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{{succession box
{{succession box
| before=[[Meredith Vieira]]
| before=[[Meredith Vieira]]
| title= ''[[The View]]'' co-host
| title= ''[[The View]]'' moderator
| years= 2006-2007
| years= 2006-2007
| after= currently not filled
| after= [[Whoopi Goldberg]]
}}
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Revision as of 23:21, 1 August 2007

Rosie O'Donnell
O'Donnell at a tailgate party before a Barbra Streisand concert.
Born
Roseann Theresa O'Donnell
Years active1979 - present
Height5 ft 7 in (1.70 m)
SpouseKelli Carpenter
WebsiteRosie.com

Roseann Theresa "Rosie" O'Donnell (born March 21, 1962 in Bayside, Queens, New York) is an 11-time Emmy Award-winning American talk show host, television personality, comedienne, celebrity blogger, film, television, and stage actress.

Early life

O'Donnell was the third of five children born to Edward and Roseann O'Donnell. Four days before her 11th birthday on March 17, 1973, O'Donnell's mother died of breast cancer.[1] She was raised in Commack, New York.

In high school, she began exploring her comic interest beginning with a high school skit in which she imitated Gilda Radner’s character Roseanne Rosannadanna.[1]

After graduating, O'Donnell briefly attended Dickinson College, later transferring to Boston University but dropped out.

Early career

Stand-up/Club Comedienne

O'Donnell toured standup clubs from 1979 to 1984.[2] She got her first big break on Star Search, explaining on Larry King Live:[3]

I was 20 years old, and I was at a comedy club in Long Island. This woman came over to me and she said, I think you're funny. Can you give me your number? My dad is Ed McMahon. I was like, yeah, right. I gave her my father's phone number. I was living at home, I'm like, whatever. And about three days later, the talent booker from Star Search called and said, we're going to fly you out to L.A. [...] I won, like, five weeks in a row. And it gave me national exposure.

TV Career Takes Off

After this success, she moved on to television sitcom comedy, making her series debut as Nell Carter's neighbor on Gimme a Break! in 1986.

O'Donnell at the Emmy Awards in 1992

In 1988, she transferred to VH1, where she hosted Stand-up Spotlight, a showcase for up-and-coming comedians. In 1992 she starred in Stand By Your Man, a Fox Network sitcom co-starring Melissa Gilbert. The show bombed, just as O'Donnell's movie career took off.

Movie Career Takes Off

O'Donnell made her feature film debut in A League Of Their Own alongside Tom Hanks and Madonna. Throughout her career, she has taken on an eclectic range of roles: she appeared in Sleepless in Seattle as Meg Ryan's best friend; Betty Rubble in the live-action film adaptation of The Flintstones with John Goodman; with co-star Timothy Hutton in Beautiful Girls; she voiced a female gorilla in Disney's Tarzan; and played a baseball-loving nun in M. Night Shyamalan's Wide Awake.

The Rosie O'Donnell Show

Further information: The Rosie O'Donnell Show

In 1996, she began hosting a daytime talk show, The Rosie O'Donnell Show. The show proved extremely successful, winning multiple Emmy awards, and earning O'Donnell the title of "The Queen of Nice" for her style of light-hearted banter with her guests and interactions with the audience. As part of her playful banter with her studio audience, O'Donnell often launched koosh balls at the crowd and camera.[4]

With New York City as the show's homebase, O'Donnell displayed her love of Broadway musicals and plays by having cast members as guests, encouraging the audience to see shows, premiering production numbers as well as promoting shows with ticket give-aways. After the 9/11 attacks Broadway and tourism in New York City was down and many shows were in danger of closing. O'Donnell was amongst many in the entertainment field that help the city rebound by encouraging folks to visit and support the performing arts.

On the show, O'Donnell frequently highlighted various charitable projects. After the September 11th terrorist attacks, she announced that she would donate $1 million dollars for aid in the rescue efforts. She encouraged other celebrities and citizens alike to "give till it hurts". In 2002, she left her talk show. The show was then hosted by comedian Caroline Rhea (the show was renamed The Caroline Rhea Show) and ran for one additional season.

Gun control controversies

After the Columbine shootings, O'Donnell became an outspoken supporter of gun control and a major figure in the Million Mom March.[5][6] During the April 19, 1999, broadcast of her talk show, she stated, "You are not allowed to own a gun, and if you do own a gun, I think you should go to prison."[7] O'Donnell has since attempted to reconcile her stance by remarking, "I don't personally own a gun, but if you are qualified, licensed and registered, I have no problem."[8]

On May 19, 1999, a month after the Columbine shootings, O'Donnell interviewed actor Tom Selleck, who was promoting a film The Love Letter. After a commercial break, O'Donnell confronted him about his recent commercial for the NRA and challenged him about the NRA's position on the use of assault rifles. According to Selleck, the two had agreed not to discuss the topic prior to his appearance on the show.[9] O'Donnell maintains that Selleck and his publicist had been informed that the topic would be discussed. She said at the end of the segment the conversation had "not gone the way I had hoped" and added "if you feel insulted by my questions, I apologize, because it was not a personal attack. It was meant to bring up the subject as it is in the consciousness of so many today."[10][11]

Also that month, Bernadette Peters and the rest of the cast from Annie Get Your Gun was to appear for taping and perform the song "Anything You Can Do". O'Donnell insisted that the line "I can shoot a partridge with a single cartridge" be removed from the song. Peters refused, and the cast sang a different song without her.

