Rosie O’Donnell is known as an actress and a comedian, but she also had her own talk show, which ran from 1996 to 2002. Fans loved her, and she got the hottest guests, but she walked away from it all. She was asked to stay and was offered a shocking amount to do so, but turned it down. So, how much did she reject, and why? Keep reading for all of the details.
Rosie Leaves It Behind
Viewers became obsessed with Rosie O’Donnell’s self-titled talk show. She had guests no one else could get, including JFK Jr. Plus, she had an obsession with Barbra Streisand and Tom Cruise. She would throw out Koosh balls daily, and there was a relatable charm to Rosie that fans could not get enough of. Then, in 2002, she walked away, and no one quite knew why. She had three children as well and realized that the money was not worth missing out on the time with them.
Rosie also noted that, at the time, she had $100 million in the bank, which she was satisfied with. However, those around her did not know this, and were stunned that she would even think of closing down shop:
“When I heard that [number], I thought, ‘OK, now I’m done. And everyone was like, ‘Why are you leaving?’”
For Rosie, she saw it as enough to take care of all those important to her. Moreover, she was involved in philanthropy, and she wanted to help strangers. It came down to being able to attend her kids’ big events, but the network tried one more time. They offered Rosie O’Donnell an incredible amount of cash to stay on for two more years. She would have been given $100 million for that time, but she turned it down.
Of course, with that number, executives were amazed that Rosie would say no:
“They were like, ‘Why would you say no?’ and I was like, ‘Because I already have that money and if I think I need more, something’s wrong with me.’”
The Humble Rosie
When fans look back at The Rosie O’Donnell Show, it is always with fondness. They appreciate how kind Rosie was with her guests and how much she adored them. There was a genuine adoration that radiated through
- I’ve been in a rabbit hole of old Rosie talk show interviews and I’m reminded of what a great interviewer she really was. She always made about the guest and let them shine rather than talking over them. She had a really natural talent for the job.
- I miss this time, when things so much more positive and fun!
- Rosie had such an influence on me as a kid. Everyday after school!
She will get another chance as she fills in for Jimmy Kimmel over the summer while he is on vacation. Can you believe Rosie O’Donnell turned down all of that money, but do you understand why? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
