Lawrence O’Donnell MSNBC Bio, Wiki, Age, New Wife & Last Word

Lawrence O’Donnell is a prominent American television host, political commentator, and writer, best known for his role as the host of MSNBC’s The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell. His career spans politics, television production, and journalism, giving him a unique perspective on the American political landscape.

Early Life and Education

Born Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Jr. on November 7, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, he grew up in a family with a strong interest in law and politics. His father was an attorney, and O’Donnell was raised in a Catholic, Irish-American household.

He attended St. Sebastian’s School before graduating from Harvard College in 1976 with a degree in economics. During his time at Harvard, he was a writer for the Harvard Lampoon.

Political and Writing Career

O’Donnell’s career began as a writer, and in 1983, he published his first book, Deadly Force, which examined a police brutality case in which his father was the plaintiff’s lawyer. This book was later adapted into a CBS movie.

In 1989, he transitioned into politics, becoming a legislative aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. He served as a senior advisor to Moynihan from 1989 to 1991 and then as the staff director for two Senate committees chaired by Moynihan: the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Senate Finance Committee. This experience on Capitol Hill has been a cornerstone of his political commentary.

Transition to Television and Production

After his time in the Senate, O’Donnell moved into television and film, combining his political knowledge with a talent for writing and production. He became a writer and executive producer for the critically acclaimed NBC political drama, The West Wing, from 1999 to 2006.

O’Donnell wrote 16 episodes of the show and even had a small acting role, playing President Josiah Bartlet’s father in a flashback. He won a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on the series in 2001. O’Donnell also created and executive produced the NBC series Mister Sterling and has had acting roles in other shows, including HBO’s Big Love.

MSNBC Host

In 1996, O’Donnell began his long association with MSNBC as a political analyst. He became a regular guest on various programs before he was given his own show, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, which premiered in 2010.

The show, which airs at 10:00 p.m. ET, is known for its in-depth analysis of the day’s political news, often featuring a long, monologic opening “A-Block” where O’Donnell delivers his take on the top story.

He frequently uses his background in Senate procedure and political history to provide context and insight for viewers. The show has a loyal following and is a key part of MSNBC’s primetime lineup.

Personal Life and Other Ventures

O’Donnell has also written for various publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post. He is the author of the 2017 book, Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics.

O’Donnell has described himself as a “practical European socialist” and has been involved in philanthropic efforts, including partnering with MSNBC and UNICEF on the K.I.N.D. fund, which provides desks for students in Malawi.

Lawrence O’Donnell Age:

Lawrence O’Donnell is 73 years old as of September 5, 2025, having been born on November 7, 1951. His zodiac sign is Scorpio.

He is of Irish ethnicity, often described as Irish-American due to his heritage, and holds American nationality, born and raised in the United States

Lawrence O’Donnell Young:

In his youth, Lawrence O’Donnell grew up in a working-class Irish-Catholic family in Boston, attending Catholic schools run by the Sisters of St. Joseph. He was an avid reader and writer from a young age, contributing to his high school newspaper and developing an interest in politics and storytelling.

Photos and accounts from his early years depict him as tall and athletic, involved in local community activities, and influenced by his father’s legal career, which sparked his own path toward public service and media.

Parents and Siblings:

O’Donnell was born in Boston, Massachusetts, to Frances Marie (née Buckley), an office manager, and Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Sr., an attorney. He attended St. Sebastian’s School and graduated from Harvard College in 1976 with a degree in economics.

Lawrence O’Donnell was raised in a close-knit Irish-Catholic family in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, specifically in St. Brendan’s Parish, during the 1950s and 1960s. His upbringing emphasized education, faith, and community, with the family moving between homes in the area. He attended Harvard College, graduating in 1976 with a degree in economics, which laid the foundation for his career in politics and media.

His parents were Frances Marie Buckley, an office manager who passed away in 2011, and Lawrence Francis O’Donnell Sr., an attorney known for his work in civil rights and desegregation cases, who influenced his son’s sense of justice.

O’Donnell has four siblings: three brothers (including Kevin Francis and William R.) and one sister (Mary Frances), with whom he shared a typical boisterous Irish-American household dynamic.

Lawrence O’Donnell New Wife:

Lawrence O’Donnell was previously married to actress Kathryn Harrold from 1994 until their divorce in 2013. Since then, he’s been in a long-term relationship with journalist and talk show host Tamron Hall.

Despite ongoing speculation and public interest, Lawrence and Tamron have never confirmed a marriage. They’ve kept their relationship largely private, and while they’ve been romantically linked for years, Tamron Hall is not officially his wife

Lawrence O’Donnell Daughter:

Lawrence O’Donnell has one daughter, Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O’Donnell, born in 1995 to him and his ex-wife, actress and therapist Kathryn Harrold.