Later in 1999, O'Donnell discontinued her contract with Kmart as their spokeswoman. Gun enthusiasts complained that she shouldn't be the spokeperson for the largest gun retailer. Kmart employees told the New York Daily News that it was Kmart who terminated the agreement with O'Donnell, which both Kmart and O'Donnell denied publicly.[12]

In May 2000, O'Donnell's bodyguard applied for a concealed firearm permit in Connecticut. O'Donnell stated that it was not she who requested the permit, but Kroll, the security firm through which the guard was hired and was contracted by O'Donnell's employer Warner Brothers. Numerous parents of children who attended the same school as O'Donnell's children expressed their concern about the possibility of O'Donnell's bodyguard being armed while on school grounds. O'Donnell confirmed "the guard does not normally have a gun, but is trained in self-defense techniques. And there was never any intention of his carrying a gun at school." O'Donnell added that because of threats, she and her family -- including 4-year-old Parker who will be attending school next fall -- need protection, which she attributes, ironically, to her "tough gun-control rhetoric".[13][14]

Charitable Works

Charitable Book Deal

In May 1996, Warner Books advanced O'Donnell $3 million to write a memoir. She used the money to seed her For All Kids foundation to help institute national standards for day care across the country. Her memoir, Find Me, was released in April 2002 and became the second highest on the New York Times Bestseller List.[15]

Listerine Charity Kissing

Fineman Associates public relations in San Francisco awarded top prize to Procter & Gamble Co.'s designation of O'Donnell as "unkissable" in a promotion for its Scope mouthwash on the 1997 annual list of the nation's worst public relations blunders.[16] In response to the promotion, the "unkissable" O'Donnell partnered with Warner Lambert's competing mouthwash Listerine who donated bottles of Listerine to the studio audience and agreed to donate $1,000 to charity every time a hosted guest would kiss her up to $500,000 in exchange for O'Donnell plugging their product for free. On occasion, the guests would offer multiple kisses. People reports "She smooched her way to more than $350,000."[17]

Personal contribution

On December 15, 2006, at a one-night charity event on the cruiseship Norwegian Pearl, Elizabeth Birch, Executive Director for the Rosie's For All Kids Foundation, confirmed that $50 million from her five-year contract with O'Donnell's talk show were donated in an irrevocable trust to charity.[18]

"For All Kids" foundation

Since 1997, Rosie's For All Kids Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in Early Childhood Care and Education program grants to over 900 nonprofit organizations.[19] On October 30, 2006, she was honored by the New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.[citation needed] "It's our privilege to be honoring and hosting Rosie," said NYSPCC president David Stack in a statement. "Her Rosie's for All Kids Foundation has awarded more than $22 million in grants to over 1,400 child-related organizations, and that's just one of her many impressive activities on behalf of children."

On November 1, 2006, Nightline aired a video report[20] about the opening of The Children's Plaza and Family Center in Renaissance Village, a FEMA trailer park in Louisiana. This was an emergency response initiative of Rosie's For All Kids Foundation with the help of many local nonprofit organizations and for-profit businesses, all efforts were to assist the families displaced by Hurricane Katrina.

On May 18, 2007, O'Donnell and Pogo Games announced a joint-effort to raise money for Rosie's All Kids Foundation. EA, which owns Pogo, committed $30,000 and more money can be raised based on the amount of playing time people spend on certain games. They are also holding a sweepstakes in which winners get to fly to New York and meet Rosie and attend a charity function as her guest.

"Rosie's Broadway Kids"

In 2003, Rosie and Kelli O'Donnell collaborated with Artistic Director Lori Klinger to create "Rosie's Broadway Kids", dedicated to providing free instruction in music and dance to New York City public schools or students. Rosie's Broadway Kids serves more than 4,500 teachers, students, and their family members at 21 schools.[21] Currently programs are in Harlem, Midtown West, Chelsea, Lower East Side, East Village, and Chinatown.

True Colors Tour

Further information: True Colors Tour 2007

During the summer of 2007 Rosie was a guest on the multi-artist True Colors Tour,[22] which traveled through 15 cities in the United States and Canada. The tour, sponsored by the gay cable channel Logo, began on June 8, 2007. Hosted by comedian Margaret Cho and headlined by Cyndi Lauper, the tour also included Debbie Harry, Erasure, The Gossip, Rufus Wainwright, The Dresden Dolls, The MisShapes, Indigo Girls, The Cliks and other special guests. Profits from the tour helped to benefit the Human Rights Campaign as well as P-FLAG and The Matthew Shepard Foundation.[23]

Rosie Magazine

Further information: Rosie (magazine)

In 2000, O'Donnell partnered with the publishers of McCall's to revamp the magazine as Rosie's McCall's (or, more commonly, Rosie). The magazine was launched as a competitor to fellow talk show hostess Oprah Winfrey's monthly magazine. Rosie covered issues including breast cancer, foster care and other matters of concern to O'Donnell. In the September 2000 issue she shared that "she has struggled with depression her entire life" and decided to start medications when she realized her fears were affecting her family.[24]

With a strong start and a circulation close to 3.5 million things looked promising but the magazine stumbled as conflicts emerged between O'Donnell and the editors. The contract gave O'Donnell control over editorial process and editorial staff but veto power remained with publisher Gruner+Jahr USA. O'Donnell quit the magazine in September 2002 following a dispute over editorial control. "If I'm going to have my name and my brand on the corner of a magazine, it has to be my vision" she told People.[25] Rosie magazine folded in 2003.

In late 2003, O'Donnell and the publishers each sued the other for breach of contract. The publishers claimed that, by removing herself from the magazine's publication, she was in breach of contract. The trial received considerable press coverage. O'Donnell would often give brief press interviews outside of the courtroom responding to various allegations. Of note was a former magazine colleague and breast cancer survivor who testified that O'Donnell said to her on the phone that people who lie "get sick and they get cancer. If they keep lying, they get it again".[26] O'Donnell apologized the next day and stated "I'm sorry I hurt her the way I did, that was not my intention." The judge ruled against both sides and dismissed the case.

In 2006, O'Donnell responded to a question on the "Ask Ro" section of her website in which she stated that she would love to do another magazine. O'Donnell also said she has written a new book, due out this summer. It is to be called Celebrity Detox.

