Rosie O'Donnell | Good Hang with Amy Poehler

Hi everyone. Welcome to another episode. of Good Hang. Boy, we have a great guest. today. Rosie O'Donnell. Rosie is here. and we are going to have such a great. conversation. We always do when we talk. to Rosie. We We're going to talk about. so many good things. We're going to talk. about her getting discovered and and. being on Star Search. We're going to. talk about her incredible onewoman show. and and how it felt to do it and and and. and what it brought up for her. We're.

going to talk about the idea of standing. up for people, standing up for yourself. and sometimes how expensive that can be. And and we're going to talk about um her. uh filling in and uh hosting Jimmy. Kimmel Live next week and how excited. she is for that. There's so many good. things happening right now. As Rosie. says, she is reamous. So, we're going to. get into that today. But before we do, we are going to talk to somebody who. knows our guest, who wants to speak well. behind their back. And we have a great. great person joining us today, Cynthia.

Nixon, actress, activist. Cynthia, well, look, you know Cynthia, okay? Gilded. Age, Sex in the City, the show, and Just. Like That also in so many incredible. Broadway shows. Cynthia's a giant, and. uh she's going to chat with us today and. give us a question. Hi, Cynthia. >> This episode is brought to you by. PayPal. School's back soon and so is. that shopping list. You know the one.

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>> Hey. >> Hey, Cynthia. >> How are you? [laughter] I'm falling. down. I'm falling down. There we go. >> I got a lot of I got a lot of head room, don't I? >> It's kind of nice books in the back. >> Okay. >> It looks It looks smart. Maybe I'll sit on a pillow. Maybe. that'll help me like I used to do at the. barber when I was a little girl. >> Yeah, I still sometimes have to put a. little uh pad or pillow in when I'm. driving a a vehicle. >> You do [laughter].

sometimes. >> I love it. >> Little booster. Thank you so much for. getting on and for talking about Rosie. >> It's my pleasure. It's my pleasure. One. of my favorite top most favorite topics, Rosie O'Donnell. Now, you guys have been. friends for a long time. >> We have been friends for a long time. We. have been friends from early Sex in the. City days when Kristen Davis and I were. at the Joanie Mitchell concert at the. Himerstein Ballroom on 34th and uh Rosie.

and her wife were seated in front of us. and they and Rosie turned around and she. was like, "Oh, look. It's the Sex in the. City girl.". >> [laughter]. >> When we talk today, I mean, one of the. things that is so disarming and charming. about Rosie is she has really always. been herself in real time in front of. us. She has like allowed us to see her, you know, her real self all the time. She's very authentically herself. of the.

many like, you know, parasocial. relationships that we all have with. people we think we know. Rosie is. definitely somebody. >> We really do know Rosie. [laughter] We. really do know her and she's and I think. she just came out of the womb that way. I really, you know, my favorite Rosie. story that I tell at the drop of a hat. is when she was three years old and her. family moved and it was chaos and they. moved to a little culde-sac and nobody. was paying attention, you know, whatever. and she walked out of her door. and she went right across to the very.

next house. It wasn't like traffic, it. was a culde-sac, you know, and she rang. the doorbell and the woman of the house. enter, you know, answer the door and. looked down and there was little Rosie. O'Donnell who said to her, "I'm three. You got anyone in there who's three?". [laughter] And the woman's like, "As a. matter of fact, I do." And I think that. woman is, you know, that little girl. that she that came then came to the door. to play was, you know, is still Rosy's. like best friend. So. >> really?

>> Yeah. >> Wow. >> No, that's an amazing story. >> I'm three. You got anyone in there who's. three? >> I'm going to talk to her about a lot of. things today, including her show, her. new show, which you just saw. She's. she's performing a onewoman show. >> We actually we saw it in Ireland. We. were in Ireland and we went to see her. there and then we saw it again. And it's. of course it's it's it's different and. there's different parts left out and. there's different parts added and it's. more polished, but it's so much the same. show. It's so it's so delicious, you.

know. And I said to her, it's like an. hour and 15 minutes or something, hour. and a half, whatever it is. And I was. like, I wanted it to be 4 hours. I just. didn't want it to end. I didn't want. >> I didn't want the stories to end. And I. didn't want the the time, you know, spent with you to end in [clears throat]. that way. M that's a that's a that's a. great review that somebody wants it to. be longer. Um now anything you think I. should ask Rosie today we're asking our. guests like you know any any question.

big small important silly anything. >> Right. So I tried to think of this. It's. very hard to think of it but I thought. of three and I'm sorry I didn't think of. one. >> No that's great. I thought, you know, how does she feel now? And how is she. dealing with the fact that she is. arguably, you know, the most eligible. lesbian bachelor on the scene at the. moment? How is she dealing with all the. people trying to fix her up and the. people trying to fix her up with. themselves, you know?

Um, [laughter]. another question which is more of a me. question is like, you know, all of us. Sex in the City girls, we did so many. sex scenes often with, you know, you. know, quite a lot of clothes off and. that kind of thing. But, you know, Rosie. and I had a bed scene, not exactly a sex. scene, but a a postcoidal scene. And. what was that like for her? You know. what [laughter] I mean? What was it like. for her? >> What was it like for you? I mean, it was. it was a little strange, but um but it. was so lovely because the part that she.

played opposite me on and just like that. who was this nun who was having her. first sexual experience with anybody. Um. you know, she's so funny, Rosie, but she. didn't play it for laughs. She played it. with such tenderness and hope and. excitement and it just of course it made. it even more funny, you know. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um, but I guess the the the. question that I really want to ask her. is, you know, kind of what you were.

saying. She is so important to so many. people and we were out the other night. and I'll I'll tell this story very. briefly, but it's a much longer story. about my friend whose mom died and she. wanted to be mar buried in her Rosie. O'Donnell sweatshirt. and he didn't think that was really. appropriate. that he thought she had to. wear something a little more, you know, dressed up. But he took the he cut out. the rosie on her Rosie O'Donnell. sweatshirt and he went the morning of.

the open casket funeral and she had a. his mom had a rosary in her hands and my. friend pried his mom's hands apart and. took the rosary out and put it by her. side and put in this this rolled up. little thing of Rosy's name from her. sweatshirt and and so that she was. holding on to it and my friend told. Rosie the story and of course Rosie She. was very touched, but Rosie was not. thrown. Do you know what I mean? I feel.

like. >> the amount of people for whom she looms. this large in life and death and at the. moments and like wanting her to be there. with you. Why does she think she was put. on the earth? Like what is this quality. that she has that she is so deeply. important to people? And you know, of. course, there are people who revile her. for whom she is important as as their. enemy, but like you know, what did God. or the universe or you know, put her on. earth to do because boy, she has so much.

impact on people. >> That is so beautifully said. She. definitely is a a person that creates. big feelings in people and then being. your her friend, I'm sure you've seen. people bring those big feelings to her. Like what do you do with all of those. big feelings? Like you're only one. person and I'm sure there's days where. you can absorb it and you can synthesize. it and other days where you have to just. kind of like leave it at the door. >> But also what is there about herself.

that brings that out of people, you. know, >> and it's going to be interesting to see. if Rosie has an answer to it because it. I totally agree. She invokes and evokes. all this really interesting stuff in. people and and um that's a beautiful. story too. What a Beatles story. >> Yeah, [laughter] I know. Isn't it. unbelievable? Yeah. Yeah. And it's much. longer and more complicated, but that's. the gist. >> Yeah. Yeah. Um well, I I thank you. These are great questions. And these are.

perfect, Cynthia. Perfect. Thank you. This is perfect. A perfect um little. amuse before we get into the Rosie meal. And I know she will be thrilled that we. talked and as am I. So, I really. appreciate your time. Well, have a great. time asking Rosie all the questions that. everybody wants to ask her. >> Thanks, Cynthia. Thank you so much. Bye. Take care. >> This episode is brought to you by. Visible. Why does it feel like summer. ends as soon as it begins? One day, the. sun is finally shining bright and the.

