OnlineHost: The fabric of her satirical, ironic, observational humor is lined with sincere social consciousness, and her wardrobe of unusual characters -- from a little kid trying to tell a joke, to a choreographer encouraging a major rock star to incorporate certain body movements into his stage antics - was assembled during O'Donnell's high-dues early days in the comedy club circuit.
OnlineHost: A VH-1 "vee-jay" since the spring of 1988, Rosie has expanded her role at the network this fall as the host of her own half hour weekly stand-up comedy series, "Stand-Up Spotlight." The show not only utilizes her exceptional comic talents, it marks her debut as a producer of a longform comedy series. Taped before a live audience, "Stand-Up Spotlight" features performances by Rosie, two well known comics and one up-and-coming new talent.
OnlineHost: Born and raised in Commack, Long Island, O'Donnell's career began in childhood fantasies. At 18, she started working the club circuit, traveling alone on dark roads in cars that seemed to have a death wish and living in seedy, club-provided accommodations.
OnlineHost: Having endured this trial by comedy fire (she's performed club dates in 47 of the 50 states), O'Donnell came to show biz prominence as a "Star Search" finalist in 1984, then won critical praise for her sitcom role as a Boston-Irish dental hygienist -- Nell Carter's neighbor -- during "Gimme A Break's" last days in 1986.
OnlineHost: As a VH - "vee-jay" she entertained audiences six hours a day, seven days a week, with clever, often-biting patter in between the airing of rock 'n roll videos. She's also been featured on Showtime's Comedy Club All Stars, hosted by Harry Anderson and will be seen this winter on Showtime's Comedy Club Network's "A Pair of Jokers," with fellow comic Bill Engvall. Please welcome Rosie back for her second appearance in Center Stage!
CelebCircl: Rosie! Welcome to Oldsmobile's Celebrity Circle!
Rosie: Hello and sorry I am so late. My son had a doctors appointment and it took forever.
Question: Is the motherhood "thing" harder or easier than you expected?
Rosie: It is harder and more wonderful than I ever expected. Last night he slept for 7 hours straight. Yippeeee!
Question: Now that you are a mother, has your stand-up material changed a lot? I saw your last HBO special & it was really good.
Rosie: Many thanks Laurie. I am doing a bunch of stand up dates in the next few months and I hope to use some of new baby material.
Question: Hi Rosie. Anymore HBO specials planned?
Rosie: I hope to do another next year, there is a 16 month waiting period imposed by HBO, the new material should be ready by then. I hope.
Question: Congrats on being a mother. Who did you name your child after?
Rosie: Hi Gil, I didn't name him after anyone in particular, I wanted a name that would work if he were a surfer, or a supreme court judge. So Parker it is.
Question: When are you coming to Chicago again live and what is your next project your working on? By the way loved you in A League of Their Own!
Rosie: Well thanks, League was a favorite of mine too, my next movie is called Now and Then and then in Jan I have another called beautiful girls.
Question: Which work is more fulfilling for you, your stand-up work or the musicals you have been in?
Rosie: I loved doing Broadway, but after 6 months, it got old. I like doing stand up because you have total control over what you say, how you say it, and how it is perceived, stand up is more satisfying.
Question: Rosie, I know you're big on the old "Honeycomb" cereal commercial, but how about a few lines from the theme of the old "Magic Garden" show?
Rosie: Come along, sing a song, join our happy family, the two of us together happy as a feather, swinging round and up and down, is where we will be.
Question: Rosie - Have you done much reading about adoption? AOL has an adoption forum - have you visited there?
Rosie: No I haven't, how do I get there, I still haven't mastered the nooks and crannies of AOL. I have been in the pet forum. I would love to visit there, so let me know. I did a lot of reading on adoption, and I hope to adopt another child next year.
Question: Hi Rosie. I hope you don't mind me asking a personal question. I heard you recently adopted a baby. Do you think it is easier for a celebrity to adopt a child than it is for "ordinary" people?
Rosie: I think it is easier for a celebrity to do most things, except maybe go to the mall, so although I do not know how much it helped me, I would be lying to say it had no effect.
Question: Rosie, I really consider you to be the best comedian ever, I loved you in A League of Their Own, how did u become a comedian, and how did u get started w/movies?
Rosie: Well thanks a lot. I started stand up when I was 16, never quit, Penny Marshall called my agent to ask if I could play baseball, and from then on I had a movie career. Sorry bout the typos.
Question: I loved your last HBO special, the Melanie Griffith bit was hilarious!!! When will you be doing another HBO special? Miss You on Standup Spotlight! C-YA DEVO
Rosie: Hey Devo! I hope to do another special for HBO next year.