🧬 Quick Facts About Elizabeth

• Full Name: Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O’Donnell

• Parents: Lawrence O’Donnell & Kathryn Harrold

• Age: 30 (as of 2025)

• Ethnicity: White Caucasian

• Religion: Christianity

• Marital Status: Single

• Siblings: None — she is an only child

🕊️ Life & Privacy

Although her parents have spent decades in the public eye, Elizabeth has chosen a very private path. She avoids media attention, maintains no known social media presence, and rarely appears alongside her parents at public events.

One rare personal insight came in 2014, when Lawrence and his brother were involved in a serious car accident. O’Donnell later shared that his first thoughts were about his daughter — a revealing glimpse into their close bond.

Lawrence O’Donnell Height, Weight:

Lawrence O’Donnell stands at an impressive 6 feet 4 inches (193 cm) tall, making him one of the tallest television anchors on MSNBC. His weight is estimated to be around 176 lbs (80 kg), though exact figures are not publicly confirmed.

Lawrence O’Donnell of MSNBC:

Lawrence O’Donnell’s career timeline is a testament to his unique path, combining high-level political experience with a successful foray into television production and media commentary.

📡 Television & News Commentary

Here is a detailed look at his career, including his roles on MSNBC and other television stations.

Pre-MSNBC Career

• 1977-1988: Writer and Author:

O’Donnell began his professional life as a writer. In 1983, he published the book Deadly Force, which was based on a police brutality case in which his father was the plaintiff’s lawyer. The book was later adapted into a CBS movie in 1986. During this period, he also wrote for various prestigious publications.

• 1989-1995: U.S. Senate Aide:

This period is a cornerstone of O’Donnell’s political expertise. He served as a legislative aide and senior advisor to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan. From 1992 to 1993, he was the chief of staff for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and from 1993 to 1995, he held the same position for the Senate Finance Committee. This insider knowledge of Senate procedures and political dynamics is something he frequently draws upon on his show.

• 1999-2006: Writer and Producer for The West Wing (NBC):

O’Donnell leveraged his political background to become a writer and executive producer for the acclaimed political drama The West Wing. He wrote 16 episodes of the series and won a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series in 2001 as part of the production team. He also had a small, on-screen role, playing President Bartlet’s father. This experience demonstrates his ability to translate his political knowledge into compelling entertainment.

• 2003: Creator and Executive Producer of Mister Sterling (NBC):

O’Donnell created and executive produced another political drama, Mister Sterling, though it had a short run on the network.

• 2006-2011: Actor on Big Love (HBO):

O’Donnell took on a recurring role as Lee Hatcher in the HBO series Big Love, a show about a polygamist family. This, along with his role in The West Wing, highlights his versatility beyond journalism and politics.

Career on MSNBC

O’Donnell’s relationship with MSNBC began long before he became a host.

• 1996: Political Analyst:

O’Donnell first joined MSNBC as a senior political analyst. He appeared on various programs, providing commentary and analysis on the day’s political news, often drawing from his years of experience on Capitol Hill. This role established him as a regular voice on the network and built the foundation for his later work.

• 2009-2010: Guest Host:

Before getting his own show, O’Donnell became a frequent guest host for other MSNBC programs, most notably for Countdown with Keith Olbermann. His performance in this role was well-received and ultimately led to him being offered his own primetime slot.

• 2010-Present: Host of The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell:

On September 27, 2010, O’Donnell launched his flagship show, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell, which airs at 10 p.m. ET. The show quickly became known for its signature format, which often begins with an extended monologue, or “A-Block,” where O’Donnell delivers his perspective on the top political stories of the day. The show is known for its in-depth analysis and interviews with a wide range of political figures, journalists, and experts. It has consistently remained a key part of MSNBC’s nightly lineup and has been a strong performer in the ratings.

MSNBC Colleagues of Lawrence O’Donnell

Primetime Hosts

• Steve Kornacki – Election data guru, known for his interactive maps
• Jonathan Capehart – Political columnist and weekend host
• Ali Velshi – Economics and global affairs expert
• Claire McCaskill – Former senator turned political analyst
• Michael Steele – Former RNC chair, now a frequent commentator

Lawrence O’Donnell leaving MSNBC:

As of September 5, 2025, Lawrence O’Donnell is not leaving MSNBC. His contract expired in June 2025, leading to speculation and reports of him pitching ideas to rival networks, but recent episodes of The Last Word continue to air, indicating he remains with the network.

