Rosie O'Donnell: Can-Do Woman
Rosie O'Donnell was born on March 21, 1962, in Long Island, New York, one of five siblings. When she was only 11 years old, O'Donnell lost her mother to breast cancer. The outspoken youth found comfort by spending time with other family members and performing at school.
After graduating from high school, O'Donnell chose stand-up comedy over college, and her performances were a hit on ""Star Search."" After a short-lived role on TV's ""Gimme a Break,"" the performer landed other TV and film gigs. Her breakthrough project was the 1992 hit film ""A League of Their Own."" O'Donnell soon tackled new challenges, including motherhood and a successful run as a talk-show host; she adopted her son Parker in 1995 and launched ""The Rosie O'Donnell Show"" in 1996. In 1997, O'Donnell's program won its first Emmy Award and the star adopted her daughter Chelsea.
In 1998, O'Donnell's brother introduced her to TV executive Kelli Carpenter; the two women connected immediately. A y
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