Rosie O'Donnell
TV Host/Comedian
Biography
Comedian, actress, television personality, and former talk show host known for 'The Rosie O'Donnell Show' and her role on 'The View'. Multiple Emmy winner and LGBTQ+ rights activist.
Follow-up Statement
"O'Donnell said she's 'sleeping better without the stress and anxiety' and has 'never, ever regretted' moving to Ireland. She stated: 'When it is safe for all citizens to have equal rights there, in America, that's when we will consider coming back.' Trump threatened to revoke her citizenship in July 2025, though presidents cannot do that."
Departure Details
O'Donnell moved to Ireland on January 15, 2025, five days before Trump's inauguration, with her nonbinary child. She told CNN: 'I knew after reading Project 2025 that if Trump got in, it was time for me and my nonbinary child to leave the country.' She is seeking Irish citizenship through her grandparents who were born there.
Quick Facts
Career Highlights
- The Rosie O'Donnell Show (1996-2002) won multiple Daytime Emmy Awards
- Co-hosted The View from 2006-2007 and 2014-2015
- Appeared in A League of Their Own, Sleepless in Seattle, and The Flintstones
- Her Broadway credits include Grease and Fiddler on the Roof
- Earned the nickname 'The Queen of Nice' during her talk show era
- Founded R Family Vacations, a travel company for LGBTQ+ families
Did You Know?
She was elected homecoming queen, prom queen, senior class president, AND class clown in high school.
Her big break came from appearing on Star Search in 1984 - she was 22.
In 1996, she used $3 million to start For All Kids Foundation to improve daycare standards.
She publicly came out as a lesbian in 2002 during a comedy act at an Ovarian Cancer Research benefit.
Departure Threats Timeline
O'Donnell announced her move to Ireland in a nearly 10-minute TikTok video on January 15, 2025, five days before Trump's inauguration. She told CNN's Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown: 'I knew after reading Project 2025 that if Trump got in, it was time for me and my nonbinary child to leave the country. I have no regrets.'