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the kindest people to Clay when you took. us to see the screening of Inside Out 2, one of their favorite movies. >> and she still talks about it. >> They were so sweet that day and you and. I think were crying together that day. because that movie is I mean all of. Pixar movies are a whopper but that one. is. >> No, Inside Out is something else. It's. like every adult should watch it like. five times a day just to remember what. it's like to be a kid and what it feels.

like. >> What it's like to be a human person. >> Yeah, you captured it. It was beautiful. Absolutely beautiful. >> Rosie, thanks for saying that. I I've. been so excited about you coming in. today. I love talking to you. I've. gotten the privilege of getting to know. you a little bit over the years and talk. to you. And I was just kind of thinking. about what we were going to talk about. today. And I just feel like to like kind. of sum up the work you always do is. about making people feel less alone. basically. >> Isn't that the truth? That's what I. think being alive is all about. Yeah.

>> Right. Tell your truth. Let everyone. hear it. Yeah. >> And uh it'll help people. >> Yeah. >> It doesn't help when people keep. secrets. It doesn't help. You know, some. people say, "Oh, you tell too much.". >> And I'm like, I suppose for some people. it would be too much. But for me, you. know, coming from a childhood that had a. lot of secrets and a lot of stuff going. down that, >> you know, wasn't kosher, uh, I like to. be able to go, well, this is what's. happening, and this is what So, I always. tell the truth. Sometimes it gets me in.

trouble, right? [laughter]. >> Like they asked me on one show, they. said, "What who are your guests on. Kimmel?" I start naming them. I see the. publicist like pulling [laughter] her. hair out in the other room. They're. like, "Don't say it." You know? I'm. like, "Okay, OKAY. [laughter] I DON'T. KNOW THE RULES. I'M SORRY. WHAT is it like being in you've done so. many interviews, you've been on this. side. What did you learn as as an. interviewer that now you remember when. you're being interviewed? >> I don't really look at it that way. I. look at it just like listening is is the.

bottom line to everything to acting. >> to hosting to interviewing listen. and. the ones that allow people to complete. their sentence and are not looking at. the notes for what's the next one, where's the next place, you know, when I. did um the Tonight Show with Leno. Okay. So, you be me and I'll be Leno. Okay. Yeah. So, he'd go he you see him looking. down and then they come back, he's like, "Oh, so Rosie O'Donnell. So, listen. I. just wanted to tell you uh you you're. really good at um at uh you know doing.

this movie part." And then you'd see him. look at the camera over here and when. the single was on me, he'd be looking. down at the note for the next He didn't. even make eye contact. >> Have you ever acted with someone like. that? I' I've acted with people who. >> shall remain nameless. >> Exactly. Right. >> Who when it is not their coverage, they. are literally not looking at you. I. know. And it's it's really shocking. It. actually makes you feel very lonely. >> Yes. And and I've had, you know, there's.

one who I'll tell you when we're done. [laughter] that was so selfish that I. was like, "This is not the spirit of. acting in an ensemble. This is not the. spirit.". >> You know, it's almost like when you're. in a great improv group. Totally. You. never say no in the scene. You have to. keep the scene going. >> Yeah. Or I mean, this has happened too. in projects where you, you know, especially in comedy where you try. something or say something and then. someone else just takes it. >> Yes. That's happened to me, too. >> Me, too. And I've been And it's, you.

know, bad behavior. I know you're this. way, too. I I I think what like bad. behavior and conflict in general is. something, at least I feel from you, Rosie, like you don't shy away from it. You're not afraid of it. But I feel like. you also are a little constantly shocked. by it. Bad behavior. >> I am. >> Me, too. >> I'm stunned by it. >> It stuns me in real time. >> It stuns me, too. not only in acting but. in politics. Like I go, is everyone.

looking at the same speech he just gave? Did we hear what he just said? He is. asleep again, ladies and gentlemen. Like, what is it going to take, >> right? And the looking around and the. the almost the gaslighting that's. afterwards is so stressful. >> How about Rubio saying, "I've never seen. him fall asleep." [laughter] I'm like, "Oh, dear God in heaven." It's beyond. willful blindness. It's really like cult. programming. It's and and that kind of. stress when something's being when. someone's behaving badly, whether it's.

on set, whether it's if you're running. the country, whether it's like you're at. ordering coffee and nobody says anything. is excruciating to me, and I think it is. to you, too. >> It is to me. Even with, you know, the. political stuff, people say, "Why do you. do it?" Um, I do it because I feel like. I owe something to this country because. of my life and career. that I started. out on Long Island with a a dead mother. and a and a father who was compromised. in many ways and that I, you know,

overweight gay. >> became whatever this thing is that I. became and lived this life of. >> gross excess because of it, you know. And I don't feel like shutting up now. when we're on the precipice of disaster. is the way to say thank you to a country. and a nation that provided me with an. unbelievable life. >> So I feel morally obligated. >> Mhm. And do you feel Rosie like that. feeling of being that kid, that person.

that like has to point out and speak out. just you were born with it? >> Well, the stories that my parents used. to tell me was that I always went to the. adults. I always wanted to entertain the. adults and to have conversations with. the adults. >> You're a middle child. >> I'm the middle I'm the oldest girl. I'm. named after my mother. >> And um interestingly enough, uh I was. always a highly sensitive person to the. point that it's almost debilitating. >> And when I was little, I would get in.

trouble for watching the news because. Saigon was being evacuated. My mother. had just died and there was a pushup. stairway for the last planes out and it. was all live on TV and there was a young. teenage boy who kicked a woman. Now they. were all trying to survive, right? It. was horrible. >> Yeah. >> She fell off of the stairway and out of. frame because the frame was locked. >> and we never found out what happened. I. start sobbing. >> And my father was so mad and so.

overwhelmed that I would be crying that. he said, "You're not allowed to watch. the news anymore. >> You're not allowed. Go to your room.". And so I think I was too much. >> But it's really interesting, Rosie, because you're a combo of a highly. sensitive person and you're also tough. >> Well, you know what, Amy? I'm not that. tough. >> You're not that tough. >> No, I cry a lot. >> Yeah. If someone else is crying, I start. to cry, >> right? >> I like I have to like have a shield up.

And that is definitely armor. But when. people get to know me, they often say, "God, you're nothing like I thought. Rosie O'Donnell was [laughter] going to. be." And I'm like, >> you know, in good ways and bad ways. When I would start to date people, you. know, they expected me to be like, "Hey, here I am, Katie Lang in the bedroom. Let's go." [laughter] You know, and I'm. like, "Do you want to cuddle? Could we. watch something on TV? Can we I never. know if someone's hitting on me. I never. have a clue. Unless you have a neon sign. that says, "I'm hitting on you. I would.

like to date you." I am clueless to it. >> Well, Rosie, do you think that you are? Because you you you've you've talked. really openly about Clay. Do you think. you're neurode divergent? >> I you know, when I was first on my show, Bill Gates was doing a large study in. the '9s at the University of Seattle. about autism. This is back when there. wasn't all that much research going on. and they would call every few months at. the first year and say we really would. like to test you because of my ability. to recite lyrics and to like you know.

the primitine miss commercial most. people don't know that cuz there's no. song and it was on in the 60s and 70s. and in the lungs primitine helps open. clogged breathing tubes relaxes. bronchial spasm restores free breathing. as fast as 15 seconds primitine mist to. help keep breathing freely for hours. primitine tablets the one most widely. prescribed by doctors. There's no. reason, Amy, that I have that stuck in. my head. >> You have a really interesting way to. sorting information. Yes. >> And sorting emotional information.

