Rosie O’Donnell captivated audiences during her recent performances in Australia, showcasing her talents at the iconic Sydney Opera House and Melbourne’s Hamer Hall. O’Donnell then mesmerized listeners during back-to-back concerts on October 9 & 10, 2019. She was fiercely entertaining, defying easy categorization, and always connecting with fans by revealing herself in deeply personal ways.
Sydney audiences were treated to O’Donnell’s infectious spirit and unapologetic honesty that truly lit up the stage. She had two performances to dazzle the audience at 2 PM and 8 PM. The Sydney Opera House, a world heritage site and one of the great cultural accomplishments of history, provided the most appropriate stage imaginable for her riveting speech. She then took her production to Melbourne’s iconic Hamer Hall. It was a magical evening, full of laughter and joyful remembering.
In addition to her performances, O’Donnell has made waves on the television screen with her recent appearance in HBO Max’s “And Just Like That.” Perhaps that is why in this new series she has created a fascinating lesbian nun. Along with Miranda, they navigate a charming connection laced with self-deprecating wit and archetypical New York tropes. Her latest role adds another important chapter to an amazing career, deepening her already enviable credentials as one of the most multifaceted musical artists we’ve ever heard.
O’Donnell’s deep exploration of themes around love goes beyond the act of performing itself. She described her show, entitled “Common Knowledge,” as a love letter to Ireland. It’s a stunning tribute to her profound love for the country and its vibrant culture. This union is personally important for O’Donnell, who moved permanently to Ireland earlier this year.
Telling a personal story, O’Donnell reminisced about one surprising moment from her teenage years with the help of commemorative cake. When Meat Loaf french-kissed her without warning on an episode of The Rosie O’Donnell Show, the reaction came as a surprise to everybody involved. This funny but heartwarming story paints a picture of the unscripted magic that was so prevalent during her television journey.
While living across the world and defending her country, O’Donnell has never strayed far from her roots. She lovingly preserves the stories of her late mother, who died when O’Donnell was only ten years old. She takes the toy rabbit with plastic eyes everywhere and keeps it on display at her New York City apartment. This sentimental object represents one of her last outings with her mother. As O’Donnell shares her memories of this toy, we understand the strong emotional ties she has to her childhood.
In discussing influential figures in her life, O’Donnell expressed admiration for the late Sinéad O’Connor. “I loved Sinéad. I thought she was an unbelievable artist and truth teller in a world that wasn’t ready for it yet,” she stated, highlighting O’Connor’s significant impact on both music and culture.
On a lighter note, O’Donnell shared her fondness for classic films, mentioning that “It’s my favourite movie of all time. If I see it on, I stop and I watch every single thing.” This eagerness to learn the art of storytelling evidences her devotion to the arts and highlights cinema’s powerful impact on her life.
As O’Donnell forges ahead with her professional and personal life, she’s an unwavering force for equality and understanding. Her answer is that “every life is worth the same amount” and her message of equality continues to be reflected today, especially in today’s climate for social justice.