He has taken short breaks for health reasons but has returned without any official departure announcement.

Books by Lawrence O’Donnell:

Lawrence O’Donnell has written two acclaimed non-fiction works that highlight his interest in justice and American politics.

1. Deadly Force: The True Story of How a Badge Can Become a License to Kill

• Published: 1983

• Genre: True Crime / Legal Nonfiction

• Overview: This book examines a real-life police shooting in Boston where an unarmed man was killed, and follows the ensuing legal battle. The case was one that O’Donnell’s father, an attorney, helped litigate. Through this story, O’Donnell exposes systemic flaws in law enforcement and the courts, raising important questions about police accountability.

• Adaptation: The book was adapted into a 1986 TV movie titled A Case of Deadly Force.

2. Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics

• Published: 2017

• Genre: Political History

• Overview: In this best-selling account, O’Donnell captures the turbulence of 1968 — from Robert F. Kennedy’s assassination and Vietnam War protests to Richard Nixon’s political comeback. He weaves insider analysis with vivid storytelling to illustrate how this election reshaped U.S. politics for decades to come.

• Reception: Became a New York Times Bestseller.

• Praise: Rachel Maddow described it as “brilliant and totally engrossing.”

Lawrence O’Donnell youtube:

Lawrence O’Donnell illness:

Lawrence O’Donnell has experienced health issues, including a two-week absence from his show in April 2025 due to an unspecified illness, after which he returned stating it was “great to be back.” No chronic or ongoing illnesses are publicly detailed beyond occasional breaks for recovery.

Lawrence O’Donnell’s April 2025 Illness: What Happened

Timeline of Events

• Mid-March 2025
  Lawrence O’Donnell announced he would be taking a week off from The Last Word, citing exhaustion from nonstop political coverage, particularly around President Trump’s return to office. He quipped to Rachel Maddow: “It’s day 52… I’m exhausted at day 52…”

• Late March 2025
  His planned break was unexpectedly extended to two weeks after he contracted an infection. He shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), thanking colleagues for filling in and noting the change in schedule

• March 27, 2025
  O’Donnell posted on social media:

  “My week off turned into 2 weeks after I picked up an infection. Expect to be back @TheLastWord next week.”

• March 31, 2025
  Still absent from the show, he was replaced by Symone Townsend Sanders as guest host

• April 1 (or 2), 2025
  O’Donnell returned to the air. On his first night back, he opened with:

  “It is so great to be back.”
  He also quipped, “This morning was the first morning I started not in a doctor’s office in the last two weeks or so. I really got used to it.”

Key Takeaways

• The illness was temporary and not chronic; it was referred to as a general infection, without specific medical details disclosed.

• O’Donnell maintained a level of professional privacy, providing limited information and no diagnosis.

• His return was met with warmth and reassurance—audiences and colleagues expressed visible support, signaling his valued presence on the network.

• No long-term health concerns have been reported publicly.

Lawrence O’Donnell Accident:

In April 2014, Lawrence O’Donnell’s life was turned upside down after a devastating car accident in the British Virgin Islands. He had been vacationing with his brother, Michael O’Donnell, when tragedy struck.

🚨 The Accident

• Date: April 2014

• Location: Tortola, British Virgin Islands

• Incident: While riding in a taxi van, an oncoming car swerved into their lane and collided head-on at high speed.

• Injuries:

  • Lawrence sustained a shattered hip with multiple fractures and severe leg wounds.

  • Michael suffered a broken femur along with other serious injuries.

🆘 Immediate Aftermath

The brothers were left trapped inside the mangled vehicle. Believing he might not survive, Lawrence managed to send a text message to MSNBC colleagues using his water-damaged phone. MSNBC executives quickly intervened, arranging private medical jets to evacuate them:

• Lawrence was flown to New York for treatment.

• Michael was transported to Boston for specialized care.

🏥 Recovery and Rehabilitation

Lawrence underwent major orthopedic surgery, where surgeons repaired his hip with surgical nails. His recovery was grueling—weeks confined to bed, followed by intense physical therapy to relearn mobility. The trauma also left psychological scars: he later admitted to avoiding driving over 50 mph and steering clear of negative news for a time.

💬 Emotional Impact

The accident deeply reshaped O’Donnell’s perspective on life and his work. When he eventually returned to The Last Word, he suggested introducing a “good news” segment—a way to balance the show’s often grim political coverage with uplifting stories.

Lawrence O’Donnell and Tamron Hall:

Lawrence O’Donnell and Tamron Hall were colleagues at MSNBC, where Hall hosted NewsNation. There have been unconfirmed rumors of a romantic relationship, but no verified details exist; their connection appears primarily professional, with mutual respect shown in on-air interactions.

