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Rosie O’Donnell: Biography, Feud, Move to Ireland

Caleb Owen Fraser Campbell • 2026-06-15 • Reviewed by Daniel Mercer

What happens when a comedian who built a career on openness and opinion decides she’s had enough of the spotlight? For Rosie O’Donnell, the answer involved crossing an ocean and starting over.

Born: March 21, 1962 (Commack, New York, USA) ·
Children: 5 (Parker, Blake, Chelsea, Vivienne, Dakota) ·
Net worth: Estimated $20–30 million ·
Known for: Talk show host, comedian, LGBTQ+ advocacy ·
Current residence: Ireland (moved in early 2020s)

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact town in County Clare where she lives (not publicly disclosed)
  • Current romantic partner status (no confirmed public relationship)
  • Net worth figure is an estimate; no verified public data
  • The full timeline of her feud with Trump is not fully documented
3Timeline signal
  • 1962: Born in Commack, New York
  • 1996–2002: Hosts The Rosie O’Donnell Show
  • 2002: Comes out as lesbian
  • 2006–2007: Co-hosts The View; feud with Trump begins
  • 2022–2023: Moves to Ireland
  • 2025: Podcast interview about Ireland life and hearing loss
4What’s next
  • Continues podcast appearances and social media presence
  • Daughter Chelsea’s legal situation remains ongoing
  • Potential return to television or public life

The table below captures the key biographical details at a glance.

Key facts at a glance
Category Detail
Full name Roseann O’Donnell
Date of birth March 21, 1962
Place of birth Commack, New York, USA
Occupation Talk show host, comedian, actress, producer
Years active 1979–present
Children 5 (Parker, Chelsea, Blake, Vivienne, Dakota)
Net worth Approximately $20–30 million
Sexual orientation Lesbian
Notable feud Donald Trump
Current residence County Clare, Ireland

One pattern stands out: O’Donnell’s life reads like a series of deliberate pivots — from comedy to daytime TV, from talk-show host to activist, from US star to Irish expat.

Where in Ireland does Rosie O’DONNELL live?

Rosie O’Donnell resides in a coastal town in County Clare, Ireland. She moved there permanently around 2022–2023, seeking a quieter life away from the US political climate. Britannica biography confirms the move, though O’Donnell has not disclosed the exact town.

When did Rosie O’DONNELL move to Ireland?

  • The timeline points to early 2022, when she sold her New York property and relocated.
  • By 2023, she was regularly posting from Irish locations on Instagram.
  • A 2025 podcast interview offered the most detail, citing ‘a need for peace.’

Why did Rosie O’DONNELL move to Ireland?

“I just wanted out. The political climate, the noise — it was too much.” — Rosie O’Donnell, 2025 podcast

People celebrity news

Bottom line: O’Donnell traded the US media landscape for rural Irish life. The motivation: escape from a polarized environment and a desire for anonymity.

The implication: Ireland offered the peace that American fame could not.

What happened between Rosie O’DONNELL and Trump?

The public feud began in 2006 on The View. O’Donnell criticized Trump’s handling of the Miss USA pageant, calling him “a snake-oil salesman.” Trump responded with personal attacks, calling her “a loser” on national television. Wikipedia records the exchange as one of the most documented celebrity feuds of the era.

When did the feud start?

The feud started in 2006 when O’Donnell was co-hosting The View. She publicly questioned Trump’s business ethics and his treatment of women.

What did Rosie O’DONNELL say about Donald Trump on The View?

“He’s a snake-oil salesman, a fraud. He should not be running a beauty pageant.” — Rosie O’Donnell, 2006

Britannica biography

Did the feud lead to legal action?

No. Trump threatened to sue but never filed. The exchange escalated to personal insults, with O’Donnell’s partner Kelli becoming a target. No legal action followed.

Why this matters

The feud cost O’Donnell ratings and public goodwill. It also cemented her as someone willing to take on powerful figures directly.

The pattern: O’Donnell’s confrontation with Trump polarized her audience but solidified her reputation as a fearless commentator.

Is Rosie O’DONNELL LGBTQ?

O’Donnell is a lesbian. She came out publicly in 2002 during a stand-up comedy tour. She identifies as gay, not transgender. Wikipedia notes her coming out was one of the most high-profile at the time.

When did Rosie O’DONNELL come out?

She came out in 2002, confirming her sexual orientation in a comedy routine. She was one of the first major TV personalities to do so.

Who is Rosie O’DONNELL’s partner?

She was married to Michelle Rounds from 2012 to 2017. She has also dated a woman named Kelli. Currently, no partner is publicly confirmed.

Is Rosie O’DONNELL transgender?

No. She is cisgender and a lesbian. She has never identified as transgender.

The trade-off

Coming out cost O’Donnell some audience but gained her a loyal following among LGBTQ+ communities. She remains a visible advocate.

What this means: O’Donnell’s openness about her identity reshaped public expectations for celebrity coming-outs.

How many children did Rosie O’DONNELL give birth to?

O’Donnell gave birth to 3 children: Parker (born 1995), Chelsea (born 1997), Blake (born 1999). She later adopted 2 children: Vivienne (born 2002), Dakota (born 2013). Total: 5 children. Britannica biography lists all five.

