While some talk show hosts have begged networks to keep them on the air, Rosie O’Donnell said she walked away from hers. In a new interview, the comedian and actress said she turned down Warner Bros offer to renew her talk show for $100 million when she learned she had exactly that amount in her bank account. According to the mother of five, she was never in the business to get rich, and after realizing she had more than enough to take care of herself, family, friends, and even strangers, she knew it was time to move on.
Speaking to Page Six, O’Donnell, 64, said she was more than OK with “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” ending after six seasons in 2002 because she was rolling in dough. According to her, throughout her run on the show, her bank account had amassed a staggering $100 million.
“When I heard that [number], I thought, ‘OK, now I’m done,’” she said. “And everyone was like, ‘Why are you leaving?’”
O’Donnell, Kelli Carpenter’s ex-wife, said that leaving wasn’t just about the money; it was about being present for the moments most important to her. “I wanted to be at their softball games,” she said. “I wanted to be at school plays.”
Rosie O’Donnell Said The Executives At Warner Bros Were Confused When She Decided To Leave Another $100 Million On The Table
O’Donnell said she realized she “had enough money to take care of everyone in my life, philanthropy, and strangers,” so her interest in returning for another season quickly faded.
According to “The View” alum, Warner Bros offered her another $100 million to return for a seventh season, but she declined the offer with ease.
When the executives at the network questioned her decision, O’Donnell said she told them that by that point in her career, she didn’t need to spend time stacking more money.
“I don’t get the billionaires,” she said. “I don’t get how people only measure their life in money, not what they can do for other people.”
Could Rosie O’Donnell Ever Make A Talk Show Comeback? She Says…
Although she vowed to leave the cue cards behind, O’Donnell actually returned to host a special episode of “The Rosie O’Donnell Show” at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
O’Donnell, in partnership with Broadway.com, hosted a one-night-only show on her YouTube channel, raising a whopping $600,000 for the Actors Fund.
The production was produced by “Madam Secretary” star Erich Bergen and featured several stellar performers, including Ben Platt, Patti LuPone, Kristin Chenoweth, and Billy Porter.
Speaking with Variety, O’Donnell said she didn’t know if she could see herself returning to hosting full-time, but acknowledged the nostalgic feeling the show likely evoked for her fans.
“You put both of those together, and somebody like me who wears her heart on her sleeve, it’s a good combination. So I don’t know what will happen,” she said.
O’Donnell’s ‘View’ Co-Star Said She’s Not In The Same Boat…
O’Donnell’s comments about money differ vastly from those of her “The View” counterpart, Whoopi Goldberg. During a previous interview with Entertainment Tonight, Goldberg was asked whether she had ever considered slowing down, given that she’s been on the long-running talk show for nearly 20 years.
“Yeah, but who can afford to do that? You know, if you don’t marry well, you gotta keep working,” the “Sister Act” star said. “No, not by now. Not yet. I gotta keep paying those bills, baby.”
Goldberg then said that she could relate to those who were having a hard time, saying, “Me, too. I work for a living.” She added, “If I had all the money in the world, I would not be here, okay? So, I’m a working person, you know.”
Sherri Shepherd Pleaded For Her Talk Show To Get Another Chance
And speaking of talk shows, earlier this year, news broke that Sherri Shepherd’s show was ending after four seasons on the air. While the announcement was upsetting for her, Shepherd told “TODAY” hosts Jenna and Sheinelle that she was still working hard to keep her program alive.
“Let me tell you something. I’m from the Shepherds of Chicago. We don’t go down without a fight, not at all. So, I am still really trying to keep this going, and you haven’t seen the last of ‘Sherri,’” she said.
The show aired its final episode on May 21, 2026, and, in an emotional farewell clip, the comedian thanked everyone involved for helping to turn her dreams into reality.
“I want to say, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank you for welcoming me into your homes every single day. I want to thank you for laughing and crying with us,” she said.