Question: I am a big fan!! I'm 14 year old boy and I have seen all of your movies (Exit To Eden being my favorite). I am also a comedian in the making. Do you have any advice?
Rosie: First of all, 14 and you saw EXIT TO EDEN! Freshbone, that was a very R movie!! As for advice, believe in yourself and never quit. The more you do stand up, the better you are. So get started.
Question: What's the best job you ever had?
Rosie: I never really had a normal job. I did work at SEARS one summer when I was 17. That was fun on the whole, all my jobs in the entertainment field have been fun.
Question: Who has been your favorite person to work with and why?
Rosie: Emilio Estevez. He is the nicest guy and we have the same strange sense of humor. We laughed the whole time.
Question: Are you currently dating anyone?
Rosie: No, not at the moment.
Question: Rosie darling, we were wondering what your next Broadway production was going to be. Love you, mean it. Two of your gay friends in Florida.
Rosie: Lol, well Dolls, are you in Miami? I am working there Thursday night. As for Broadway, well Honey Bunch, buy the CD, my days as a singer are over, did they ever begin? I ain't no Patti Lupone.
Question: Where do you find all your jokes?
Rosie: Just from my life experiences, from observing friends and family and myself.
Question: How about your thoughts on Madonna at the recent MTV music awards?
Rosie: I thought she looked great, seemed calm, and only cursed once, which is am improvement.
Question: So Rosie, did you go to any boring Emmy parties?
Rosie: Just one, the HBO party at Tommy Tang's in Pasadena. I had to get home to the baby, so it wasn't a late night for me.
Question: Rosie - How was working with Tom Hanks?
Rosie: He is the best, very family oriented, professional and prepared, the crew loves him, that is always a good way to tell who is OK.
Question: Saw your outfit at the Emmys, who was the designer?
Rosie: Richard Tyler, who is wonderful!
Question: Did you enjoy the Betty character in The Flintstones and will there be a sequel?
Rosie: I really hope so, I had so much fun filming it, and little kids love it, which is reason enough to make another. We are supposed to shoot it next summer when John is on vacation from Roseanne.
Question: Hey Rosie, what kind of music do u listen to.?
Rosie: Well, Annie Lennox is my favorite and Elton John and Tori Amos and Bruce Hornsby. Like that.
Question: What's the best part & worst part of being an actress?
Rosie: The best part is creative fulfillment and tons of cash and fun, fun, fun. The worst part is always worrying if you will ever work again.
Question: Rosie, are you content with your status as a celebrity?
Rosie: Do I have a status? Hmmm! Well, I guess so, it makes life interesting, I can say that. It is often time quite odd.
Question: Did you personally choose Bobby Collins to do Comedy Spotlight. You did a great job if you did. We love him. But we sure miss you!!
Rosie: Yes, I told VH 1 that I thought he would do a great job, and he has. I like him a lot.
Question: Rosie, were you an athlete in high school? You were a natural in League.
Rosie: Yes, I played softball and volleyball and tennis and basketball. A regular tomboy jock girl and proud of it.
Question: I'd like to know if you enjoyed playing the role of Rizzo on Broadway, (you were great, by the way), Brooke just wasn't cut out for it!
Rosie: Well, I saw Brooke and thought she was pretty good, really. It isn't a tough role to master, especially for me, I grew up playing Rizzo in my backyard, my sister always got to be Sandy.
Question: I would like you to say Hi to Rosie from Kelly Bush's mother, she'll know who Kelly is, and also ask her when her next movie will be out, and what it's about. Also that I think she's terrific.
Rosie: Hello Kelly Bush's mom! I love your daughter. She is really great. My next movie is Now and Then, out in November, then beautiful girls, out in January.
Question: Rosie, why did you sell your house in Studio City so cheap?
Rosie: I bought it at the wrong time, and after the earthquake, the market went down even more. Uuggghhhhh! So I made a bad investment, I guess. I did love that house though.
Question: Rosie, so when are you vacationing in South Beach again, we miss you!!!!!
Rosie: This week, in fact I fly out there tomorrow morning. I love South Beach. No more jellyfish, right?
Question: Loved your Stand-up HBO Special. What Movie were you talking about with you Demi and Melanie? I'd love to see it!
Rosie: It is called Now and Then. Demi, Melanie and I are only in the first 10 minutes and the last 10 minutes. Child actors play us for the majority of the film. It is kinda like, Stand By Me only with girls.
Question: How is the baby? I'm so proud of you and glad you've become a success - great comedienne from 53 yr. old grandma.
Rosie: Well thanks nana, he is wonderful, almost 4 months old, smiling and laughing and sleeping thru the night, finally. I am madly in love with him.