Books

In 2002, O'Donnell wrote Find Me, a combination of memoir, mystery and detective story with an underlying interest in re-uniting birth mothers with their children. In addition to cataloging her childhood and early adulthood, the book delved into O'Donnell's relationship with a woman with multiple personality disorder who posed as an under-aged teen who had become pregnant by rape. The book reached number two on the New York Times bestseller list.

On September 18, 2007, O'Donnell will release Celebrity Detox, her second memoior which will focus on the struggles with leaving fame behind, noting her exits on The Rosie O'Donnell Show and The View.

Coming Out Publicly

In her January 31, 2002, appearance on the sitcom Will & Grace, she played a lesbian mom. A month later as part of her act at the Ovarian Cancer Research benefit at Caroline's Comedy Club O'Donnell came out as a lesbian, announcing "I'm a dyke!" "I don't know why people make such a big deal about the gay thing. ... People are confused, they're shocked, like this is a big revelation to somebody."[27] The announcement came two months before the end of the hosting of her talk show.

Although she also cited the need to put a face to gays and lesbians her primary reason was to bring attention to the gay adoption issue. O'Donnell also is a foster — and adoptive — mother. She protested against adoption agencies, particularly in Florida, that refused adoptive rights to gay and lesbian parents.

Diane Sawyer interviewed O'Donnell in a March 14, 2002, episode of PrimeTime Thursday, she told USA Today she chose to talk to Sawyer because she wanted an investigative piece on Florida's ban on gay adoption. She told Sawyer if that was done, "I would like to talk about my life and how (the case) pertains to me." She spoke about the two gay men in Florida who face having a foster child they raised removed from their home. State law won't let them adopt because Florida bans gay or bisexual people from adopting.[28]

Image transformation

After leaving her show and coming out, O'Donnell returned to stand-up comedy, and cut her hair. Within her first few shows, she abandoned the "Queen of Nice" image she had previously cultivated. She made fun of various celebrities, among them Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli, Diana Ross, Martha Stewart, Oprah Winfrey, Winona Ryder, and Joan Rivers.

O'Donnell told the press that her haircut was meant to mimic the haircut of former Culture Club backup singer Helen Terry.[29] She subsequently attributed the haircut as a way to emulate Boy George, in hopes that he would allow her to produce his stage show Taboo. O'Donnell subsequently invested in and produced the show, but it was an expensive failure on Broadway.

Family life

On February 26, 2004, O'Donnell married Kelli Carpenter, a former Nickelodeon marketing executive, in San Francisco two weeks after SF's Mayor Gavin Newsom authorized the granting of marriage licenses to same-sex couples. Her decision to go to San Francisco to marry Carpenter was intended as a show of defiance against President George W. Bush over his support for the Federal Marriage Amendment.[citation needed] The license was voided by the California Supreme Court.

The couple are parents to adopted children Parker Jaren (born May 25, 1995), Chelsea Belle (born September 20, 1997), and Blake Christopher (born December 5, 1999). Their fourth child, Vivienne Rose (who was conceived through sperm donation) was born November 29, 2002 to Carpenter.

Rosie and her family currently reside in Nyack, New York, a suburb of New York City that is located in Rockland County.

O'Donnell's brother Daniel, who is also gay, represents the Upper West Side of Manhattan as a member of the New York State Assembly. [30]

O'Donnell and fellow actor Bridget Moynahan are 3rd cousins.[31]

R Family Vacations

In 2004 O'Donnell and Carpenter partnered with travel entrepreneur Gregg Kaminsky to launch R Family Vacations catering to both gays and lesbians, "the very first all gay and lesbian family vacation packages" where "gays and lesbians can bring their kids, their friends, and their parents."[32] Although O'Donnell is not involved on a day-to-day basis, she does contribute to the creative aspects of "advertising and marketing materials" and initiated the idea for the company when she filled in as a last-minute replacement headliner on one of Kaminsky's Atlantis Events gay cruises and also came up with the name "R Family Vacations."[33] Kaminsky was previously a Vice President for Atlantis Events, the largest and most successful all-gay cruise company producing "all-gay vacations in Africa, Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and Mexico" and his partner is also a business partner of O'Donnell's. [34]

On July 11, 2004, the first cruise was held aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines's Norwegian Dawn which holds 2,200 passengers, the ship was over 70 percent full with 1600 passengers[35] including 600 children.[36] In addition to traditional entertainment and recreational activities, the company partnered with Provincetown’s Family Pride, a 25-year-old Washington, D.C.-based organization that advocates for GLBT families[37] to host discussions on "adoption, insemination, surrogacy, and everything else that would be helpful to gay parenting.”[38] Metropolitan Community Church, the predominantly GLBT Christian denomination, had clergy on board to perform wedding ceremonies and conduct interfaith services and there was also discussion groups for kids and a panel discussion where teens could share their experiences of growing up with gay and lesbian parents.[37]

A documentary film about the trip looked inside the lives of some of the 500 families that cruised from New York to the Bahamas. The documentary, All Aboard: Rosie's Family Cruise, debuted on HBO on April 6, 2006, and is now available on DVD. The film was nominated for three Emmy Awards. Of the experience O'Donnell stated "we didn’t really realize the magic that was going to take place. People who had never met another gay family met other families and it was powerful."[36]

In 2007 the annual cruise dropped Bermuda from its itinerary because another of the Norwegian Cruise Lines' all gay cruises was met by a hundred Christian "protesters chanting anti-gay slogans" in nearby Nassau, Bahamas[39] and the R Family cruise itself was being targeted by an interfaith group of 80 churches called United By Faith[40] who were calling for the trip to be cancelled or they would protest when the ship arrived. United By Faith's spokesman, Andre Curtis, is also chairman of Faith Based Tourism for Bermuda [Politics of Bermuda|Tourism Ministry] as well as being responsible for running Premier Dr. Ewart Brown’s constituency committee in Warwick South Central, where Brown will be seeking re-election.[41] Although Brown, who is also the Minister of Tourism and Transport in Bermuda's Cabinet "dismissed requests" for the cruise to be cancelled [42] R Families changed the itinerary to instead visit two stops in Florida and a private island. Kaminsky stated "If we didn't have kids on board and there were protesters, we would go, but we did not want to expose kids to that hatred while they were on vacation."[43]