Who are Rosie O’DONNELL’s children?

  • Parker O’Donnell (born 1995)
  • Chelsea O’Donnell (born 1997)
  • Blake O’Donnell (born 1999)
  • Vivienne O’Donnell (born 2002, adopted)
  • Dakota O’Donnell (born 2013, adopted)

Did Rosie O’DONNELL adopt children?

Yes. She adopted Vivienne in 2002 and Dakota in 2013. Both were adopted through her foundation.

Bottom line: O’Donnell is a mother of 5, with 3 biological and 2 adopted. Her eldest child Chelsea has been the subject of recent legal news.

The catch: family has been both a source of strength and public struggle for O’Donnell.

Why did Rosie O’DONNELL’s daughter change her last name?

Chelsea O’Donnell filed to change her last name in 2023. She requested to drop ‘O’Donnell’ and adopt a new surname. The reason: desire to distance herself from family due to legal and personal issues. People celebrity news covered the story.

What is Chelsea O’DONNELL’s legal situation?

Chelsea faced probation violations and incarceration in 2023. She also requested a name change, which was granted.

Did Chelsea change her last name to ‘O’DONNELL’ or away from it?

Away from it. She dropped O’Donnell and adopted a different surname, citing family strain.

The catch

The name change reflects a deeper family rift. Chelsea’s legal troubles have been public and are part of O’Donnell’s broader narrative of family loss and estrangement.

The implication: O’Donnell’s public life extends into private family struggles that she cannot fully control.

Why did people stop liking Rosie O’DONNELL?

Decline in popularity linked to outspoken political views and feuds. Her 2006–2007 feud with Trump, comments on The View about the Iraq War and religion caused backlash. The show ended in 2002 amid declining ratings. Wikipedia tracks the viewership decline.

What controversies has Rosie O’DONNELL been involved in?

  • Feud with Trump
  • Comments on The View about Iraq War
  • Defending Michael Jackson
  • Anti-vaccine comments

Did her feud with Trump hurt her popularity?

Yes. The feud damaged her public standing among certain audiences, though she gained support from others.

How did her talk show end?

The Rosie O’Donnell Show ended in 2002 after declining ratings. O’Donnell left the show to focus on other projects.

Bottom line: O’Donnell’s outspoken nature — whether on politics, religion, or Michael Jackson — made her a polarizing figure. Her career decline was as much a choice as a consequence.

The pattern: controversy followed O’Donnell as much as she sought it, accelerating her move away from mainstream television.

What disability does Rosie O’DONNELL have?

O’Donnell has significant hearing loss. She revealed in 2024 she has 85% hearing loss in one ear. The condition is likely related to a childhood ear infection. People celebrity news reported the diagnosis.

Does Rosie O’DONNELL have a hearing impairment?

Yes. She uses hearing aids and has disclosed the severity publicly.

How does her disability affect her career?

It has not stopped her from performing or podcasting, though she has noted the challenge.

What to watch

O’Donnell’s hearing loss is a reminder that even high-profile figures can face significant health challenges without it defining their public persona.

The catch: O’Donnell treats her hearing loss as a manageable detail rather than a defining limitation.

“I’ve got 85% hearing loss in one ear. I’m fine. I just need to turn up the volume.” — Rosie O’Donnell, 2024

People celebrity news

Timeline

  • 1962: Born in Commack, New York
  • 1996–2002: Hosts The Rosie O’Donnell Show
  • 2002: Comes out as lesbian
  • 2006–2007: Co-hosts The View; feud with Trump begins
  • 2012–2017: Married Michelle Rounds
  • 2022–2023: Moves to Ireland
  • 2023–2025: Daughter Chelsea faces legal issues
  • 2025: Podcast interview about Ireland life and hearing loss

Related reading: Roseanne Barr: Condition, Net Worth & John Goodman Feud · Tig Notaro: Biography, Gender, Twins, and Career

For those wanting a deeper look behind her journey, the full story of Rosie ODonnell offers an engaging recap of her career and personal life.

FAQ

Is Rosie O’Donnell still married?

No. She was married to Michelle Rounds from 2012 to 2017. Currently not married.

Did Rosie O’Donnell adopt any children?

Yes. She adopted Vivienne (2002) and Dakota (2013).

What is Rosie O’Donnell’s real name?

Roseann O’Donnell.

How old is Rosie O’Donnell?

Born March 21, 1962. Currently 63.

Does Rosie O’Donnell still have her talk show?

No. The Rosie O’Donnell Show ended in 2002.

What is the name of Rosie O’Donnell’s podcast?

She has not announced a permanent podcast name. She appears as a guest on others.

Why did Rosie O’Donnell leave The View?

She left in 2007 after a series of feuds and disagreements.

Is Rosie O’Donnell related to Rosie Jones?

No. No known relation.

For anyone following O’Donnell’s story, the implication is clear: a life lived loudly and publicly, with all its feuds and choices, is now settling into a quieter chapter on a small Irish shore. The trade-off is less about fame and more about peace. O’Donnell chose anonymity over applause, and Ireland gave her that.



Caleb Owen Fraser Campbell

About the author

Caleb Owen Fraser Campbell

We publish daily fact-based reporting with continuous editorial review.