, and Tom Selleck. Her tenure on the show was marked by high ratings, media attention, and public interest.
O’Donnell left The View in 2007 after one season. She said that she could not agree on a contract renewal with the network and that she felt uncomfortable with the direction of the show. She also said that she had a breakdown after a heated argument with Hasselbeck on air over the Iraq War. She later revealed that she suffered from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of her experience on the show.
The Rosie Show and blog
In 2009, O’Donnell launched her own radio show, Rosie Radio, on Sirius XM Radio. The show featured interviews, music, comedy, and personal stories from O’Donnell and her listeners. She also started a blog, Rosie.com, where she posted videos, photos, poems, and opinions on various topics. She also used the blog to interact with her fans and answer their questions.
In 2011, O’Donnell returned to television with a new talk show, The Rosie Show, on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. The show was similar to her previous talk show but with more focus on human interest stories, lifestyle topics, and social issues. The show also featured celebrity guests such as Russell Brand, Gloria Steinem, Wanda Sykes, Chelsea Handler, and Oprah Winfrey. However, the show failed to attract a large audience and was canceled after one season.
The Fosters and Return to The View
In 2014, O’Donnell made a comeback to television with a recurring role on the ABC Family drama series The Fosters. She played Rita Hendricks, a social worker who runs a group home for foster children. She received positive reviews for her performance and was nominated for a Critics’ Choice Television Award for Best Guest Performer in a Drama Series. She also returned to The View as a co-host for its 18th season. She joined Whoopi Goldberg, Nicolle Wallace, and Rosie Perez on the panel. However, she left the show again in 2015 after five months. She said that she wanted to focus on her health and family issues. She also said that she had a heart attack in 2012 and was diagnosed with a rare hormonal disorder called desmoid tumors.
Return to Acting
O’Donnell returned to acting in 2017 as a SMILF star. She portrayed Tutu, Bridgette’s quirky mother, a single mother in Boston trying to manage her personal and professional life. The sitcom was highly lauded and nominated for multiple accolades, including two Golden Globes for Shaw for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy and Best Actress. Her portrayal earned O’Donnell a Critics’ Choice Television Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. The show aired for two seasons till 2019.
O’Donnell starred in the 2020 HBO miniseries I Know This Much Is True, based on Wally Lamb’s book. She portrayed Lisa Sheffer, a social professional who aids Dominick (Mark Ruffalo), a paranoid schizophrenic twin brother. She also appeared in the Showtime sequel The L Word: Generation Q. She portrayed Carrie, a public defender engaged to Bette’s ex-wife Tina (Laurel Holloman).
Rosie O’Donnell’s Personal Life
Sexual Orientation
O’Donnell came out as a lesbian at Caroline’s Comedy Club’s 2002 Ovarian Cancer Research fundraiser. She revealed her sexuality after the September 11 attacks made her realize life is too short to conceal. She claimed she wanted to be honest with them and promote LGBT rights.
She spoke up for homosexual adoption and lesbian rights. The Trevor Project, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, Family Equality Council, and R Family Vacations were among the LGBT organizations and activities she sponsored. She was selected The Advocate’s Person of the Year in 2002 and earned the GLAAD Media Award, Human Rights Campaign Ally for Equality Award, and Point Foundation Courage Award for her work.
Marriages and Children
O’Donnell has five children from two marriages. In 2004, she married former Nickelodeon marketing executive Kelli Carpenter in San Francisco. They have four children: Parker (1995), Chelsea (1997), Blake (1999), and Vivienne (2002). Artificial insemination using Carpenter’s egg and an unnamed donor’s sperm created Vivienne. O’Donnell and Carpenter divorced in 2010 after separating in 2007.
O’Donnell started dating New York headhunter Michelle Rounds in 2011. They married privately in June 2012 after being engaged in 2012. Daughter Dakota (born 2013) was adopted from Texas. O’Donnell and Rounds divorced in 2016 after separating in 2014. In 2017, Rounds seemed to have committed suicide.
O’Donnell began dating Boston police officer and Army veteran Elizabeth Rooney in 2017. They split up in 2019 after getting engaged in 2018.
Health
Throughout her life, O’Donnell has experienced health challenges. After her mother’s death, she was diagnosed with depression and started taking medicine. She has anxiety, sleeplessness, and night terrors. She has openly discussed her mental health issues and urged others to get assistance.
O’Donnell disregarded a 2012 heart attack. She then learnt that one of her arteries was 99 percent blocked in the hospital. She got an angioplasty and stent to clear the obstruction. Her diet and lifestyle improved to enhance her heart health. She stated she was fortunate to survive the heart attack and advised ladies to know the signs and risk factors.
In 2018, O’Donnell reported that she developed desmoid tumors, a rare hormonal condition that may grow rapidly and harm surrounding tissues and organs. She reported that her disease was under control and under treatment. She also supported the Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation to raise cash and awareness.