The View

Further information: The View

During the 2006 Daytime Emmy Awards, Barbara Walters announced that O'Donnell would become a co-host on the talk show The View. On September 5 2006, she officially replaced Meredith Vieira as a co-host and moderator of the show and was to join the cast including Star Jones who instead opted to quit, some speculating Jones' more conservative views would be in constant tension with O'Donnell's more liberal counterpoint. Another theory was that O'Donnell had disputed Jones' route of rapid weight loss, alluding that it must have been gastric bypass surgery rather than dieting and exercise alone.

Quickly acclimating to a four-person format, O'Donnell led the daytime women's chatfest as the moderator steering the opening "Hot Topics" portion of the show where newsworthy items were discussed often accompanied by relevant photos and video clips. Unlike previous seasons, however, politics and taboo subjects were readily explored with the two comics (O'Donnell and Joy Behar) quickly finding humor in the news of the day and often giving strong opinions against President Bush's policies including the war in Iraq which was losing support amongst Americans. As a counterpoint to O'Donnell's more liberal views, conservative co-hostess Elisabeth Hasselbeck would often support the Bush Administration's views and the two would get into an adversarial give-and-take at least until both had made their points.

Always outspoken, O'Donnell sometimes crossed a line with certain audiences when the comedienne would talk politics or veer into religious discussions, at one time stating "radical Christianity is just as threatening as radical Islam" or criticizing fellow TV personalities. In January, 2007 she questioned American Idol for airing auditions that humiliated aspiring singers. “To make fun of someone’s physical appearance. And when they leave the room, laugh hysterically at them. Three millionaires, one probably intoxicated.”[44]

O'Donnell is credited with helping The View be more news-focussed while still embracing the "fluff" of daytime TV talkshows discussing celebrities, fashion and food. Despite the overall downward trend for most daytime broadcast shows The View's ratings surged 27% over its year-ago Nielsen numbers with O'Donnell in the moderator's seat. Overall, "The View" was the fourth most watched show in all of daytime in the key demographic of women 18-49, and The View scored record ratings in the total viewer category with an average of 3.4 million viewers -- up 15% vs. the same time in 2005.[45]

The downside of being spontaneous and putting her views in front of a national audience was that comments and clips from the show would be recirculated by other media outlets, often surprising The View co-hosts including O'Donnell. In reaction, she lamented that news outlets were focusing on less important subjects like her comments instead of more important issues.

On April 25 2007, O'Donnell announced she would be leaving the show as a co-host when her contract expires in June because she and the network could not come to terms on the length of a new contract, but that she planned to return as an occasional correspondent.[46]

After extensive interviews with insiders and industry analysts, the weekend editions of celebrity gossip shows, Entertainment Tonight[citation needed] and Inside Edition[47][unreliable source?] broadcast on Saturday, April 28, reported there was more to the issue than initially was announced. O'Donnell allegedly had decided as early as December, following what she perceived as Walters's half-hearted support during her ongoing controversy with Donald Trump, she would not renew her contract and began holding talks with at least one major studio about producing a new talk show. (On her personal blog, O'Donnell admitted interest in hosting an issues-oriented show with audience participation, a format introduced by Phil Donahue.) [48][unreliable source?] Both programs cited a New York Post Page Six article, a gossip column, detailing O'Donnell's failed attempt to oust Walters from her producer's chair and ABC's growing concerns with her unpredictable outbursts.[49]

On the April 30 episode of The View, Walters announced there was no truth to any published or televised reports without referring to any specific sources. Walters also announced on The View that O'Donnell would be listed by Time Magazine as one of their 100 most influential people. Walters wrote the article for Time.

On Friday, May 25, 2007, it was announced by ABC and O'Donnell that she would not stay until the end of her contract (which is supposed to end on June 21, 2007). She requested early leave on May 25, after an on-air dispute with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck. ABC granted her request.

Controversies

The View achieved higher ratings with O'Donnell's outspoken and candid nature moving the show into a newsworthy spectrum from traditional daytime talk fare. As a big-name talent she drew criticism for her opinions while keeping the show's "buzz factor up."[50] The downside of being spontaneous and putting her views in front of a national audience was that such remarks were often subject of controversy and criticism, especially by conservative commenters and other media outlets, who recirculated comments and clips from the show.

Kelly Ripa / Clay Aiken

On November 20, 2006, O'Donnell commented on Live with Regis and Kelly co-host Kelly Ripa's comment to guest co-host Clay Aiken when he put his hand over her mouth as if to stop her from talking.[51] Ripa apparently didn't appreciate his action and he observed, "Oh, I'm in trouble." Ripa responded, "No, I just don't know where that hand's been honey." O'Donnell said the comment "struck me as a little odd"[52] adding "to me that's a homophobic remark. If that was a straight man...if that was a guy that she didn't question his sexuality, she would have said a different thing."[53] Within minutes Ripa was on the phone and responded to O'Donnell's comments by saying "I have three kids (and) he's shaking hands with everybody in the audience. It's cold and flu season." O'Donnell also added that in three months on the show she's never before said something was homophobic. "I feel for the kid," O'Donnell said of Aiken, who has been dogged by questions about his sexuality.[52][54][55] The next night at the American Music Awards Aiken and co-presenter Tori Spelling spoofed the incident, with Spelling putting her hand over his mouth and saying "I'll tell you where that hand's been later."