>> Correct. And I think that that, you. know, my autistic child has taught me. patience and introspection, you know, to. be more introspective about my own stuff. going on. >> Totally. I think it's one of the beautiful things. about that community in general and just. the idea of a spectrum in general is. that in the same way like gender and. sexuality for my generation like I feel. like like your generation was about. there are different ways there are.

different ways to express your sexuality. and to who you love. I feel like my gen. was like you can have a family however. you want and then the gen like. millennials are like gender is a. construct that we're all trying like. everyone is like breaking apart all. these things we think are very true. >> It's so true and my daughter who's 23. she was showing me pictures of this. party that they had at their college, you know, with eight girls in one house. in a college and I saw two of the girls. kissing and I'm like, "Oh my god, I. didn't know they were gay." She's like,

"Mom, they're not gay. They were just. kissing at a party. I'm like, that. doesn't make you gay anymore? What makes. you gay then? >> We don't know. We don't. >> know. But yeah, it was, you know, and. when I started, I didn't think there was. any way in the world that you could be. an out lesbian person and be successful. in show business. That's right. Because. Ellen wasn't out. Yep. >> Will and Grace wasn't on. I remember on. my show they said there's going to be a. show where it's a gay guy and his female. best friend. And I said that'll last 3. weeks just like Love Sydney. Now, you.

don't do you remember that? We do. >> Yes. >> Tony Randall. >> Tony Rand. >> Tony Randall had uh a lover and they. never said it was his lover, but there. was a picture of him above the fireplace. and sometimes he would look lovingly and. sadly at the loss. And the story in the. show was that he was gay bashed. It was. a hate crime that took his life. And I. remember being in church and hearing the. priest talk about how horrible the show. was and how, you know, and then they. ripped it off the air. It was off the.

air and it was, you know, a wonderful. show. >> And I thought, "Wow, you can't tell. anyone." But I lived a life where. everyone knew, >> right? >> Because I had kids and, you know, I had. kid when I was 33. From that moment on, I was out cuz you'd go to the doctor. with your partner. You would, you know, and I would always go to the Emmys with. Kelly. Now, Lois Smith, my wonderful. >> I know. You said she used to walk in. between the two of you. >> And Janola, did you remember what she. looked like? She looked just like my. nana. >> She was tall and and stately and she.

always wore a bright red coat. And she. had been Marilyn Monroe's publicist. during the Joe Deaggio years. Wow. You. know, when I went and my show was. starting and I got a publicist in New. York, I went to meet her. Yeah. And I. said, "Listen, I'm gay and I don't. imagine ever saying it because I'd. rather fight for kids who are abused, who don't have a voice, then fight for. adults who, you know, or and that was my. rationale at the time." And she was very. grateful that I told her, but then.

proceeded to say to Kelly all the time, "Get on the other side. Get on the other. side." because she she didn't want. anyone to know. >> I I don't think people realize like you. know like I people are young people that. I talk to are surprised that you know I. didn't have any openly gay people in my. high school. No gay and lesbian. alliance. No openly gay teachers. No, >> no one was openly gay. And if they were. like the the art teacher, this beautiful. man who was a teacher and and I used to. call him dad and he was so lovely and so.

great and so gay, so flamboyant. And the. gym teacher who years later in Vegas I. was at a lesbian bar and who's there? I. was like, "Give me a high five. N we're. together in a lesbian bar like I dreamed. when I was in ninth grade, you know.". >> Yes. I mean, Paula Pel, you know Paula. Pel? >> Yes. She was on here talking about that. And one of the things that really moved. me that I didn't think about as a. straight person is that because at the. time she had to be closeted, relationships ended like they did for.

everybody else and no one got to grieve. publicly. You had to like you had to be. crying in your room that you and your. best friend weren't hanging out anymore. >> Well, the thing that got me the most cuz. I was with a woman who has recently. passed away. Her name was Corby. She was. uh a bunch of years older than me, probably like 10 or 12 years older than. me. And I was it was one of my first. relationships. And I was with her for 7. years. And when we broke up, um the pain.

of it was so intense. And I couldn't. even tell my family. >> Yeah. Right. >> My family didn't want to hear about it. Even though they knew I was living with. her and they knew that now I wasn't. No. one brought it up. Nobody said, "Are you. okay?" Mhm. >> And that is very, very isolating and. lonely. And it makes you feel that. you're sort of doomed by being gay, which is no different than being. left-handed or having blue eyes. Like. you people don't choose it. Who would. choose it? It's not an easy life, but.

it's a true life if you know that that's. who you are, you know? >> Yeah. Well, you talk about this idea of. truth, which you really which really. matters to you. I love when you know. you've talked about how Clay and your. relationship has like kind of drawn you. closer to that, keeps drawing you closer. to that. >> Yes. >> And you just finished um an incredible. run of your show Common Knowledge. Can. you tell us where the title Common. Knowledge comes from? Because I love. this. >> This is true story. So she um they they.

and it's a they them. >> that's the pronouns that they choose. But it's very hard, honey. >> I know. And I love I love that you're. constantly correcting in real time like. we all do. It's it's really beautiful. >> and it really matters to them and I know. it matters to them. And so when I would. they first told me that it was they. them, I tried my best but I kept saying. she. >> And so they wrote on a cardboard paper.

they and then they would hold it up. above their head every time I said she. [laughter] like John Cusack can say. anything with the boom box just staring. at me, you know. And so I took her to my. cousin's tattoo shop with the they in. her handwriting and I had it tattooed on. my wrist so that I would never forget. that it would remind me. And I thought. she'd be very touched and she didn't. give two shits. She could not care less. And I just said she I just did it again. in the they story. I messed it up.

>> [laughter]. >> But uh yeah, but the common knowledge. comes from uh we were watching Jeopardy, which I no longer do with her because it. was really hard on my ego and you know, I had won celebrity Jeopardy once. against. um. uh Ed Begley Jr. and Robert Gome. So it. was Benson and the very smart Ed Begley. Jr. Those are smart people. >> A little bit younger than them, so they. couldn't really work the [laughter]. button because you can't buzz in till. the light goes on. >> Oh, you are the second celebrity.

Jeopardy winner I've had here. Ike Baron. Holtz won. And it's all about the. button. >> It's about the buzzer. >> and and need and knowing the answers and. knowing. >> and knowing the answers. But I always. pride myself. I used to watch it every. day. So she's about eight when this. happens. And I believe Alex Tbeck was. still alive. And and in my mind it was. Alex Tbeck who said and the answer is. the deepest point ever recorded on. earth. And they look up from their iPad. and go what is the Mariana Trench? And I'm like what is the Mariana Trench?

>> Oh it's the deepest part of the earth. ever recorded mom. It's near Guam. Come. on. That's common knowledge. And I said. oh what does common knowledge mean? This. little eight-year-old right. It's things. everyone should know but not everyone. does. She said they say. And I'm like, "Okay, can you give me some examples?". And I kid you not, this is what they. said. The Appalachian Mountains have. been around since before Saturn had its. rings. Common knowledge. Flamingos can. drink boiling hot water without. incurring any internal damage. Common.

knowledge. Cleopatra was alive closer to. the advent of the iPhone than the. completion of the pyramids of Giza. Common knowledge. I was like, "What the. hell?" [laughter]. And and I asked her, I asked her, I. said, Honey, where do you keep that info? >> And they said, I have a file folder and. I like to bring it out at inappropriate. times. [laughter]. >> I'm like, way to go. Way to go, kiddo. You know, >> and so this title for this show, your.

onewoman show, what was it like? I mean, physically to do a onewoman show, Rosie, that's a lot, I bet. What do you do to. prep? How do you how do you manage your. because I'm always trying to figure out. how people are managing their energy. Well, I will tell you that when you know. we did this sort of as a proof of. concept because I had done it in Europe. and it really is a love letter to. Ireland and to Clay, you know, that's. what it is. And there's very little. politically. There's a little thing. about why we moved and Trump, but it's. not the focus of the show in any.

capacity. And it really is about this. love letter. And we had to change some. things because I didn't know if they. would get the Irish, you know, the. intense Irish stories that they get over. in Ireland and Scotland. And because you. because you did it first at Edinburgh. >> I did it in Edinburgh a year ago. >> A year ago. Yeah. >> And then I did it in Dublin and went to. Scotland. Went to Sydney, Australia, did. the opera house which was unbelievable. >> Wow. >> Really wonderful. And uh you know there. were two parts of it that were very. emotional. One is when I open on the day.

my mother died, the show opens with that. >> and there's dead silence in the audience. and then I say, "I know what you're. thinking. Did I buy the wrong ticket? Isn't this a comedy show? I didn't want. to come to Angela's Ashes THE MUSICAL. [laughter] COME ON, ROSIE. You know, so. I throw that in and then I go, "Don't. worry, there'll be there'll be jokes, you know, and at the very end I tell the. last time I saw my mother." So, it's. bookended by these very emotional parts. that when I first started doing it, I.

couldn't do them without crying. Yeah. >> And as an actress, you know, if you had. a scene where you have to talk about, you don't want to cry in the scene. you. want to fight the crying in the scene, right? So, I just started to think of it. as an actress, like, okay, I'm an. actress. I'm not me. This is not my mom. This is, let me just tell this as if I. was a character in a movie. And I was. finally able to perform it.

