American actress Rosie O’Donnell is set to grace the Late Late Show this Friday, March 21, 2025, marking her first Irish television interview since relocating to Ireland with her son in mid-January. This exciting appearance has left Rosie feeling both "thrilled and honored" to join host Patrick Kielty, alongside iconic singer Daniel O’Donnell and comedian Roisín Conaty. The trio will catch up on career developments, personal insights, and their lives in Ireland.
Rosie O’Donnell, 62, recently announced her journey towards gaining Irish citizenship due to her Irish roots, stating her commitment to reside outside the United States until all citizens there can enjoy equal rights again. Her decision comes amid a turbulent political landscape following Donald Trump's second inauguration as the 47th president of the United States on January 20, 2025. Trump's reaction to her move has been less than warm; he told Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin that he’s "better off not knowing" who Rosie O'Donnell is.
This backdrop of political tension brings added intrigue to Rosie's presence on the show. Past tensions with Trump date back to 2006 when she labeled him a "snake oil salesman" and he retorted by calling her a "real loser." They have clashed in numerous public statements, with Trump infamously referring to Rosie as a "slob" and a "degenerate." Despite this, Rosie remains focused on positive dialogue and activism.
In a recent post on her Substack, O’Donnell expressed her thoughts on societal issues, stating, "How fascism has arrived and the time to name it so - is long past... fear - a tool they use in dictatorships to shut us all up but the world is waking out in the streets in 80 plus nations all for us - for democracy." She advocates for a world where decency demands humanity prevail, emphasizing the significance of living a life of liberty and pursuing happiness.
Joining Rosie on the show, Daniel O'Donnell will highlight his return to the tour circuit, sharing anecdotes from his family trips and discussing the dedication he has for his fans throughout his remarkable four-decade career. Celebrity guests like Róisín Conaty, known for her role in After Life, will provide insight into her upbringing with Irish roots, reflecting on summers spent in Kerry.
Add to this a segment featuring notable figures from the world of horseracing, including leading jockey Paul Townend and Cheltenham 2025 double winner Rachael Blackmore, the first female jockey ever to win a Grand National, and the formula for a stellar episode of the Late Late Show is complete. The combination of laughter, heartfelt stories, and cultural reflections promises an engaging hour of television.
As Rosie and her fellow guests prepare for the show, the audience anticipates cherished moments filled with laughter and poignant discussions about identity, rights, and the human experience. Whether addressing her relationship with Trump or championing democratic values, O'Donnell's presence on Irish television is particularly timely and resonant, paving the way for broader conversations on inclusivity and equality.
With every guest adding their unique flavor to the evening, the Late Late Show is shaping up to be not just an entertaining experience but a meaningful reflection on personal journeys and social issues.