Accusations of Anti-Catholicism

O'Donnell has been accused of being anti-Catholicism on occasion. After a Supreme Court ruling on the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act she stated, "You know what concerns me? How many Supreme Court judges are Catholic?", adding "How about separation of church and state in America?" She went on to say, "If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament." Statements like this led conservative talk show host Laura Ingraham to urge her listeners to send protest e-mails to ABC for what she calls O'Donnell's "anti-Catholic bigotry."[56] William A. Donohue, president of the Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, has accused O'Donnell of engaging in anti-Catholicism on The View. The Catholic League issued a press release stating:

Ever since O’Donnell joined The View in September, the show has gotten out of control. On four occasions between September and the end of December, she has lashed out at the Catholic Church. Ditto for Joy Behar. Their relentless and profoundly ignorant attacks on the Catholic Church and its teachings would never be tolerated by the show’s co-owner, Barbara Walters, if it were Judaism or Islam that was under attack. But when it comes to Catholicism, she gives these two ‘raised’ Catholics all the time they want to vent their adolescent anger.[57]

Mocking Chinese Language

On December 5, 2006, O'Donnell made a comment in reference to the November 29, 2006 appearance on The View by Danny DeVito who had been up and celebrating most of the night. O'Donnell was amazed that the controversy had become such an international media news item,[58] and joked that it was being talked about as far away as China. "You know, you can imagine in China it's like, 'Ching-chong, ching-chong. Danny DeVito. Ching-chong, ching-chong-chong. Drunk. The View. Ching-chong.'"[59]

The remarks sparked a backlash, as many interpreted her comments as a "mockery of the Chinese language."[60] O'Donnell responded via her publicist that she is a comedian in addition to being a talk show co-host and that was part of her sense of humor. [61]

On December 14, 2006, the next show date, she apologized to the viewers saying, "To say ching chong to someone is very offensive, and some Asian people have told me it's as bad as the n-word. Which I was like, `Really? I didn't know that.'"[62] "To anyone who was offended at my Chinese, Asian, pseudo-Japanese, sounded a little Yiddish accent that I was doing, you know, it was never [my] intent to mock, and I'm sorry for those who felt hurt or were teased on the playground.... But I'm also gonna give you a fair warning that there's a good chance I'll do something like that again, probably in the next week — not on purpose. Only 'cause it's how my brain works."[62][63] Karen Lincoln Michel, president-elect of Unity: Journalists of Color Inc., said O'Donnell's remarks "really didn't sound like an apology to me." Michel said Unity was awaiting Walters to publicly acknowledge that O'Donnell's remarks were "patently offensive."[62]

On February 24, 2007, O'Donnell wrote a more comprehensive apology on her blog[64] with respect to this incident as a reply to the featured YouTube video "an open letter to all the Rosie O'Donnells" by Beau Sia.[65]

Donald Trump Feud

On December 20, 2006, O'Donnell criticized billionaire Donald Trump for holding a press conference to allegedly use Miss USA, Tara Conner's scandal to "generate publicity for the Miss USA Pageant" (to which he owns the rights) by announcing he was giving her a second chance.[66] Connor, who had violated pageant guidelines by clubbing and drinking underage,[67] having "wild nights" and alleged sexual liaisons including kissing and "dirty dancing" with Miss Teen USA Katie Blair in public[66] entered a rehab clinic and kept her title. O'Donnell commented that due to Trump's multiple marital affairs and questionable business bankruptcies he was not a moral authority for young people in America. Stated O'Donnell, "Left the first wife, had an affair. Left the second wife, had an affair -- but he's the moral compass for 20-year-olds in America!"[68]

In response, Trump began a media blitz[69] in which he appeared on various television shows either in person or by phone threatening to sue O'Donnell, calling her mean-spirited names[69], threatening to take away her partner Kelli[8] and that Barbara Walters regreted hiring her.[70] Walters responded that both Trump and O'Donnell are highly opinionated people and that Trump has never filed for bankruptcy, but several of his casino companies did but are now out of bankruptcy. She also denied that she was unhappy with O'Donnell saying "I have never regretted, nor do I now, the hiring of Rosie O'Donnell."[70]

British Royal Navy personnel seized by Iran

On March 26, 2007 O'Donnell discussed the Iranian seizure of British Royal Navy personnel comparing it to the 1964 Gulf of Tonkin incident that escalated the Vietnam War, implying Britain was provoking war with Iran stating:[71]

There were 15 British sailors and marines who apparently went in to Iranian waters and they were seized by the Iranians. And I have one thing to say. Gulf of Tonkin. Google it.

She stood by the statement on March 28, 2007, stating on her weblog that the British had intentionally sent forces into Iranian waters, triggering the hostage crisis as part of a false flag operation intended to precipitate the invasion of Iran, writing:[72]

The British did it on purpose. [They went] into Iranian waters as the U.S. military builds up on the Iranian border. We will be in Iran before summer as planned.

Anti-Iraq War comments

O'Donnell has been very outspoken about her disdain for the Bush administration's policies and the war in Iraq. She consistently brought up recent military deaths and news about the war as well as lamented the lack of attention US media was giving to either the Iraq war or the Bush administration's actions and policies.

On May 1, 2007 during a segment of The View, O'Donnell, prompted by guest co-host Ricki Lake, explained that some members of the armed forces joined because they were fleeing poverty and wanted to further pursue their education through the G.I. Bill, adding that there are an increasing number of convicted felons who currently serve in the US military.[73] When challenged by co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck, O'Donnell stated she "loved the military" and wanted to see them back home.

On May 17, 2007, O'Donnell rhetorically asked, "655,000 Iraqi civilians dead. Who are the terrorists?" She further explained, "If you were in Iraq and another country, the United States, the richest in the world, invaded your country and killed 655,000 of your citizens, what would you call us?"[74] Conservative commentators responded by claiming that Rosie paralleled American troops to terrorists. Elisabeth Hasselbeck and O'Donnell were later involved in a heated argument on May 23, 2007 regarding the U.S. invading Iraq and the resulting occupation.[75].