Question: Rosie, rumor has it you are going to host the AIDS walk in Miami again this year, is it true?
Rosie: I hope I can. Last year I flew in an hour after it started. So I hope I can do it this year.
Question: When can we expect Exit to Eden part two?
Rosie: No way, Jose. That movie was slammed by every critic, and made no money at all. So I doubt it.
Question: Hi Rosie, thank you for taking my question. Did you have someone that was your mentor that you feel truly helped you to meet your great successes? You are wonderful!
Rosie: My eighth grade math teacher became a surrogate mom to me, she helped me stay focused and feel loved and I think she had the biggest effect on me, as far as celebrities, Bette Midler.
Question: Congratulations on your new son. I'm a single adoptive and exhausted mother of 3 preschool boys. Is yours an open adoption? What did you think of the process?
Rosie: Mine is a closed adoption, with full disclosure at the age of 18. I think the process is wonderful and I hope to get the word out about the many children who are in need of a home. Congrats to you. 3 boys, Lord, you must be tired and thrilled.
Question: Hi Rosie, remember me? Just wanted to know if you are as fed up with the OJ thing as I am.
Rosie: OJ, uugghhhhhhh! Thanks to moron Furman. Mr. Simpson will be vacationing in Hawaii for the holidays, which is tragic, as he is so obviously GUILTY.
Question: Rosie, can you add another night to Westbury?
Rosie: Wish I could. We added Sunday. I may be doing Radio City on New Years Eve. Maybe you can get to that one.
Question: Rosie, if you were a fruit, would you rather be perched on Carmen Miranda's head, or mixed into a jar of Frutopia?
Rosie: Mixed, dear Bradley, oh pen pal from the west. How is college, kid?
Question: What is Madonna Like?
Rosie: Well, like you think and then not at all. It is hard do describe what anyone is "LIKE". I love her, she is not nearly as provocative as she seems.
Question: Of the movies you have been featured in, which one was your favorite?
Rosie: Sleepless in Seattle.
Question: So how did you enjoy the Emmys?
Rosie: It was kinda hot and a tad long. There in the theater, I had front row seats, so I had to smile for 3 hours straight.
Question: Did you enjoy wearing "the leather" in that undercover cop movie with Dan Akroyd?
Rosie: Well, at first I was freaked out and scared and embarrassed, but then I kinda got used to it, and I did rather enjoy it.
Question: Rosie, I think you are fabulous! Would love to reach you regarding 2 benefits for breast cancer. I am producing in NYC at Triad Nov. 6 & 13. Fabulous Funny Females will star Joy Behar, Julie Halston, Louise DuArt, Angela LaGreca and others. Love to have you partake. Please e-mail me and I will give my #. Thanks Rich Aronstein.
Rosie: Call Susan Geller in LA and she will set it up.
Question: Do prefer talking to fans online, or in person? And why?
Rosie: Well online is easier, cause I usually have free time, and am not with someone else, being interrupted which is always weird. I have an account on AOL, ROSIE OH O, and I answer all my mail myself. So feel free to write and ask any question you have.
Question: Rosie, was that bauble around your neck at the Emmys real?
Rosie: Yes, 400gs for the necklace, 90 for the ear bobs. Wild huh!
Question: What is Letterman like REALLY?
Rosie: I don't really know him, I only speak to him when I am on his show. I think he is the best talk show host around, following in Johnny's footsteps. I enjoy him and his show.
Question: Hello Rosie. What's the last good tennis match you saw? Catch any of the US Open?
Rosie: Finals women, Monica and Steffi. I loved every minute of it. I wish I could have seen it live.
Question: What part of LI are you from?
Rosie: Commack, exit 52, off the LIE.
Question: What does David Letterman say when he whispers in a guest's ear on his show before a commercial? What has he said to you?
Rosie: Oh, nothing personal, just stuff like how the crowd is and thanks for coming. Sometimes he had a witty joke to loosen up the guest.
Question: Rosie, how did you get those EXCELLENT seats at the EMMYS? Way to Go, Girl!
Rosie: I wish I knew! I think someone must have canceled at the last minute.
CelebCircl: Rosie, thanks for joining us tonight. Is there anything you would like to say to our audience before you go?
Rosie: Once again, sorry for being late and thanks for sticking around. See you all on line.
OnlineHost: Our thanks to Oldsmobile for bringing Rosie O'Donnell to Center Stage. For a transcript of this fun event, be sure to come back to Keyword: CENTER STAGE within 24 hours. Thank you and good night!
OnlineHost: Copyright © 1995 Oldsmobile; licensed to America Online, Inc. Transmitted: 95-09-13 15:07:29 EDT