O’Donnell Turns Down Oprah Winfrey Show

Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Rosie O’Donnell, who is currently promoting her new autobiography, has opted for a television interview with ABC anchor Diane Sawyer, despite being offered a high profile slot on The Oprah Winfrey Show, it has emerged.

A source close to O’Donnell told the New York Daily Post: “She’s doing an interview with Diane Sawyer instead. Rosie has always been booked with Diane. We gracefully declined Oprah’s offer. I’m sure Rosie will do Oprah’s show another time.”

This is a rare snub for The Oprah Winfrey show, which enjoys huge ratings and boasts former high profile celebrity guests such as Tom Cruise and Madonna.

However, TV personality O’Donnell has opted for ABC on this occasion to promote her new book, Celebrity Memoirs.

The controversial former actress quit her own TV chat show The View this summer after failing to agree a contract with ABC bosses.

The outspoken TV personality has frequently made the headlines for her verbal attacks on a number of high profile personalities, including Donald Trump, Paula Abdul and even President George W Bush.

New Yorker O’Donnell started out as a stand up comic in the late 70s and early 80s after she dropped out of college. She turned heads and got her big break with an appearance on Larry King Live.

Her profile continued to grow during the 80s with roles in TV shows such as Gimme A Break! and Stand By Your Man. In the early 90s she moved to the big screen with roles in movies including A League Of Your Own, Sleepless In Seattle and Wide Awake.

The talented O’Donnell has since hosted the Rosie O’Donnell show, among other TV shows; published a magazine; written books; and shocked the world with her outspoken and often controversial comments on issues such as gun control and the war in Iraq.