Rosie O’Donnell Biography: Roseann O’Donnell, born on March 21, 1962, is a prominent American talk show host, comedian, and actress. She launched her comedy career during her teenage years and gained national attention after her appearance on Star Search in 1984. Following several roles in both film and television that boosted her public profile, O’Donnell went on to host her own daytime talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show, from 1996 to 2002. The show was a major success, earning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and helping her earn the nickname “Queen of Nice” for her warm on-screen persona and generous philanthropic efforts. In 2002, O’Donnell publicly came out as a lesbian and became a strong advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and adoption rights for same-sex couples.
Rosie O’Donnell Biography
Rosie O’Donnell was born into a large Irish-American family in Commack, Long Island, as the third of five children. Her parents were Roseann Teresa (Murtha) and Edward Joseph O’Donnell, an electrical engineer who worked in the defense industry. Tragically, her mother passed away when Rosie was just 10 years old. As a child, she often turned to television for comfort, spending much of her time watching it. After dropping out of college at 18, O’Donnell began building her entertainment career with appearances on shows like Gimme a Break! (1981) and by producing and hosting Stand-Up Spotlight (1988). She later gained widespread recognition for her approachable and relatable style as the host of her own daytime talk show, The Rosie O’Donnell Show (1996).
Rosie O’Donnell Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Roseann O’Donnell
March 21, 1962 Commack, New York, U.S.
|
|---|---|
| Education | Dickinson College Boston University |
| Occupation(s) | Television presenter, comedian, actress |
| Years active | 1979–present |
| Spouses |
Kelli Carpenter (m. 2004; void. 2004)
Michelle Rounds (m. 2012; div. 2015)
|
| Children | 5 |
| Relatives | Daniel J. O’Donnell (brother) |
| Category | Singers Bio |
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About Rosie O’Donnell
Roseann O’Donnell is an American talk show host, comedian, and actress. She began her comedy career as a teenager and received her breakthrough on the television series Star Search in 1984.
Rosie O’Donnell Wiki
- Born: 21 March 1962 (age 63 years), Commack, New York, United States
- Spouse: Michelle Rounds (m. 2012–2016), Kelli Carpenter (m. 2004–2004)
- Children: Chelsea Belle O’Donnell, Vivienne Rose O’Donnell, Blake Christopher O’Donnell, Parker Jaren O’Donnell
- Siblings: Daniel J. O’Donnell, Edward O’Donnell, Timothy O’Donnell, Maureen O’Donnell
- Height: 1.7 m
- Parents: Roseann Teresa Murtha, Edward Joseph O’Donnell
Early Life
Rosie O’Donnell was born in Commack, New York, to Roseann Teresa (née Murtha), a homemaker, and Edward Joseph O’Donnell, an electrical engineer working in the defense sector. Her father immigrated to the United States from County Donegal, Ireland, during his childhood, while her mother was of Irish-American descent. O’Donnell has spoken openly about the challenges in her upbringing, revealing that she and her siblings were victims of sexual abuse by their father. She has described her family background as one marked by “generational abuse and alcoholism,” noting that it was shaped by numerous tragedies and early losses.
Raised in a Roman Catholic household, Rosie is the third of five children. Her brother, Daniel J. O’Donnell, made history as the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly. Rosie faced a major personal loss when her mother passed away from breast cancer on March 17, 1973, just days before her 11th birthday. Despite these hardships, she was active and well-liked during her time at Commack High School, where she was voted homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown.
Rosie O’Donnell Facts
Where does Rosie O’Donnell live? And how much money does Rosie O’Donnell earn?
| Birth Date | 21-3-1962 |
| Heritage/origin | American |
| Ethnicity | White |
| Religion – believes in God? | Christian |
| Residence | She owns a house in Saddle River, New Jersey, United States. |
Rosie O’Donnell Net Worth 2025
| Estimated Net Worth | 80 million Dollar |
| Yearly Salary | 5 million |
Rosie O’Donnell: Wife, Dating, Family & Friends
| Relationship status | Married (Since 2012) |
| Sexuality | Gay (Lesbian) |
| Current Wife of Rosie O’Donnell | Michelle Rounds |
| Ex-girlfriends or ex-wives | Kelli Carpenter-O’Donnell |
| Expecting a baby? | She is not pregnant |
| Has any kids? | Yes, mother of: Blake, Chelsea, Parker, Vivienne |
Height, Weight, Body Measurements, Tattoos, Skin, Hair & Eye Color
This friendly fun clever comedian originating from New York, United States has a chubby body & round face type.
| Hair color | Dark brown |
| Hairstyle | alternative |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Height | 166 cm |
| Weight | 82 kilo |
| Bra-size | 34D |
| Feet size | N/A |
| Does Rosie O’Donnell smoke? | No, never |
| Does Rosie O’Donnell have a tattoo? | No |
FAQs
What inspired Rosie O’Donnell to pursue a career in comedy?
Rosie O’Donnell discovered her passion for comedy during high school when she performed a skit impersonating Gilda Radner’s character Roseanne Roseannadanna. This early performance sparked her interest in the entertainment industry and set the stage for her future career in stand-up and television.
What challenges did Rosie O’Donnell face during her childhood?
Rosie O’Donnell experienced significant personal hardship growing up, including the death of her mother from breast cancer when she was just 10 years old. She has also spoken publicly about enduring sexual abuse by her father and growing up in a family environment affected by generational trauma and alcoholism.
Did Rosie O’Donnell complete her college education?
No, Rosie O’Donnell did not complete her college education. She initially attended Dickinson College, later transferred to Boston University, but eventually dropped out to pursue a full-time career in comedy and entertainment.
What was Rosie O’Donnell’s family background like?
Rosie comes from a large Irish-American family. Her father immigrated from Ireland, and she is one of five siblings. Her brother, Daniel J. O’Donnell, is a notable political figure and was the first openly gay man elected to the New York State Assembly.
How did Rosie O’Donnell’s high school peers view her?
During her time at Commack High School, Rosie O’Donnell was a standout student and very popular among her peers. She was voted homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, and class clown, showcasing her charisma and leadership qualities early on.
How did Rosie O’Donnell’s upbringing influence her career and advocacy?
Rosie’s difficult childhood and personal experiences have deeply influenced her career path and activism. Her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, child welfare, and mental health awareness is often rooted in her own journey and challenges growing up.