7 World Trade Center collapse

On March 26, 2007, in a conversation about the misleading information preceeding US invasion of Iraq, O'Donnell stated that 7 World Trade Center had been imploded, in line with 9/11 conspiracy theories.[76] When asked by Hasslebeck who she thought was responsible, she commented that she had no idea, but according to the Miami Herald she suggested in her blog that it was done to destroy evidence of the corporate financial scandals at Enron and WorldCom.[77] Seven World Trade Center housed the offices of government agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency,[78] the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission.

O'Donnell said "I do believe that it's the first time in history that fire has ever melted steel. I do believe that it defies physics that World Trade Center tower 7 — building 7, which collapsed in on itself — it is impossible for a building to fall the way it fell without explosives being involved.[79][80] Although the comments were cheered by the studio audience, conservative talk show hosts Bill O'Reilly and Joe Scarborough called for action including firing her.[81][82]

Within days Popular Mechanics posted a response to O'Donnell's statements on its website "for those interested in what physics and demolition experts have said regarding WTC 7’s collapse, as detailed in our book "Debunking 9/11 Myths." The potential explanation included that 7 World Trade Center housed New York City's emergency command bunker, so there were large fuel tanks throughout the building that fed generators by pressurized lines.[83] The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is still investigating the collapse. O'Donnell had planned to have Dr. David Ray Griffin, author of Debunking 9/11 Debunking: An Answer to Popular Mechanics and Other Defenders of the Official Conspiracy Theory,[84] and Dr. Steven Jones, author of Why Indeed Did the World Trade Center Buildings Completely Collapse?[85] to refute Popular Mechanics' explanation.

Argument with Elisabeth Hasselbeck

On the May 23, 2007, episode of The View, O'Donnell became engaged in a heated debate with co-host Elisabeth Hasselbeck.[86] O'Donnell asserted that Hasselbeck was "cowardly" for not answering whether she believed O'Donnell thinks of American troops as terrorists (in reference to O'Donnell's comment earlier in the week in which she said 655,000 Iraqis have died since the United States invasion and asked "who are the terrorists"). O'Donnell also complained of how the media would portray her as a bully attacking "innocent pure Christian Elisabeth" whenever they disagreed on air. O'Donnell stated that she believed Republican pundits were misinterpreting her statements by accusing her of comparing American troops to terrorists, and had asked Hasselbeck if she agreed with the Republican pundits. Hasselbeck denied O'Donnell's accusation, claiming that she knew Rosie didn't think that US soldiers were "terrorists" but told O'Donnell that she needed to "defend herself" as it was not her place to defend controversial statements made by O'Donnell.

The debate became even more heated as co-hosts Joy Behar and Sherri Shepherd made several attempts to stop the argument, including trying to change the discussion to topics like the results of Dancing With the Stars. When the feud continued past the five minute mark, Shepherd ventured to cut to commercial break promising Alicia Silverstone when the show returned. O'Donnell silenced the effort by saying "No, no, no we're not. No because we have a lot more time." Minutes later Behar endeavored again to end the argument by interjecting "Is there no commercial on this show? What are we on, PBS? Who is directing this show? Let's go to commercial!" Shepherd responded by asking Hasselbeck if her unborn child was "okay" after the heated argument, fearing for both the mother and child's health. The show did in fact cut to commercials shortly afterwards, and the subject was not resumed.

O'Donnell and ABC agreed to cut short her contract agreement on May 25, 2007 as a result of this issue.[87]

In a press statement released May 25, 2007, Rosie O'Donnell bore no ill will towards Hasselbeck and says that she "loves all three women". However, in her blog, Ms. O'Donnell stated she has not talked to Ms. Hasselbeck and that she was in shock and "stunned" that Ms. Hasselbeck had brought up Trump. She later posted a video on her blog discussing her future relationship with Ms. Hasselback. In a subsequent blog posting, O'Donnell stated that "I haven't spoken to Elisabeth, and I probably ever won't".[88] She also attempted to restate the controversial comment that had caused the feud with Hasselback saying, "the cowards who sent r [our] troops to this war . . . those men r [are] the terrorists."[89] According to ABC News, O'Donnell said that she knew her time on the show was over when she saw the exchange reported in the newsmedia with the split screen effect showing her and Hasselbeck on either side. ABC News also reported that her arguments with Hasselbeck brought the show its best ratings ever.[90]

JaHeRo (video blog)

Further information: Jahero

On March 27, 2007, O'Donnell started a video blog on her website Rosie.com answering fans questions, giving behind the scenes information and serving as a video diary. Originally featuring only O'Donnell and her hair and make-up artist Helene Macaulay they were soon joined on April 18 by her writer from The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Janette Barber.[citation needed] They call themselves Jahero, which has each of their first name's letters in it. Occasionally Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, and Barbara Walters make short cameo appearances. Jenny McCarthy appeared once briefly, as has Hasselbeck's mother-in-law and O'Donnell's mother-in-law, her life-partner Kelli's mother. Kathy Griffin also appeared, where she read some of the questions. Also, Ross Matthews is expected to make an appearance on June 5th of 2007. It has become so popular that Rosie and her creative team are currently considering an "on the road" version of the video blog, in which Jahero would star. Although they are unsure of the locations, fan-submitted suggestions will likely influence the tour. Their announced goal is to begin in summer 2007. O'Donnell is the front runner for the "best celebrity blogger" category in the 2007 Blogger's Choice Awards.[91]

