You’ve probably seen the headlines lately. Between the social media dust-ups and the political crossfire, things have gotten a little confusing regarding where Rosie O'Donnell actually comes from. So, let’s get the big question out of the way immediately. Is Rosie O'Donnell an immigrant?
No. She isn't.
Rosie was born right in the middle of Long Island. Commack, New York, to be exact. The date was March 21, 1962. If you’re keeping track of the timeline, that makes her a natural-born U.S. citizen through and through. But honestly, the reason people keep asking this—especially lately—has more to do with her family tree and some very recent, very loud political drama than her own birth certificate.
The Irish Connection and Her Father's Journey
While Rosie herself was born in the States, her house was definitely shaped by the immigrant experience. Her father, Edward Joseph O'Donnell, was the one who actually made the trek across the Atlantic. He immigrated from County Donegal, Ireland, when he was just a kid.
That’s a big deal. Growing up in a household where your dad is a first-generation immigrant changes your perspective. Rosie has been super vocal about this. She grew up in a big Irish Catholic family—the third of five kids—and that heritage is basically baked into her DNA.
Her mother, Roseann Teresa Murtha, was Irish American, so the roots go deep on both sides. But here’s the thing: people often conflate "having immigrant parents" with "being an immigrant." They aren't the same thing, obviously, but in the world of 24-hour news cycles, the lines get blurry.
Why Everyone Is Talking About Her Citizenship Right Now
If you’ve been on TikTok or X (formerly Twitter) in the last year, you might have seen some wild claims. In 2025 and leading into early 2026, there’s been this bizarre back-and-forth between Rosie and the political establishment.
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There were actually threats—strange as they sound—about "revoking" her citizenship. It’s been a whole thing. This mostly stemmed from her move to Ireland. Following the 2024 election, Rosie decided she’d had enough of the American political climate for a while and moved to the Emerald Isle.
The "Self-Imposed Exile"
Rosie calls it her "self-imposed political exile." Because she moved to Ireland and started the process of applying for Irish citizenship, some folks got it twisted. They started thinking she was an immigrant to the U.S. who was going back home.
The reality? She’s a New Yorker who moved to her ancestral homeland. She actually qualifies for Irish citizenship because her grandparents were born there. Under Irish law, if you have a grandparent born on the island, you’re basically fast-tracked for a passport.
So, to be clear:
- She was born in New York.
- She is currently seeking dual citizenship.
- She hasn't renounced her American status, despite what the rumor mill says.
The 14th Amendment vs. The Rumor Mill
Let’s talk about the legal side of this for a second. There’s been a lot of talk about whether a President can just "take away" someone’s citizenship.
It’s basically impossible for a natural-born citizen. The 14th Amendment is pretty ironclad on this. If you’re born on U.S. soil, you’re a citizen. Period. You can’t lose it unless you standing in front of a consular officer and formally renounce it yourself.
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Rosie has been very clear that she has no intention of doing that. She told the Daily Telegraph recently that she’s a "proud citizen" but just wants the peace and quiet that Ireland offers right now. Honestly, after decades in the Hollywood meat grinder, who can blame her?
Growing Up in Commack
To understand why she’s so "Rosie," you have to look at those early New York years. It wasn't exactly a fairytale. Her mom passed away from breast cancer just four days before Rosie’s 11th birthday. That’s the kind of trauma that stays with you.
Her dad, the immigrant from Donegal, was an electrical engineer. They weren't "poor" poor, but with five kids, money was tight. She famously talked about how they had a Plymouth Volare with an AM radio while the "rich kids" in the next town over were getting Camaros.
That "regular kid from Long Island" vibe is exactly what made her a star on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in the 90s. She was the "Queen of Nice" because she felt like your neighbor. She loved Broadway, she loved Barbra Streisand, and she was obsessed with Koosh balls. It was a very specific American moment.
The Impact of "Who Do You Think You Are?"
Back in 2011, Rosie did that show Who Do You Think You Are? and it really changed how she viewed her family’s history. She found out her ancestors didn't just "decide" to come to America for fun. They were fleeing the Great Famine.
Her great-great-grandfather, Andrew Murtagh, lived in the Naas workhouse in County Kildare. That place was basically the last stop for the "poorest of the poor." Finding out her family was sponsored to go to Canada and then the U.S. really hit her hard.
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It’s probably why she feels such a pull toward Ireland now. It’s not just a vacation spot for her; it’s where the story started.
What This Means for You
If you're trying to win an argument at a dinner party or just want to get your facts straight, here is the bottom line.
Actionable Takeaways:
- Verify the Birthplace: If anyone tells you she's an immigrant, point them to the records from Commack, NY, 1962.
- Understand Dual Nationality: Applying for a second passport (like an Irish one) does not automatically negate a U.S. passport.
- Check the Sources: Most of the "immigrant" labels being thrown around right now are political rhetoric, not legal reality.
Rosie O'Donnell is a New Yorker through and through. She might be living in Ireland, and she might be an Irish citizen by the time you read this, but she’ll always be the kid from Long Island who fought her way to the top of the entertainment world.
If you're curious about how other celebrities are handling dual citizenship or "political exile" in 2026, keep an eye on the state department’s updated guidelines on foreign residency. The rules are changing fast, and Rosie is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to high-profile figures looking for a second home.