>> You first went to Ireland right after. your mom died. >> Yes. >> First time. >> Yes. First time in a plane. and Donnie. Donnie. Yes. >> Then, you know, I would imagine that. would be associated with a lot of. trauma, but did you find when you when. you were there, like what made you. return to Ireland? Cuz it feels like it. would be attached to this terrible. moment in your life and you'd almost. like never want to go again, but you. found something in that visit. >> I still have cousins there. So, when my. father took us there, I didn't. understand why he did it. It was the.

height of the troubles. It was 1973. There was tremendous unrest and Dunny. Gaul is very close to the Northern Irish. border. >> and my cousins were wy little guys and. they were in their late late teens and. so they got us in trouble. You know, they would shoot cap guns and try to. provoke the British army to helicopters. would come above where we were playing. and they'd go hide and you know and now. I look back and I go that was taking our. lives into our hands. But I think I. realized as I was writing this play like.

why did my father take us there? Not to. talk about grief because nobody. mentioned my mother or her death after. she died. It was to show us how to. survive it the Irish way, >> right? >> Which is you get on with it. >> You carry on. You don't, >> you know, swim in the sadness. You just. move on just like the weather. >> That's right. >> You deal with it. >> Yeah. It's all about behavior. It's all. about like just do things like fake it. till you make it kind of like active. action rather than discussing any real.

>> which as we all know does not work. >> It doesn't work. [laughter]. >> Exactly. All the Irish Catholic people. out there going yes. >> let's have a drink. [laughter] Yeah. That's right. It doesn't work. >> It does not work. >> Yeah. It doesn't work. >> Um little tiny Rosie. Yeah. >> Be it funny always popular. >> Yes. >> Homecoming queen and class clown. That. doesn't happen a lot. >> I know. And I was prom queen and student. council president. >> Nailed it. >> And I did all the plays and played all.

the sports like a good lesbian. So. >> So you crushed it. >> I crushed it in high school. >> How do you then get into How do you then. decide I'm going to do standup? >> I didn't want to do that. I wanted to be. on Broadway. So when I was in um 10th. grade, >> my brother was a senior and they asked. me to write the script for Senior Follys. >> where you make fun of the teachers. And. you know what I did? I took the Saturday. Night Live album with Chvy Chase and. Jane Curtain and Gilda and Lorraine.

Newman and I took all the jokes and I. just re rewrote them for like there was. a joke about a teacher who was. flatchested which I took directly from. there. It's like Miss Baron. more on. that story as it develops, you know, because [laughter]. and I just put everything about someone. in the school and they were like, "Oh, >> they were like, "You're a genius.". >> A genius. And I also did Rosanne, Rosanna, Dana, >> I heard. >> And uh this guy comes over to me and he. goes, "My brother Craig Mini is in this.

school and um I'm a stand-up comedian. and I just opened a comedy club in. Huntington and I'd like you to come down. and do standup comedy." I said, "No, no. I'm going to be on Broadway. I want to. be a B. Midler backup singer, one of the. harettes. I want to be in a chorus. line." Now, the fact that I couldn't. really sing or dance didn't really stop. me cuz I had a lot of enthusiasm. >> Yep. >> But, uh, I So, he had me go there first. night. Everyone from my high school was. there and I did jokes like, "Mary's.

going out with Mitchell and Greg doesn't. know." And people who paid money are. like, "What the?" And the audience is. laughing like you can't believe because. it's my high school friends. >> They all showed up. >> Correct. Well, the next night was a. school night. >> Yeah. >> And I went in and I died a horrible. death. So I had in the first two nights. at 16 years old, >> the greatest night of my life, the first. night and the worst night of my life, the second night. And then he said, "Well, here's what I want to do. You're. welcome to come here anytime. You don't. have to pay to get in. You sit in the.

back with us comics and you watch and. you learn." And after about four months, Shirley Hempill from What's Happening. came in. >> Yes. >> She saw me at the open mic night and she. went over to Richie Mini and said, "Little one's opening for me.". >> And Richie said, "She's not ready." And. Shirley said, "Either she goes on with. me or I don't go on." And she would sell. out. Shirley Hemple when I started, you. know, in in the 80s was like pretty huge. star. And she got me uh paid $25 a show,

which when you're 16 years old is like a. million dollars. >> And started my whole career. >> Wow. >> And then she got me with her manager, Bernie Young, who ended up the executive. producer of my show. >> I mean, you did, Rosie. You're the start. of your career is like getting. discovered at the soda shop. Like the. fact that people saw you, said you're. funny, come here. you get there, they're. like, "You're funny. Stay with me." Then.

you're 20 or something and Ed McMahon's. daughter says, "Go on Star Search." I. mean, people are really noticing. You. were just you were making huge. impressions really fast on people, >> right? And it was shocking to me and I. was like, really? Like when when Claudia. McMahon came over to me in that same. club that Richie Mini owned and she. said, you know, my name is Claudia. McMahon, Ed McMahon's my dad, and I'm. going to get you on Star Search. I. thought, yeah, right. This is some. psycho person who [laughter] doesn't, you know, have any connection. She has. the same last name. And the next day.

there's a phone call. Hi, the star. search calling for uh Rosie O'Donnell. >> And I was booked. >> There might be people listening who. don't remember who Ed McMahon is. And we. talked about Johnny Carson. Ed McMahon. was was Johnny's co uh was like. >> sidekick. >> Sidekick. Thank you. and like had a. really distinctive laugh and would just. kind of like support Johnny but then. became a host in his own right and. hosted this show called Star Search. which was back then. >> huge. >> beyond I mean I don't I can't even. imagine what the numbers were of people. that and huge names were on Star Search.

Beyonce was on Star Search who else was. on Star Search God I I have many people. so many people there's so many people. who were on that show and and went on to. great things but you know I I got there. and and uh Every week that you won, you. had to stay cuz they did it live. >> Oh, right. You had to stick around. >> You had to stick around at the sunset. high on Sunset. I had no money. I walked. every day to Cary's, the hot dog stand, and for like $3, I got a small Coke and.

a hot dog, and that's what I lived on. By the fifth or sixth episode, I was the. thinnest I'd ever been. I'm like, "This. is how you lose weight, apparently." and. you [laughter] know, but I won like 20. something,000, which to me was. unbelievable. >> Unbelievable. >> I walked to the Mazda dealership. I walked with my $26,000 in my pocket, and I bought a stick shift, which I. didn't know how to drive, a Mazda 626, brand new, with no air conditioning in.

California. And I paid above the sticker. price. They saw me come in and then. listen, the guy says to me, "Uh, do you. want the undercoating?" I said, "I don't. know. Do you think I need it in LA? You. don't need the undercoating. There's no. snow, you know." And I got the full. winterized package for my nonair. conditioning. >> It was unbelievable to me. But yes, I've. had a very lucky ride, Amy, and I don't. ever forget it. And that's why I try to. help other people. >> But Rosie, I'm going to say, yes, luck, of course, but also you had something.

You had a real drive. You had a desire. to be heard obviously seen. You you. wanted to perform. You felt it. You you. went you took big risks, big swings. Like people can say come come do the. come to the comedy club, but you have to. go. You have to write your act. You have. to think about it. You have to. >> There was something really indomitable. about your spirit, especially as a young. person where you were like, I gotta I. gotta be heard. >> Yes. It's so true. I I wanted that, you.

know, in a way that's hard for me to. even articulate or find the origin of, you know, it it really is. And I did. want I didn't have material, just to be. clear. The third day that I went back. after the two horrible days, I went back. and I went up. They gave me five minutes. and I had just watched BV Griffin and. Jerry Seinfeld was on. >> and I was like, "Oh, that's funny." You. know? So, I go onto the stage, not only. do I do his act, I do his cadence and. his delivery. I'm like, I'm driving here.

and my car stalls and I'm thinking, hey, why don't I open the hood? What am I. looking for? A big onoff switch. On off. It was totally Jerry Seinfeld. >> Did you ever tell Jerry that you made. that? >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. And so I walk off the I. walk off the set and I get swarmed by. five older male comedians. I'm a. teenager, remember? They're like, "Where'd you get that joke?" I said, "Jerry Seinman." Um, he was on MV. And. they go, "It's Seinfeld and those are. his jokes and you can't do his jokes.".

