Rosie O'Donnell

The Rosie O'Donnell Show, an American daytime television talk show hosted by actress and comedian Rosie O'Donnell, premiered on June 10, 1996. The show was praised for its light-hearted, comedic approach and for its promotion of music, Broadway, and children's issues. It ran for six seasons, winning multiple Daytime Emmy Awards and establishing O'Donnell as a 'Queen of Nice' in the media.

After six successful seasons, The Rosie O'Donnell Show aired its final episode on September 27, 2002. Rosie O'Donnell decided to end the show to focus on her family and other charitable endeavors. The show's end marked the conclusion of an era of daytime television, as O'Donnell had become known for her approachable personality and for giving away numerous prizes to her audience.

Rosie O'Donnell joined the daytime talk show The View as a moderator on September 5, 2006. Her tenure on the show was marked by significant attention and controversy, particularly due to her outspoken views on political and social issues. The dynamics between the co-hosts, especially between O'Donnell and fellow co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, became a focal point for media coverage.

Rosie O'Donnell left The View abruptly on May 25, 2007, following a heated on-air dispute with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. O'Donnell's departure was a result of ongoing disagreements and controversies, with tensions escalating during discussions about political issues such as the Iraq War. Her exit led to significant media coverage and discussions about the nature of televised debate.

On November 4, 2009, Rosie O'Donnell made her Broadway debut in the play 'Love, Loss, and What I Wore' written by Nora and Delia Ephron. The play, which deals with women's memories evoked by clothing and accessories, featured a rotating cast of actresses and became a commercial success. O'Donnell joined the production for several performances, adding her comedic flair to the narrative.

The Rosie Show, a talk show hosted by Rosie O'Donnell on the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), was cancelled on March 19, 2012. The show had premiered in October 2011 but failed to garner significant ratings, leading to its cancellation. Despite the setback, O'Donnell continued her public endeavors and advocacy, focusing on issues such as adoption and LGBT rights.

Rosie O'Donnell returned to the daytime talk show The View on October 9, 2014, after a seven-year absence. Her second stint on the show was part of a major revamping effort by the producers. Despite her previous controversies, O'Donnell's return generated significant interest and discussion. She was seen as a key figure in efforts to boost the show's ratings and shake up its panel dynamics.

On February 12, 2015, Rosie O'Donnell announced her departure from The View for a second time. Citing personal reasons and a desire to focus on her family, O'Donnell left the show amidst ongoing changes in the panel and production. Her exit highlighted challenges faced by the program in maintaining a stable lineup and dealing with varying public expectations for its hosts.

Rosie O'Donnell starred in the television series SMILF beginning on March 13, 2017. She played the role of Tutu, the mother of the main character, in this Showtime comedy-drama. O'Donnell's performance was widely praised and marked a significant return to acting in a regular TV role. The series addressed issues of single motherhood, poverty, and societal expectations.

Rosie O'Donnell publicly came out as gay during a comedy special aired on April 7, 2022. Although she had been open about her sexuality in various forums since the early 2000s, this stand-up special allowed her to revisit and address her personal journey and experiences over the years. Her announcement was celebrated by fans and highlighted her role as a prominent advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.