Lawrence O’Donnell has actively criticized Donald Trump since his first term back in 2016, whereas Rosie O’Donnell has had a personal feud with the President for nearly two decades.
Highlights
- Despite sharing a last name, Lawrence O’Donnell and Rosie O’Donnell are not related.
- Lawrence recently announced a hiatus from his show, citing exhaustion from covering the political climate.
- Rosie O’Donnell, a longtime foe of Donald Trump, relocated to Ireland in response to his 2024 presidential win.
- Lawrence O’Donnell was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 7, 1951, into an Irish Catholic family. His father was an attorney and a member of the Supreme Court Bar.
- Rosie O’Donnell was born on March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York, to a working-class Irish-American family.
Lawrence O’Donnell, a prominent political commentator and host of MSNBC’s “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” has recently been in the spotlight due to his announced hiatus from the show.
Expressing feelings of exhaustion, O’Donnell shared with his audience that he plans to take a break, stating that covering the current political climate has been particularly draining.
An "exhausted" Lawrence O'Donnell tells his colleague Rachel Maddow he's taking a week-long break from covering Trump after 50 days felt like nearly 100.
— Zachary Leeman (@WritingLeeman) March 13, 2025
"I thought it was day 92. It turns out it's day 52, Rachel! And I'm exhausted at day 52" https://t.co/QIZ0cULl4b pic.twitter.com/VSOqQGj48p
This announcement has led to increased public interest in his personal background, family connections, and whether or not he is related to another one of Donald Trump’s most vocal critics, Rosie O’Donnell.
Lawrence O’Donnell And His Three Brothers Were Born To Irish Catholic Parents
Born on November 7, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Jr. was raised in an Irish Catholic family.
His father, Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Sr., was a Boston attorney and a member of the Supreme Court Bar while his mother, Frances Marie Buckley O’Donnell, dedicated herself to homemaking.
Lawrence grew up with three brothers, though detailed public information about his siblings remains limited.
When your headshot is so old you don’t remember the person in it … circa 1985 #oldheadshotday pic.twitter.com/l0lDJTWzhX
— Lawrence O'Donnell (@Lawrence) April 28, 2018
Despite sharing the same last name, Lawrence O’Donnell is NOT related to actress and comedian Rosie O’Donnell.
The similarity in their surnames has occasionally led to public speculation, but there is no familial connection between the two.
Rosie O’Donnell has officially left the U.S. and moved to Ireland over Trump becoming President. pic.twitter.com/pZkxGSl8kG
— Oli London (@OliLondonTV) March 11, 2025
O’Donnell attended Harvard College, where he majored in economics and graduated in 1976.
His early career was marked by a blend of writing and politics.
He authored the book “Deadly Force,” which was later adapted into the 1988 film “A Case of Deadly Force.”
This work showcased his ability to intertwine storytelling with critical social issues, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in political commentary.
Rosie O’Donnell, Longtime Foe Of Donald Trump, Relocated To Ireland After His 2024 Victory
On the other hand, Rosie O’Donnell, born on March 21, 1962, in Commack, New York, to Irish-American parents, is a multifaceted entertainer known for her work as a comedian, actress, and television host.
She gained prominence with her stand-up comedy in the late 1970s and early 1980s, leading to roles in films such as “A League of Their Own” and “Sleepless in Seattle.”
O’Donnell also hosted “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” a daytime talk show that garnered five Daytime Emmy Awards.
🚨Breaking: Rosie O’Donnell has left the United States and moved to Ireland following Trump's win.
— Donald J. Trump News (@Donaldtrumpike) March 11, 2025
What's your reaction?pic.twitter.com/jo5Btzbf9X
Recently, following the 2024 presidential election, similar to Lawrence O’Donnell’s recent frustrations with the Trump administration, Rosie O’Donnell announced her relocation to Ireland, expressing concerns over the political climate in the United States.
The feud between Rosie O’Donnell and Donald Trump has spanned nearly two decades, marked by public exchanges and personal attacks.
Lawrence O’Donnell Has Had A Long And Illustrious Career In Political Commentary
Transitioning from writing to politics, Lawrence O’Donnell served as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan from 1989 to 1992.
He later became the staff director for the Senate Finance Committee, gaining firsthand experience in legislative processes.
This political tenure enriched his understanding of governance, which he later translated into his work in television.
In the entertainment field, O’Donnell was a writer and producer for the acclaimed television series “The West Wing,” which provided an insider’s look into the workings of the White House.
His contributions to the show earned him accolades and recognition within the industry.
Since 2010, O’Donnell has been the host of “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell“ on MSNBC, where he offers in-depth political analysis and commentary.
His insightful perspectives and ability to dissect complex political issues have garnered him a dedicated viewership.
Lawrence O’Donnell Is A Divorced Father Of One Daughter
Lawrence O’Donnell was previously married to Kathryn Harrold, an actress, for over 19 years.
The pair had one child, a daughter named Elizabeth Buckley Harold O’Donnell, born in 1995.
Lawrence and Kathryn divorced in 2013.
Following his divorce, there were rumors that he had been dating Tamron Hall, a fellow journalist and television host, starting in 2011.
However, neither of them publicly confirmed their relationship, and they reportedly separated later.
Recently, there has been speculation about Lawrence O’Donnell’s new wife, but details remain private and unconfirmed
Besides being the world's richest Nazi, Elon Musk is a cruel and sadistic ignoramus. Listen to Lawrence O'Donnell explain Musk's cluelessness about the life saving federal program Social Securty, which Musk thinks is a "Ponzi scheme." 😳👇 pic.twitter.com/6JBpquEpTr
— Bill Madden (@maddenifico) March 14, 2025
Lawrence O’Donnell’s journey from a Boston upbringing to becoming a respected political commentator is marked by diverse experiences in writing, politics, and media.
While his recent hiatus has sparked conversations about his well-being and future endeavors, it also offers an opportunity to reflect on his contributions to political discourse and the media landscape.
Additional Information
- While studying at Harvard, Lawrence wrote for the “Harvard Lampoon.”
- He also appeared as a recurring character, Lee Hatcher, in the HBO series “Big Love.”
- Lawrence is known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly through the K.I.N.D. Fund (Kids in Need of Desks), which provides desks to schools in Malawi.
- Rosie has produced several Broadway shows, including “Taboo,” a musical about Boy George.
- She has been a vocal advocate for adoption and foster care, having adopted four children herself.
- Rosie got her big break on the TV show “Star Search” in 1984, which launched her career in comedy.