The Price is Right

O'Donnell had expressed an interest in replacing Bob Barker as the host of CBS's long-running game show The Price is Right. Barker was a frequent guest on her talk show and told reporters that she "would make a fine host." Although it was reported he had "endorsed his friend Rosie O'Donnell as a possible successor,"[92] a follow-up news report stated "he never meant to imply she was his top pick to replace him. It would be terribly presumptuous to assume he would have any impact on the host selection." Barker added "I haven't even seen all the tapes of the candidates," and said that he has no role in choosing his replacement.[93]

O'Donnell met with representatives of the show, and on June 24 announced on her blog her becoming host wasn't going to happen, implying the decision was hers and was based on her reluctance to uproot her family and move to the West Coast. A spokesman for the show later clarified that O'Donnell actually had not been offered the job.[citation needed]

Works

Television

Theater

Filmography

Award ceremonies

Books

Awards

Daytime Emmy Awards

  • 1997 Outstanding Talk/Service Show Host, Rosie O'Donnell

Emmy Awards

  • 1999 Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special, 52nd Annual Tony Awards

External links

Wikiquote has quotations related to Rosie O'Donnell.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Rosie O'Donnell.
Preceded by The View moderator
2006-2007 		Succeeded by

Template:ViewHosts

References

  1. ^ a b Rosie O'Donnell Biography, Biography.com
  2. ^ Rosie O'Donnell profile, E! Online
  3. ^ "Highlights of Interviews With Rosie O'Donnell", CNN Larry King Weekend, March 16, 2002
  4. ^ "Balls & Spheres", TV Acres
  5. ^ Paulson, Amy (May 8, 2000). "'Million Mom March' organizers hope to spur congressional action on gun legislation". CNN. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  6. ^ Dougherty, Jon (May 11, 2000). "Clinton friend leads Million Mom March". World Net Daily. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  7. ^ Kopel, Dave (January 24, 2002). "Her Own Bodyguard". National Review. Retrieved 2007-07-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ a b Silverman, Stephen (September 11, 1998). "A Bodyguard for Rosie's Kid". People. Retrieved 2007-07-20. Cite error: The named reference "Stephen M. Silverman" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
  9. ^ "Rosie Doesn't Play "Nice" With Selleck". IMDb. 20 May 1999 (StudioBriefing). Retrieved 2007-07-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  10. ^ "TRANSCRIPT: Tom Selleck Visits "The Rosie O'Donnell Show"". NRA Winning Team. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
  11. ^ "Transcript of Tom Selleck & Rosie O'Donnell's NRA Discussion". JLRweb. Retrieved 2007-07-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |first name= ignored (help)
  12. ^ New York Daily News, November 19, 1999 "Rosie Sticks to Her Guns By Unloading Kmart Gig" by Mitchell Fink
  13. ^ J.A., Johnson Jr. (May 25, 2000). "Rosie's Bodyguard Applies for Gun Permit". The Stamford Advocate. Retrieved 2007-06-16.
  14. ^ Dougherty, Jon (May 26, 2000). "Rosie's armed bodyguard: Staunch anti-gun comedienne admits need for protection". World net Daily. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
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  17. ^ "Rosie O'Donnell: Five Fun Facts". People. 2007. Retrieved 2007-05-31.
  18. ^ O'Donnell is Godmother of the 'Pearl;' Benefit Held 12/15 BroadwayWorld.com
  19. ^ http://www.forallkids.org Rosie's For All Kids Foundation
  20. ^ Nightline Online: Rosie O'Donnell returns to Louisiana to help Katrina victims. ABC News Video]
  21. ^ Rosie's Broadway Kids
  22. ^ Hochman, Steve (July 2, 2007). "Cyndi and Rosie (but no Britney) at Human Rights Campaign's 'True Colors' concert". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
  23. ^ Chonin, Neva (July 2, 2007). "Gay icons rock Berkeley for a cause in post-Pride 'True Colors' celebration O'Donnell is cattily amusing". San Francisco Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-07-11.
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  25. ^ The End of 'Rosie' Mag, Rosie O'Donnell: Biography 2007
  26. ^ Cancer survivor: Rosie O'Donnell told her liars 'get cancer'
  27. ^ "Rosie, coy on TV, 'comes out' on stage". USA Today, Jeannie Williams. 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-30.
  28. ^ "Rosie, coy on TV, 'comes out' on stage". USA Today, Jeannie Williams. 2002. Retrieved 2007-05-30.
  29. ^ Rosie O’Donnell May Leave ‘The View’ Early, By Allie @ Gone Hollywood
  30. ^ New York State Assembly - Assemblymember Daniel O'Donnell - 69th Assembly District
  31. ^ Betz, Joseph (2006). "Less than Six Degrees of Separation". Farmingdale State College. Retrieved 2007-07-20.
  32. ^ Kaminsky, Gregg (8/11/03). "Rosie O'Donnell Announces R Family Vacations". Out In Buffalo. Retrieved 2007-06-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  33. ^ Salvato, Ed. "R Family Vacations plies uncharted gay waters". Planet Out. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  34. ^ Mersmann, Andrew. "Gregg Kaminsky: R Family Vacations". Passport Magazine. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  35. ^ "Q and A with Rosie and Kelli on "All Aboard! Rosie's Family Cruise"". Planet Out. 2006. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  36. ^ a b Davis, Andrew (2005-01-12). "Getting Away with R Family Vacations". Windy City Times. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  37. ^ a b Williams, Bradley David (May 2004). "Families, Ahoy!". Out Smart Magazine. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  38. ^ Wieder, Judy (Fall 2003). "R We Ready for R Family Vacations?". Out Traveler. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  39. ^ "Bermuda cut from O'Donnell's gay cruise". Associated Press via Yahoo News. Apr 17 2007. Retrieved 2007-06-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  40. ^ Dale, Amanda S (April 18, 2007). "United By Faith: 'A victory for God'". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  41. ^ Jones, Glenn (March 31, 2007). "Tourism fears over gay cruise stand-off". The Royal Gazette. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  42. ^ Bourke, Amy (3 April 2007). "Rosie's gay cruise is backed by Bermuda's leader". Pinknews. Retrieved 2007-06-21.
