Rosie O’Donnell has lived almost every version of life in the spotlight. From her breakout in Hollywood alongside Tom Hanks and Madonna, to her groundbreaking daytime talk show that redefined television, Rosie was one of the most famous women in America.

But with fame came ridicule, public feuds, and moments that cut deeply. She’s been celebrated, mocked, and at times turned into the punchline of her own story. And one of the most painful moments came when Ellen DeGeneres told the world they weren’t friends.

In this conversation, Rosie is raw, funny and reflective. She speaks about growing up in the shadow of losing her mother, her shy first attempts at romance, the highs and lows of talk show success, and the very public feuds that made headlines. She shares what it was like to be blindsided by Ellen’s rejection, and why that moment stayed with her. And yes, she even talks about her recent return to our screens in And Just Like That.

Rosie O’Donnell has lived a big, messy, fascinating life — and in this episode, she tells it all.

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What To Listen To Next:

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• Listen: Jessica Rowe On The Brutal Public Humiliation That Changed Her Forever
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• Listen: The Love Of My Life Was My Best Friend. Then She Died At 34

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CREDITS:

Guest: Rosie O'Donnell

Host: Kate Langbroek

Executive Producer: Bree Player

Audio and Video Producer: Julian Rosario

Social Media Producer: Olivia Colman

Mamamia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the Land on which we have recorded this podcast.