I'm like, "Wait a second. Why can't I do. his jokes?" They said, "Because you have. to write them yourself." I'm like, "Barbara Streryand does not write her. own songs. Why do I have TO WRITE MY OWN. JOKES? I'M NOT A WRITER. I'm just. funny." They said, "That's what you have. to do." And so, it took me a while of. being an MC to get material and to learn. to talk about your own family and and. and that's how I did it. >> Wow. I mean, you talked about doing. Gildas. Did you ever meet Gilda or any. of those? You did? I would have loved. >> She was doing a onew woman show, Gilda.

Live, in DC, and I went and I had this. older man, again, another person who. helped me who saw me at a little comedy. club at like the ground where you could. have a burger and throw the the peanut. shells on the floor, you know? So, you'd. be doing your act and you'd hear, "We. have a pickup on three. Pick up on. three. It's a cheeseburger. It's getting. cold. Vinnie, come on. In the middle of. your act, you know. >> Yeah. >> So, I was at this ground round and this. older man, I mean, in his 80s, uh, Lou.

Levy, Imprasario, that's what his card. says. [laughter] Imprasario Lou Levy. And he. >> We had to bring back business cards. >> I We really do. It was a big thing. >> But he um knew someone who knew Gilda. and said, "Go backstage." And I did. I. went backstage and she was leaving out. the back door. And I followed her out. the back door and I said, "Excuse me, excuse me, Gilda." And she said, "Yes.". And I said, "Do you know Imprasario Lou. Levy?" [laughter]. And she was like, "No." And like looking.

around for security, you know, like. And. I said, "Oh, okay. He told me that I. could come back and meet you." And she. said, "Yeah, I don't know him, honey. It's okay." But she was not mean to me. She didn't like, you know, throw me. aside. She looked me in the eye. She. stopped. Yeah, but she, you know, I used. to do her because my name is Rosanne and. you know, Rosanna, Rosanna, down. You. ever notice you have a little piece of. spit between your lips and it goes up. and down and up and down. I would do her. every talent show.

>> Like it that it was kind of like that. was how you told people you wanted you. were into comedy was by memorizing SNL. >> Totally. And that's what I did. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And it was so unbelievable when I got to. host. >> Yeah. you I was looking up the the. musical guests when you hosted James. Taylor and Whitney Houston. >> Yes, exactly. >> Yeah. The second time Penny was supposed. to host, but you know, Penny um often. had a big gulp and we don't know what. was in it, let's [laughter] just say. And so she was could come walked over.

from the SNL set to my studio which was. right on the same floor. And she goes, "Rosie, they want me to host but I'm. only doing it with you. will you do it. with me? And I said, "Okay." And I went. in and I did it. And you know, Whitney, uh, >> what was it like to meet Whitney? >> You know, I really loved her and I. really, that voice is once a generation. >> Agree. >> But when I had my show, we were doing a. full episode on Cinderella and Brandy.

was on and Whitney was supposed to be on. and she canled 10 minutes before and it. was a live show. >> Yikes. And I remember going on the show. and saying, "Whitney, you better be sick. in that hotel.". >> It was a time during those times too. when there just wasn't as much. discussion in general about people's. mental health, certainly about addiction. and without a doubt. >> And you know, you were hosting you. hosted before I got to SNL, but you were. doing your show um at the same time. We.

were in the same building at the same. time when you were doing the the. Rosioama show. Was it was studio what. was 8? Yeah. Well, we were 8. >> Oh, no. I was 8. >> 8. Yes. Where Seth is now. >> Yes. That's right. You were in That's. right. And so I can remember cuz we you. you were because you were daytime, your. stuff would be kind of done before we. would be cranking starting. Yes. >> Yeah. And the the rare nights that you. know. >> we'd be there all night working, your. crew would be coming in. It was like the. day the day shift and the night shift.

It was so cool to be around that. And. that show, Rosie, it still remains. You. must be very proud of the stuff you've. done on that show. >> Yes, I am. I definitely am. Must be. >> And you know the human interest stuff, the things that I think back on there. was a super kid right after 9/11. >> Gorgeous girl, horrible childhood, stellar student. And at the very end, I. said, "Please remember Kelloggs is going. to throw you into any college you get.

into so you get into Harvard because. Kelloggs will be paying. Tell everyone. what your favorite cereal is." And she. said, "Froed Flakes. But Rosie, I don't. want to take the money because of all. the people in 9/11. I'd like to donate. my money to the 911 fund.". >> Come on. You could have I couldn't even. speak. >> to get it out to say we'll be back for I. was like I kept tapping the desk. I I. was trying like to get out of. >> the generosity of the human spirit which.

leaves me weak all the time. >> I wonder what your anagram number is. >> I don't know. But I know this. I am a. triple Aries. >> Oh wow. Rosie. >> three. And everybody I had my chart done. twice because the woman's [laughter]. face when she finished she's like you're. a triple Aries like like I was a Charles. Manson murderer potentially you know I. WAS LIKE WHAT DOES IT MEAN? What does it. mean? [laughter] You know. >> well Dr was in here and Dra is like a. Pisces stellium meaning she's got like. more like eight things in Pisces.

whatever. And the woman was like how are. you alive? >> Yes. Exactly. [laughter]. She was so good in Rocky Horror. I was. so happy for the Tony nominations for. everyone. >> I mean, I had such an incredible summer. where both her with her on and and Maya. all on Broadway at the same time. >> On Broadway, unbelievable. >> Rocky Horror was so good. >> And that lead boy, my Lord in heaven, Luke something. Ho ho ho. [laughter]. Makes a girl think, you know, gay girl, too. Was like, I don't know what your. deal is, sir, but come over near me and.

let me smell you. You know, like I don't. want you naked in my bed. I'm not. interested in the downtown mechanics, but I would like you to maybe have lunch. with me and get me a lemonade. You know, >> that's how I feel about lesbians. I. don't want to kiss them, but I want them. to think I'm cool. >> Well, we do. [laughter] I went to the. last meeting and everybody was like, "Is. Amy Polish still cool?" And everybody. said yes. >> And I often want to be them, you know? Like it's like it that's very. interesting about like sexuality and. gender, right? Is you see something and. you're like, "Do I want to kiss them?

>> Do I want to be them? Yes. >> Do I want to get their approval? Like. it's it's and and kind of what we talked. about earlier. Now it's so interesting. is. >> everything is so much more open. Like we. can talk about I mean like even when you. used to talk about loving Tom Cruz, it. was like people would want to make that. very binary, right? Like like. >> well that means she wants him in bed. I. often said I don't want him in bed. I. want him to mow my lawn and bring me an. iced tea. Like that's what I said. And I.

didn't know how much clearer I could be. So when I finally did come out and. people were shocked, I was like, "HOW. THE HELL ARE YOU SHOCKED?" AND THEY'RE. LIKE, "THE TOM CRUZ THING." I'M LIKE, "HOW MUCH CLEARER DID I HAVE TO BE?". >> YEAH, there are men that I feel this. way. There's a guy in Cats the Jellical. Ball, Sydney Harkort. He plays Rum Tum. Tugger and he is the sexiest human I've. ever seen and so unbearably talented. And I did the um judges thing one when I. was there once and he come came up and.

sings to the judges and he put his hand. on my face and I was like a little. school girl like oh my god the most. handsome boy in the class is looking at. me you know and I still have those. feelings but it doesn't translate into I. would like to be sexually intimate with. you [laughter] you know doesn't go there. trust me on that. >> I mean which it proves once again always. that it is like you cannot change who. you are you really there's nothing about. sexual uality that feels like you can't. like think your way into being attracted. to somebody different. >> Well, can I tell you the story that just.

happened to me? I'm in LA at the Four. Seasons Hotel with Clay and Clay asked. for alone time to STEM. Her stim is. running. So, she runs the perimeter of a. room and touches the walls as she goes. But they but they like to do it alone. and at home we have the space that they. can do it alone. >> So, I said, "It's the World Cup. I'll go. downstairs. I'll have a beer. I'm going. to give you 1 hour. It's when it's 9:00, I'm coming up. >> What a beautiful. exchange. I just want to pause for a.

second that your. >> child is able to say, >> "I need this.". >> Express what it is. >> You're like, "Okay, this is what you. need." There's no shaming involved. >> No. >> Also, I have some boundaries, too. I got. to come back in an hour. We're going to. work together. Beautiful. >> Okay. Thank you. And so I get downstairs. and there's u Margot Martindelle sitting. at the bar and I have never met her but. I love her work and one seat is empty. and it's next to her. So I sit down and.