Relationship Overview

📰 Professional Connection

• Both were key figures at MSNBC during the early 2010s.

• Tamron Hall hosted NewsNation and later co-hosted Today’s Take on NBC.

• Lawrence O’Donnell anchored The Last Word, often airing after Hall’s segments.

• Their on-air chemistry and mutual respect sparked curiosity among viewers.

❤️ Romantic Rumors

• Dating Speculation Began: Around 2011, shortly after Lawrence’s divorce from Kathryn Harrold.

• Public Sightings: They were spotted together outside of work settings, fueling media speculation.

• Marriage Rumors (2016): Online stories claimed a possible secret wedding — though neither confirmed nor denied.

• Privacy Maintained: Both avoided public discussion of their personal lives.

  • Tamron once stated she prefers to keep relationships private.

🧩 What We Know Now

• As of 2025, there is no official confirmation of marriage or ongoing romantic involvement.

• Tamron Hall married Steven Greener, a music executive, in 2019. They now share a son together — suggesting her relationship with Lawrence ended prior to that.

• Lawrence O’Donnell remains publicly single, with no confirmed partner since his divorce from Kathryn Harrold.

Lawrence O’Donnell and Kerry Washington:

Lawrence O’Donnell was romantically linked to actress Kerry Washington in 2008, following his divorce. The relationship was reported in media but kept private, and it ended amicably without further public details.

🕰️ Timeline & Context

• Years Linked: 2007–2008

• Backdrop:

  • Lawrence had recently ended his 14-year marriage to actress Kathryn Harrold.

  • Kerry Washington had just split from her long-term fiancé, actor David Moscow.

• How They Met: Reportedly through media circles. Kerry appeared as a guest commentator on Lawrence’s MSNBC show, which may have sparked their connection.

🔒 Privacy & Discretion

• Neither Lawrence nor Kerry ever publicly confirmed the relationship.

• The romance was described as short-lived but notable, with no public drama or controversy.

• Kerry, known for her fierce privacy, likely kept the relationship out of headlines intentionally.

🧘 Aftermath

• Kerry Washington married former NFL star Nnamdi Asomugha in 2013 in a secret ceremony. They now share two children.

• Lawrence O’Donnell has remained publicly single, though later rumors linked him to MSNBC colleague Tamron Hall — another relationship never officially confirmed.

🧠 Why It Matters

This pairing was unique, blending political intellect and Hollywood elegance. While brief, it remains a fascinating footnote in Kerry Washington’s dating history and adds intrigue to Lawrence O’Donnell’s post-divorce personal life.

Lawrence O’Donnell Net Worth and Salary:

Lawrence O’Donnell’s net worth is estimated between $16 and $20 million, built from a combination of his MSNBC salary, book royalties, television production, and acting work. His career spans multiple roles — political commentator, host, writer, producer, and author — all contributing to his financial success.

At MSNBC, O’Donnell reportedly earns an annual salary of $4–5 million, though the figure has fluctuated over time. A major salary negotiation in 2017 led to a notable update in his contract and compensation. Beyond broadcasting, he continues to earn from his published works, speaking engagements, and residuals from his earlier career in television production and acting.

Is Lawrence O’Donnell leaving MSNBC?

No, Lawrence O’Donnell is not leaving MSNBC as of September 5, 2025. While his contract expired in June 2025 and there were reports of him exploring other opportunities, recent broadcasts confirm he continues hosting The Last Word.

Is Lawrence O’Donnell Married?

No, Lawrence O’Donnell is not married. He was previously married to actress Kathryn Harrold from 1994 to 2013, but has remained single since their divorce.

How Old Is Lawrence O’Donnell?

 O’Donnell is 73 years old, born on November 7, 1951.

Lawrence O’Donnell how tall?

Lawrence O’Donnell is 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters) tall.

Is Lawrence O’Donnell related to Rosie O’Donnell?

No, Lawrence O’Donnell is not related to Rosie O’Donnell. They share a common Irish surname but come from different families; Lawrence hails from Boston with distinct parental lineage, while Rosie was born in New York to different parents.

Is The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell being cancelled?

No, The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell is not being cancelled as of September 5, 2025. Despite past speculation tied to contract negotiations, the show continues to air new episodes and ranks well in viewership.

Where Is Lawrence O’Donnell?

As of 2025, Lawrence O’Donnell is actively hosting The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell on MSNBC from the network’s studios in New York City. He resides in New York and has recently returned from any short absences, continuing his regular broadcasting schedule.