Rosie O’Donnell’s Net Worth
Overview of her Net Worth
In 2023 Rosie O’Donnell’s net worth is $120 million. One of the world’s wealthiest and most successful comedians and TV celebrities. Her wealth came from hosting talk programs, appearing in movies and TV shows, producing shows and movies, authoring books, doing voice work, and doing stand-up comedy. Merchandising, licensing, endorsements, and investments have also paid her.
Sources of Income
Her talk programs, The Rosie O’Donnell Show and The View, are her principal revenue. She made $20 million each year presenting The Rosie O’Donnell Show from 1996 to 2002. She made $10 million per year co-hosting The View from 2006 to 2007 and 2014 to 2015. She made $5 million presenting The Rosie Show on OWN from 2011 to 2012.
O’Donnell also earned money from performing in movies and TV. She appeared in over 30 films, including A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, The Flintstones, Exit to Eden, Now and Then, Harriet the Spy, Tarzan, Rugrats in Paris: The Movie, I Know This Much Is True, and The L Word: Generation Q. Gimme a Break!, Stand By Your Man, The Fosters, SMILF, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Will & Grace, Nip/Tuck, Drop Dead Diva, Web Therapy, Mom, Difficult People, Match Game, American Dad!, Family Guy, The Simpsons, SpongeBob SquarePants, Sesame Street, All My Children, One Life to Live, Empire, Riverdale, Magnum P.I., and Law & Order: Special Victim have also featured her. Tarzan, Rugrats in Paris: The Movie, Cyberchase, Happily Never After, Ponyo, The Hero of Color City, F is for Family, and Vampirina are among the animated films and series she has voiced. The Rosie O’Donnell Show, The View, Riding the Bus with My Sister, and others have been produced by her. America, A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration, Rosie’s Theater Kids, and The Gidget Chronicles. Find Me, Celebrity Detox, Kids Are Punny, Kids Are Punny 2: More Jokes Sent by Kids to The Rosie O’Donnell Show, and Rosie O’Donnell’s Crafty U are among her books. She has appeared in stand-up comedy specials including HBO Comedy Hour: Rosie O’Donnell, Another Rosie Christmas, A Heartfelt Stand Up, and I’m Still Here. Damn.
O’Donnell has gained money via sponsorships, merchandise, licensing, and investments. She endorses Kmart, L’Oréal, M&Ms, Tylenol, and Weight Watchers. Her own collection includes dolls, periodicals, apparel, accessories, and crafts. She also licenses her name and picture to video games, slot machines, board games, greeting cards, calendars, and cruises. Real estate, equities, bonds, mutual funds, and other investments have she made.
Achievements and Contributions
O’Donnell has won several entertainment awards. She won 11 Daytime Emmys for Outstanding Talk Show and Host for The Rosie O’Donnell Show. She has been nominated for six Primetime Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Variety Series for The Rosie O’Donnell Show, Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series for Will & Grace, Outstanding Made for Television Movie for Riding the Bus with My Sister, Outstanding Nonfiction Special for A Family Is a Family: A Rosie O’Donnell Celebration, Outstanding Variety Special for A Heartfelt Stand Up, and Outstanding Short Form Variety Series for When We Rise: T. For The Rosie O’Donnell Show, she earned a People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Performer in a New TV Series. Sleepless in Seattle and The Flintstones earned her two Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actress. She also earned a Kids’ Choice Award for Favorite Movie Actress for Harriet the Spy. She was nominated for two Grammys for Best Spoken Word Album for Find Me and Celebrity Detox. In 2004, she earned a Hollywood Walk of Fame star.
O’Donnell has supported charities and social movements. She gave millions to children’s charities, breast cancer research, AIDS prevention, animal rights groups, and others. She also supports homosexual adoption and LGBT rights. She also raised money and awareness for Stand Up to Cancer, Comic Relief, Hurricane Katrina Relief, Broadway Barks, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, The Trevor Project, Family Equality Council, R Family Vacations, Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, and March For Our Lives. She has also received the GLAAD Media Award, the Human Rights Campaign Ally for Equality Award, the Point Foundation Courage Award, the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation Award, the Children’s Defense Fund Award, the American Heart Association Woman of Distinction Award, the New York Women in Film & Television Muse Award, the Matrix Award from New York Women in Communications Inc., and the Isabelle Stev.
Current Financial Status
O’Donnell is currently living a comfortable and luxurious life with a net worth of $120 million. She owns several properties across the country, such as a mansion in Nyack, New York; a penthouse in Manhattan; a waterfront home in West Palm Beach, Florida; a farmhouse in Saddle River, New Jersey; and a condo in Chicago. She also owns several cars, such as a Tesla Model S, a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a Toyota Prius, and a Ford Escape Hybrid. She also spends her money on travel, entertainment, shopping, dining, hobbies, and personal care. She also continues to work on various projects in the entertainment industry and to support various causes that are close to her heart.