I go Margot Martindale [laughter]. Rosie O'Donnell star the Flintstones. And she's like Rosie and I said Margo. And then she goes I go can I buy you a. drink? And she slowly looks up and goes. sweetheart it's not my first one. And I. said can I buy you your fifth one? That'll be it. Yes, you can. You know, [laughter]. there's a guy sitting next to us, a. doctor, handsome, built muscles, about. 55, maybe 57. >> Oh my god, this is great.

>> Pays our bill. >> Oh, bless. He should. Straight men. should buy all the things. >> Yes, I agree. Yeah. >> Paid for everything. Walked Margot to. the elevator. Comes back, says, "Can I. talk to you for a minute?" I said, "Sure. I have to go up and adjust a. bit." He said, "Okay. Um, I really feel. like I'm connecting to you tonight and I. was wondering if when you're here doing. your um, Jimmy Kimmel that we could go. out for dinner. And I said, uh, news. flash, [laughter] big lesbian, I don't. know if you heard, but been that way.

since 1970. And, uh, I don't think. there's a Well, it doesn't mean that you. can't, you know, go out to dinner with. someone and who knows, maybe you'll feel. a spark. He's a doctor by the box. He's. a doctor. So the next day there's. flowers there's flowers for me sent to. my room. I'm like this is. >> fascinating. >> Okay. So I go I'm thinking to myself, what's going on here? I get in the plane. and the gayest flight attendant in the. world comes over to me and starts. talking and starts telling me his whole.

life. He's been with his partner 37. years, but they only just told their. families cuz they were both from. religious communities and they lived in. the South. Wow. and he was my age and he. was so funny and so beautiful and he. walked away and I thought I could never. leave my gay family. Like I could never. leave the throngs of gay people out in. the world of which I am a member and. proud to be a member and want to be the. the person that the gay guys come over. and tell me their stories. And you know,

it it was something that I I realized no. matter how handsome he was and how many. flowers he sent, there's no way you're. going to make this gay person a straight. person. >> That's right. >> And the same way that you can't make a. straight person a gay person. Now, there. is a spectrum, so there's overlap, of. course, you know, but I'm one of those, you know, definitely 100% gay. >> But that guy was like, "But you haven't. seen my moves yet.". >> You're not kidding. >> But you know, Rosie, you look fantastic.

Thank you, Amy. You know, I want to say. this. >> You look fantastic. I know that's not. what it's about. >> No, no, it is what it's about. I. [laughter] never I never felt better. And it's sad to me that it took me till. I was 64 to get here. But part of it is. Mjaro. >> Yeah. >> Three years ago, the doctor told me. before it was really in the news that. much. We had o ompic. But I didn't know. that there was m. So they said, "You. have diabetes. Can you take a shot?" I. said, "I think so. I don't know. I've. never done a shot. Is it insulin? It's.

my uncles and stuff. And they said, "No, it's this new drug and it really helps. with your blood sugar." Never mentioned. weight loss. Never said anything because. it was my numbers they were trying to. get down. So, I go on this Mjaro and I. go to Nou with my son. He's just gotten. engaged at Phantom of the Opera. How How. perfect for my son, right? I [laughter]. was like, you're getting mommy points. and more money in the will for this. And. then the weirdest thing, he gets down on. one knee before the show starts and.

everybody in the audience goes and they. start looking at him and this woman's. voice I hear behind me going, "Are they. the sweetest couple in the world?" I. turned around, I go, "Hillary Clinton, that is my son." [laughter] And they. have a picture on their engagement of. Hillary Clinton with them at the Phantom. of the Opera. But I digress. So, I take. the I take the shot and I go out to NOBO. and I can't eat anything. And I think. I'm so overwhelmed emotionally by. missing my mom and wishing she could. have seen and known him and that he got.

engaged and a brand new start in his. life. And I was full of emotion and um. so I thought that's what it was. >> Yeah. >> Cut to two weeks later, I get on the. scale. I call my doctor crying. I must. have cancer. I've lost 12 pounds and I. haven't done anything. It's been three. weeks since I started that medicine. >> Yeah, because you do get to a certain. age where losing weight for no reason is. scary. >> Well, I had never lost weight for no. reason. Even when I tried to lose. weight, it was hard for me to lose. weight. And I had done all those things, fenfen and everything. But this drug is.

going to help so many people if they. could only stop being greedy bastards. and give it to the people who need it at. a price that is affordable for everyone. It's a sin to have science come so far. to help cure obesity. >> You've been so open with your body. And. that's not easy, Rosie, because as a. woman in the world in general, people. want to talk about your body nonstop. >> Yes. >> And you've had people talk about your.

body all the time, >> especially that orange one. >> Exactly. You've had the you've had the. you've had. stuff said about your body that's so. horrible and insane and you also. are a woman in the world like we all are. feeling feelings about their body and we. all know doesn't matter what size you. are. >> you have feelings about your body. >> of course when I look at myself from. when I was thinner and I think at that. point I thought I was fat I think that. it's our duty to help each other.

especially women helping other women. >> all I want to do now is talk to women. that are 10 years older than me and say, "What are you doing?" Like, "What are. you doing for your body? What are you. doing for what are you taking? What are. you how are you move? What are your. exercises? How do you feel?" Like, you. know, I'm curious. When you're doing. your show, I like I'm like, I wonder. what Rosie does. Does she stretch? Does. she do weights? >> What I uh found is that it's not the. physicalness of standing for an hour and. a half every night. It's the people. waiting to say hello to me. >> Yes. And I feel very obligated to do it.

Even though I'm depleted by the end of. the show emotionally, I meet the people. that I sort of know or who know people. that know me and say they could stay in. the seats. >> Y. >> but I can't go out to the crowd for. another hour because Clay's at home. waiting. >> Yeah. >> With a babysitter. And she still sleeps. in my bed. They still sleep in my bed. >> And the doctor said, "Don't worry. When. they're ready and they're safe enough, they'll go to their own room." you know, but it's been a long time. [laughter].

>> A very long time. >> But don't you feel like that's growth. and maturity too is figuring out the. amount of energy you have and people. that love you and understand like I mean. at a certain point I mean you you are an. extroverted person present as an. extroverted person. You're probably much. more introverted than you present. And. it's like being an extroverted person. having conversations very draining. Takes a lot out of especially. >> and I care. >> Yes. Exactly. >> And it breaks my heart. This this woman.

guy in the show, his mother died. And at. her funeral, she wanted to be buried in. her Rosie O'Donnell t-shirt. And the. family was upset. So this young gay boy. cut out the label that said the Rosie. O'Donnell show, folded it up, and put it. in her his mother's hand in the coffin. and said, "If anyone touches this, I'm. not going to speak to you." And so he. fulfilled his promise to his mother by. letting her be buried with a Rosie. O'Donnell something. And that kind of.

agilation and. very generous. giving of love and stories, it it really. I take it with me. >> Yeah. And I know if I was able to talk. to Barbara Stryisan when I was a kid, >> if there was a chance that she would. answer me back on Instagram, I would not. have gone to school. I would have stayed. home. I used to write her letters and. send it to Colombia Records. I So I I.

think I I get it so much, >> but it's hard for me to believe that I. am that to them because you always only. feel like you, >> right? And also that's also just nervous. system wise is sometimes hard to. receive. It's a lot to receive. Yes, >> it's a lot to receive because you don't. want to disappoint the person in the. moment. You want to take all their. stuff. They're really excited to tell. and you're also a human being with your. own stuff and your own so it's you have. to have a big capacity. It's a lot. >> Yes, it's a lot. And I feel like. recently I'm re famous.