  43. ^ Guaracino, Jeff (July 2007, page 48). "Fun For Grown-Ups Abourd Rosie's r Family Cruises". Instinct (magazine). {{cite magazine}}: |access-date= requires |url= (help); Check date values in: |date= (help); Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  44. ^ Rosie’s stormy stay on ‘The View’ will end. MSNBC website. Accessed on May 29, 2007.
  45. ^ O'Donnell brings big ratings to 'The View' Daytime talk show nabs best-ever November sweeps. Variety website. Accessed on May 29, 2007.
  46. ^ Rosie O’Donnell Says She Will Say Goodbye to ‘The View’ in June. New York Times website. Accessed on April 25, 2007.
  47. ^ What Was Rosie's Real Reason for Leaving "The View?" Inside Edition
  48. ^ COMIN' UP ROSIE; HOT-TEMPERED O'DONNELL IS HOT COMMODITY, By DON KAPLAN New York Post
  49. '^ ROSIE FADES FROM 'VIEW'; QUITS AFTER 'FAILING TO OUST BABS By DON KAPLAN New York Post
  50. ^ "The Future of The View" TV Guide, June 3, 2006. Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  51. ^ "Inner Tube". New York Daily News. November 21st 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  52. ^ a b "Rosie Rips Ripa For Her Feat Of Clay". New York Daily News. November 22nd 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-03. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ^ Orloff, Brian (November 21, 2006). "Rosie O'Donnell Chides Kelly Ripa For 'Homophobic' Remark". People (magazine). Retrieved 2007-07-03.
  54. ^ Hernandez, Greg (April 24, 2007, cover story). "American Idol's big gay closet". The Advocate. Retrieved 2007-07-02. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  55. ^ "Clay Aiken Says Sexuality, Private Life Are Nobody's Business: Pop Star Hopes Fans Will Judge Him on Music, Not Rumors". ABC News. August 21, 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-03.
  56. ^ ABC News
  57. ^ http://www.catholicleague.org/07press_releases/quarter_1/070207_barbarawalters.htm
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  60. ^ http://www.aaja.org/news/mediawatch/2006_12_08_01/
  61. ^ http://www.nypost.com/seven/12092006/gossip/pagesix/rosie_to_asians__loosen_up_pagesix_.htm
  62. ^ a b c ABCnews.com. (2006-12-14). [http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/wireStory?id=2727198&CMP=OTC-RSSFeeds0312 "Group not satisfied with Rosie's apology by By Erin Carlson, Asssociated Press; ABC News / Entertainment. Retrieved on 2007-06-05.
  63. ^ http://hotair.com/archives/2006/12/14/video-rosie-apologizes-for-ching-chong/
  64. ^ http://www.rosie.com/blog/2007/02/24/beau-sia/
  65. ^ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJCkHu3trKc
  66. ^ a b Grossberg, Josh (Fri Jun 22, 2007). "Trump Wants His MTV". E! Online. Retrieved 2007-07-08. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  67. ^ Lauer, Matt (February 3, 2007). "Confessions of a beauty queen". MSNBC. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
  68. ^ "Trump, O'Donnell trade blows". Herald Sun. December 23, 2006. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
  69. ^ a b Ryan, Maureen (April 27 2007). "Rosie O'Donnell bids adieu to 'The View'". Chicago tribune. Retrieved 2007-07-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  70. ^ a b Silverman, Stephen (January 03, 2007). "Barbara Walters: I Don't Regret Hiring Rosie". People (magazine). Retrieved 2007-07-13. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  71. ^ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,262669,00.html "Should Rosie Be Fired From 'The View'?" The O'Reilly Factor (transcript), March 30, 2007.
  72. ^ http://www.rosie.com/blog/2007/03/28/britis-hostages/
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  74. ^ [http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/18739523/ |title= 'Scarborough Country' for May 17 2007
  75. ^ [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek1K6TYssa4 |title= Rosie O'Donnell VS Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View 5/23/07
  76. ^ DaViLiVe (March 29, 2007). "Rosie O'Donnell Opens 9/11 Conspiracy 'View' Debate". YouTube. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  77. ^ Really, really Rosie, Glenn Garvin, The Miami Herald, Mar. 31, 2007
  78. ^ Benson, Pam (November 4, 2001). "CIA office near World Trade Center destroyed in attacks". CNN. Retrieved 2007-07-10.
  79. ^ Rosie O'Donnell 9/11 Conspiracy Comments: Popular Mechanics Responds, Popular Mechanics, March 30, 2007
  80. ^ Tokyo Rosie, Editorial, Investor's Business Daily, Mar 30, 2007
  81. ^ Should Rosie Be Fired From 'The View'? Foxnews, March 30, 2007
  82. ^ http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17948858/ April 3, 2007 Scarborough Country Transcript
  83. ^ [1]
  84. ^ Jones, Steven (Volume 3 - September 2006). "Journal of 911 Studies". Scholars for 9/11 Truth and Justice. Retrieved 2007-07-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help); Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  85. ^ "Video of the debate".
  86. ^ http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/258849/rosie_odonnell_leaves_the_view_one.html
  87. ^ www.rosie.com/blog/2007/05/26/no-ja-hero/
  88. ^ http://www.rosie.com/blog/sections/ask-ro.
  89. ^ ABC Eyewitness News; May 28, 2007.
  90. ^ Matheson, Whitney (04/26/2007). "Pop Candy: As if you don't read enough blogs ..." USA Today. Retrieved 2007-07-11. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  91. ^ "Barker Says O'Donnell Could Replace Him". Associated Press. 16 June 2007, page 13. Retrieved 2007-06-21. {{cite web}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  92. ^ "Barker: Remarks not a Rosie endorsement". Associated Press. 2007-06-20. Retrieved 2007-06-20.
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