You’ve probably seen the headlines lately. Or maybe you just remember her as the "Queen of Nice" from those 90s daytime talk show clips where she was tossing Koosh balls at the audience. But if you’re asking what did Rosie O'Donnell do recently, the answer involves a lot more than just comedy.
She basically left the country.
Honestly, it wasn't a snap decision. In January 2025, just before the second inauguration of Donald Trump, Rosie packed up her life and moved to a small village outside of Dublin, Ireland. She didn't go alone; she took her youngest child, Clay, who is 12 and non-binary. Rosie has been pretty open about why she did it, citing a mix of political exhaustion and a need to protect her family.
Why Ireland?
It’s not just a random spot on the map. It’s her ancestral home. She actually applied for Irish citizenship through descent. While many celebrities threaten to leave the country when an election doesn't go their way, Rosie actually did it. She described the move as a way to "escape" and find a sense of peace that she felt was impossible to maintain in the States.
It’s been a wild ride for her.
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She’s currently 63 and living a life that looks a lot different from her days on The View. Instead of debating politics on a panel, she’s painting—she actually made 240 paintings of "the orange man" to cope with depression—and performing stand-up in places like the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
What Did Rosie O'Donnell Do to Spark That Massive Feud?
To understand where she is now, you have to look at the history. People often forget that the Rosie vs. Trump feud has been going on for nearly two decades. It started in 2006 on The View when she called him a "snake-oil salesman" and criticized his handling of a Miss USA controversy.
He didn't take it well.
The back-and-forth escalated to a point that sounds like a fever dream. In 2025, Trump even used social media to threaten her U.S. citizenship, calling her a "threat to humanity." Rosie’s response? She pointed out the obvious: you can’t just revoke someone's birthright citizenship because you don't like their jokes.
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But it wasn't just the Trump stuff.
Rosie has a long history of being a "truth teller," even when it costs her. Back in 1999, she famously interrogated Tom Selleck on her show about his NRA commercial. It was awkward. It was tense. It basically ended her "Queen of Nice" era overnight.
The Career Pivot
She’s still working, just on her own terms.
- Acting: She showed up in HBO's Hacks and the Sex and the City revival, And Just Like That... in 2025.
- Stage: Her new show, Common Knowledge, is touring in 2026, with dates in Glasgow and Belfast.
- Charity: She’s still the force behind Rosie's Theater Kids, which has helped over 25,000 New York City students.
The Truth About Her Recent Activities
If you're looking for her in 2026, she's likely at her new home in Dublin or on a stage in the UK. Her latest stand-up show, Common Knowledge, isn't just a set of one-liners. It’s a deep dive into her relationship with her daughter Clay (who was diagnosed with autism at a young age) and the reality of starting over in a new country.
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She’s also been incredibly vocal about trans rights. Being the mother of a non-binary child, she’s called the current political vitriol against the LGBTQ+ community "homicidal delirium." She’s not pulling punches anymore.
Interestingly, she hasn't completely cut ties with the U.S. media. She still does the occasional high-profile interview, like her recent chat with Nicolle Wallace on MSNBC, but she’s doing it from across the Atlantic.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Critics
If you're trying to keep up with what she’s doing next, here’s the deal:
- Watch her new work: Look for her appearances in And Just Like That... Season 3.
- Support the arts: Check out the "Passing It On" Gala for Rosie's Theater Kids in March 2026 if you're in NYC.
- Follow the tour: If you happen to be in Europe, her Common Knowledge tour is hitting the Glasgow International Comedy Festival in March 2026.
Rosie O'Donnell has basically transitioned from a daytime TV staple to a full-time activist and artist who happens to live in Ireland now. Whether you love her or can't stand her, you have to admit—she actually followed through on what most people only post about on Twitter.