That's what I feel. I told my kids, well. kids, hold on cuz mommy's re famous. I. don't know how it happened. I think it's. Mango Mussolini. I think it's him who. did it. He didn't know. If he knew how. much he was helping my career and my. life, he would shut up about me because, you know, he's a horrible creature. >> You know that story you told about that. man. We know because we spoke, we do. this thing on the show where we speak to. our friends of our guest to talk well. behind their back. And we spoke to. Cynthia Nixon. >> A and she was the one who told me that.

>> She told us that story. >> Yes. And she also spoke. I mean, she's. so like so many people, Rosie. She feels. so seen by you, supported by you. She's. a incredible performer and actress and. activist and New Yorker. >> Yes. >> And um what's so great about Cynthia? What? >> She is the real deal. Period. End of. subject. She's one of the best actresses. that we have. She stands up for uh.

injustice wherever she sees it. She puts. her money where her mouth is. She loves. her children and her wife and I admire. her greatly. >> Well, the the feeling is mutual. And she. talked about she had a couple questions. for you and they're really fun. Okay. >> They're really fun. Um one of them is, you know, and and it's about, you know, we haven't even we don't have we could. talk about all your act. We haven't even. talked about all the stuff that you've. done, but one thing that we saw recently.

that was really exciting to see is in in. just like that, like to see an intimate. scene between you and her and you. playing a character who was having. experience for the first time. It's very. vulnerable and she was and her question. was like she was like, you know, what. was your bed scene with Cynthia Nixon. like? >> Horrifying to me [laughter] because I. WAS SO NERVOUS. And you know, first of. all, I love her. Like, I I love her. Yeah. Right. And have so much respect.

for her. And she called me and she's. like, "Ro, you know, Michael Patrick. wrote you a scene and it's it's with me. Will you do?" I said, "Of course I'll do. it with you." You know, and then I read. it and I'm like in bed with just the. sheets and then I'm like, "Oh my god.". Like I only did one sex scene in my life. and it was with Julian McMahon from Nip. Tuck and he was such a gentleman that I. had a tube top on and like little. underpants and we're I'm supposed to be. naked and he's got a little sock. and he's like leaning his arms are.

shaking cuz he doesn't want to put his. body on mine, you know. And so finally. after three takes they said we keep. seeing the top the tube top and I looked. at him and he's this gorgeous, God rest. his soul, gorgeous Greek statue of a. man. He's a Kennedy in my mind. Like. he's just so was just so perfect. And so. I pulled down my tube top and I said, "Julian, those are my boobs." And he. said, "Nice rack." He said, [laughter]. >> and I said, "Really?" And he said, "Yes." I said, "Oh, great. >> Okay." And then I like stood up to the.

crew. No, I didn't. I [laughter] didn't. But um so I was nervous with Cynthia and. and then Michael said, "You know, um you. guys can be a little bit more." And I'm. thinking, I [laughter] can't really. I. don't. >> Also, it's weird to kiss your friends. >> Yes. Exactly. The kissing wasn't hard, but the laying in bed and the wanting us. to act like we had just done it. I was. like, [laughter]. but you know, I I'm a little I'm a. little immature when it comes to that, you know. >> I don't even think that's immature. I've. talked to a [clears throat] lot of my. friends who have to do intimate scenes.

and it's a it's a skill. It's a skill. >> It's a skill. >> It's a it's a skill. Um, okay. Her other. question one another question is, "What. does it feel like to be the most. eligible lesbian bachelor on THE SCENE? [laughter]. WELL, THE FACT THAT I never know when. anyone is hitting on me makes me not. really be able to appreciate it to tell. you the truth. But, you know, it's it's. very lovely. I said on an interview I. did about that I was looking, you know, I'd like to be in love again. Well, I. might as well have to taken out an oldie. fans account because all these lesbians.

are like, I think I'm the one for you. And I'm like, oh my god. Oh my god. You. know, and when people are asking for. autographs, they're looking a little. longer. The [laughter] ones I know are. gay. I'm like, "Oh, no. Oh, no. What am. I going to do?" You know, I shouldn't. have said it, but it it's it is really. flattering and really lovely. And um you. know, I love. >> Rosie. It's just so vulnerable and. beautiful that you even say, "I'm. looking for love again." I mean, just. even that is like you have to.

>> we have to open up the channel to that. sometimes. >> We're not always in the right space for. it. And they're for. >> I will say, you know, it's really hard. with Clay because that's my primary. relationship. So, uh, I haven't really. known how to do both. And I also didn't. want someone telling me their opinion. >> on how to raise an autistic child. because until you have your own, >> you don't really know what the. topography is like. >> Yeah, that's right. That's right. Every.

everything is different. And you shared. that journey online as you know I was. during co I felt very less alone by. listening to you. You know you did like. front-facing videos on TikTok about what. was going on in your life. You have. educated me and a lot of people on what. it feels like to be on the journey of. figuring out your kid because everyone. has to figure out their kid. >> even if they are neurody divergent or. not. Everyone has to be like who what. kind of kid do I have? Everyone has to.

do that journey. Exactly. >> And you everyone has to let go and kind. of at times even grieve for some version. of a a a child they don't have that they. thought they were going to have and then. step into the beautifulness of the kid. that they have. Everybody has to make. that journey. >> No, I never grieved that. >> I didn't think you know when a lot of my. friends would have autistic kids, they. were very thrown by it. >> And I was never thrown by it. And I know. like at one case my publicist who I love. Cindy Burgerer she has a son who's.

neurode divergent and spectrum on the. spectrum Spencer and when he was a. little kid all he would say is Rosie. O'Donnell lives behind a green gate. >> Rosie O'Donnell lives behind a green. gate. Rosie O'Donnell how many ceiling. fans do you have? So when she he would. come in he's like five or six and Cindy. would I'd see her s outside going you. don't talk about the ceiling fans. [laughter] You do not talk about those. like she's talking to somebody about. interviewing Mariah Carey. you know, no. matter what you do, you don't look at. her. You don't, [laughter] you know, and. so he comes in and he's like, "Hi, Rosie. Donald, you live behind a green.

gate." I go, "I'm glad you found the. house. Want to go count ceiling fans?". And she's like, [laughter] and I take. him and we and we watch the the garage. door open and close. And so, I always. thought to God, like, I really did say. to God, why didn't you give me an. autistic kid? I think I would be able. >> to translate and to understand and be. like an inter. >> you know to help them in a world that. wasn't designed for them. That's right. >> But you know when we found out that they. have autism,

>> we decided to do a lot of autism. friendly events and we went to this one. mommy and me class and so she's walking. around talking at three years old to. everyone. >> She comes back with holding hands with a. boy who was five and he had Down. syndrome. He had autism and he was. non-speaking. Now, he could make sounds. He was verbal, but he could not form. words. So, she says, "Mommy, this is my. new best friend, Steven. >> Steven, this is my mommy." And Steven. goes,

and uh she looks at him and says, "I'm. sorry, Steven, but we don't speak. Spanish.". And I thought, "This kid is funny at. three years old. You know, she knows how. to lay down a joke. Gets the biggest. laugh of my show." And I didn't write. it. She did, you [laughter] know. >> Perfect. And how's the dog? Do you guys. still have the dog? >> Oh, yes. We we took the dog Kuma over to. Ireland. Now, I will say [snorts] this, >> the service dog for autism is really for. the whole family. It's not just for the.

kid. Yeah. >> And as Clay has gotten older, she's. decided, they've decided they're into. cats, >> okay? >> Not so much dogs. >> Sure. So, Kuma is really my emotional. support animal because when I am upset. and things are, you know, he sits right. here and his face is right there and. he's like will lick my face and like. look at me like, "Are you okay?" I'm. like, "Dude, I'm better. I'm calming. down. I'm not, you know, uh, taking all. the news off the channels in Ireland, all the American stations has been a big.

blessing." I want to talk to you briefly. about Ireland because I mean everybody. is really interested in how it's going. for you there and what is it like to be. in living in another country? What has. been the best and hardest part? >> The best part is that they don't have. celebrity culture there. >> Nobody really cares that you're famous. Now when people knew that I moved there, people would say, "Welcome, Rosie. Welcome to Ireland. You belong here.". And uh it's so sweet. And we went out. the first week we're there and I don't.

know anyone but two cousins up in. Northern Ireland. Okay. So, we're at a. beer garden and I'm sitting next to a. couple and their little two-year-old. baby and husband and wife, lovely. people. And Clay starts to play with. their baby and they're sitting as close. as you and I are, but at a different. table. So, we spend two and a half hours. together and at the very end as we're. leaving, I said to them, "Thank you very. much. It's been lovely meeting you." And. they said, "And by the way, Rosie, we're. huge fans." And I said, "Oh, really? You. thought you'd wait till the end of the. dinner to bring that up?" Like being.

funny, right? And she goes, "Well, surely it's not the most important thing. now, is it?". >> I thought a sentence you'd never hear in. America. >> Wow. >> It's not the most important thing about. you. And that's what I found out when I. was over in Ireland. The hardest part is. being away from my kids, my grown kids, and from uh my friends. You know, my. friends are really my family and. community. And it's been very difficult. It's. lonely sometimes, >> but I have met two really good friends.

whose little kids have autism and. they're the same age as Clay. >> and we, you know, socialize together and. and uh, you know, that's been really. helpful. You know, it's been very. beautiful and very, very healing for me. People say they notice a difference and. and I think I'm just calmer. >> Yeah. >> I'm calmer being over there. >> Yeah. Well, it feels like you're taking. care of yourself in the way you would. take care of somebody else. >> for the first time, I think. >> Yeah. >> Really? Because I usually try to, you. know, put on everyone else's mask first.

>> Yeah. I I I I understand that. And you. you're a fierce advocate for a lot of. people and it's always sometimes hard to. turn that around on yourself. >> Yes, it is. >> We have We could have talked forever, Rosie. We could talk forever. We didn't. even talk about A League of Their Own. >> Wow. >> We didn't even talk about it. How about. Penny? How about Penny say to me, "Rosie, I want you to lose 20 pounds. before principal photography." I'm like, "Yeah, Penn, I keep it on because it's.

fun. I keep on the extra 20 or 40." And. uh you don't like it? I'm so shocked, you know. And and then she would always. say, she would always go, "Okay, I need. somebody to go over there, get a fly. ball, sh maybe bend down, come up with a. hot dog in your mouth. Who wants to do. it?" Now, no one else could understand. her. So, I'm like, "I'll do it, PENNY.". SO, ROSIE AGAIN. WHY ALWAYS ROSIE? GIRLS, you don't want to be in a movie. And they're like, "What'd she say? What. did she say?" But I miss her. She was a. riot man.

>> Oh my god. I got to meet her. She was a. riot. >> We would sometimes go to basketball. games together again with her very big. big gulp. And uh she would say at. halftime, "Whoa, you want to go shoot. some hoops?" I go, "Penny, this is not a. set. THIS IS THE NBA. WE'RE NOT GOING TO. SHOOT. COME ON. THERE'S the balls. Let's. just go shoot a couple. AND SHE DID. SHE. WENT OUT WITHOUT ME. I was too. embarrassed to do it. But she's she. wasn't embarrassed of anything. >> I mean, people don't understand what. Leverne and Shirley meant to women in.

comedy at the They were both I mean, Cindy Williams also really funny. And. they were they got to be so funny. They. were the funny women in their show. >> Yes, indeed. >> They got like Lucy and Ethel. >> Exactly. Lucy and Ethel got jokes and. and Leverne and Shirley got jokes and. they did so much physical comedy. They. were so funny and the men in that show. kind of came and went and rolled their. eyes and commented on the, you know, on. the funny stuff like the women usually. have to do in shows and Lever and.

Shirley got all the jokes. >> They got all the jokes. And and the last. question I'll ask Rose is what what are. you watch I know you're a huge fan of. the arts but you like just like the. video we talked about you love the high. low you love a viral video that you're. watching or TV show you love beautiful. fine art you're an artist you you. there's you are a true fan all the time. >> what do you watch listen to what are you. into these days right now that's making. you laugh that's keeping you light.

that's keeping you connected or like. >> well I loved Lena Dunham's book Fameick. because I had a very similar experience. with fame it's you know it's the. impending glittering disaster as boy. George wrote in taboo you know it it's. hard to explain it to people because. it's held up as the utopia and it's. really not and it's hard to manage and. it affects your life completely and. everyone in your life completely. >> and nobody feels any sympathy about it. >> no and you can't really complain about. it unless you're with other famous. people because other people go well how.

dare you you know how dare I try to live. it. It's not that easy. You become. depersonalized. Like people don't think. you you're a person anymore. >> But I'm watching this show on HBO called. Halfman. >> Oh yeah. >> Oh my god. It's the guy who did Baby. Reindeer. >> Richard Gad. And he is a genius. He did. that one. Brought it to Edinburgh and. made it into that show. And now he wrote. and stars in a very intense.

psychological. drama relationship about two half step. brothers. >> Step brothers. >> And it's riveting. >> Lena Waith was in here talking about. that, too. >> Oh my god. Isn't she fantastic? >> The coolest. >> She's She is the coolest. >> She's so cool. >> And I love her clothes, too. I saw that. I watch you. I think you're the only. podcast I listen to because I I'm too. old. I don't I never like. >> Who has the time? >> No, but I I love I love this one and I. watch it all the time. >> Thank you for saying that, Rosie. >> It's the truth. It's the truth.

>> I've learned I learned a lot by watching. you. I learned a lot by watching how you. interacted with people and the spirit of. this show owes a lot to your show. to hear you say that. So, thank you. >> Well, no, you're kind and you're loving. and you're very interested and curious. and not all podcast people are. >> No, >> they don't seem interested. They seem. like they're trying to do something for. their own career. Not like Lee, you seem. genuinely to care and about each guest. that you have and it's really beautiful. So, thank you.

>> Thank you. And I'm looking forward to. seeing you on Kimmel, which is going to. be. >> August 17th to the 20th. I can't wait to. see you back. >> I know he Thank God for him and I'm so. happy that he asked me. >> in this reamous way. Everybody wants to. see and hear more from you. >> Well, thank you very much. >> Thank you for doing this, Rosie. >> Amy, it's my true pleasure. Anytime. and. when I'm back when he's I will um I'll. be your person if anyone cancels. Call. me up and I'll just show up. >> Thank you, Rosie O'Donnell. That was.

such a good conversation. Loved talking. to you and could have done it all day. And you know, Rosie is always supporting. stuff that she loves. And anybody who. listens to Good Hang knows that I love. podcasts and um I wanted to recommend a. podcast for this Polar Plunge. It is Dan. Terski's manifesto. It is a show about. all different types of manifestos. What. they mean, what they're trying to say, good, bad, confusing, how they motivate. us, how they keep us frozen, how they.

move things along. It's so so well done. It's an Audible original. Uh uh please. and thanks Productions has made this. show along with Dan Terski, the host. And you can get it in any of your. platforms. You can find it anywhere. It's such a good show. Dan Terski's. manifesto. Check it out. Highly. recommend it. Thank you for listening to. this podcast. Thank you Rosie for. joining um us and um thanks everybody. all the time for everything everywhere. and we'll see you soon. Bye.

You've been listening to Good Hang. The. executive producers for this show are. Bill Simmons, Jenna [music] Weiss. Berman, and me Amy Polar. The show is. produced by The Ringer and Paperkite. For The Ringer, production by Jack. Wilson, Cat Spalain, Kaia McMullen, and. Aalia Xanerys. [music]. For Paperkite production by Sam Green, Joel Levelvel, and Jenna Weiss Berman. Original music by Amy Miles. [music]. really good. [singing] Hey.