Lawrence O'Donnell Biography: Age, Real Name, Career, Education, Religion, Political Party, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children, Nationality, Movies and TV Shows

Early Life and Education

Lawrence O'Donnell was born on November 7, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts. His parents were Frances Marie Buckley, an office manager, and Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Sr., a lawyer. He grew up in a Catholic household and is of Irish descent. O'Donnell attended St. Sebastian’s School, where he played baseball and football. Lawrence O'Donnell later went to Harvard University, where he studied economics and wrote for the Harvard Lampoon.

Career in Politics and Television

Lawrence O'Donnell started his political career in 1989 as an aide to U.S. Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan and later became the staff director for the Senate Finance Committee. Lawrence O'Donnell eventually moved into television, working as a writer and producer for the NBC drama The West Wing, where he also played President Bartlet's father in flashback scenes. Lawrence O'Donnell created and produced the NBC series Mister Sterling and acted in Big Love, Homeland, and Monk.

As a political commentator, Lawrence O'Donnell is best known for hosting The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC. He has also been a panelist on The McLaughlin Group and a guest on Morning Joe. Lawrence O'Donnell describes himself as a "practical European socialist" and has been vocal about his political views.

Personal Life

Lawrence O'Donnell married actress Kathryn Harrold in 1994, and they had a daughter, Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O'Donnell. The couple divorced in 2013. In 2014, he was injured in a car accident while vacationing in the British Virgin Islands but recovered and returned to his MSNBC show.

Controversies and Apologies

Lawrence O'Donnell has been involved in several controversies. In 2007, he criticized Mitt Romney’s speech on religion, and in 2012, he made controversial remarks about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for which he later apologized. Lawrence O'Donnell also faced criticism for comments about Republican figures like Michael Steele and Herman Cain. In 2019, Lawrence O'Donnell reported unverified claims about Donald Trump’s financial ties to Russian oligarchs but later retracted the report, calling it an "error in judgment."

Honors and Legacy

In 2001, Lawrence O'Donnell received an honorary degree from Suffolk University. He remains a prominent figure in political commentary and television, known for his strong opinions and in-depth analysis on current events.

Parents

Lawrence O'Donnell parents were Frances Marie Buckley and Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Sr. 

Lawrence O'Donnell mother worked as an office manager, and his father was a lawyer and a member of the Supreme Court Bar. They raised Lawrence O'Donnell in a Catholic household in Boston, Massachusetts.

Wife

Lawrence O'Donnell was married to Kathryn Harrold, an actress, in 1994. Their marriage lasted for nearly 19 years before they divorced in 2013.

Children

Lawrence O'Donnell has one daughter, Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O'Donnell, from his marriage to Kathryn Harrold.

Political Party

Lawrence O'Donnell is known for his liberal views, but he does not belong to any specific political party. He describes himself as a "practical European socialist."

Religion

Lawrence O'Donnell was raised in a Catholic family. However, he has been critical of certain religious beliefs and has openly discussed his views on faith.

Controversy

Throughout his career, Lawrence O'Donnell has been involved in several controversies. He made strong remarks about Mitt Romney’s religion and the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, later apologizing for them. Lawrence O'Donnell also faced backlash for comments about Republican figures like Michael Steele and Herman Cain. In 2019, Lawrence O'Donnell reported an unverified claim about Donald Trump’s financial ties to Russian oligarchs but later retracted the statement.

Nationality

Lawrence O'Donnell is an American citizen. He was born in Boston, Massachusetts, in the United States.

Siblings

There is limited public information about O'Donnell's siblings, but Lawrence O'Donnell has mentioned his brother, Michael, who was with him during a car accident in 2014.

FAQs 

1. What is Lawrence O'Donnell real name?

- Lawrence O'Donnell full name is Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Jr.

2. How old is Lawrence O'Donnell?

- Lawrence O'Donnell was born on November 7, 1951, so he is 73 years old as of 2025.

3. What is Lawrence O'Donnell nationality?

- Lawrence O'Donnell is American and was born in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

4. What is Lawrence O'Donnell educational background?

- Lawrence O'Donnell attended St. Sebastian's School and later graduated from Harvard University with a degree in economics.

5. Who are Lawrence O'Donnell parents?

- Lawrence O'Donnell parents are Frances Marie Buckley (mother) and Lawrence Francis O'Donnell Sr. (father).

6. Who is Lawrence O'Donnell wife?

- Lawrence O'Donnell was married to Kathryn Harrold, an actress, from 1994 to 2013.

7. Does Lawrence O'Donnell have children?

- Yes, Lawrence O'Donnell has a daughter named Elizabeth Buckley Harrold O'Donnell.

8. What is Lawrence O'Donnell career?

- Lawrence O'Donnell is a television host, political commentator, actor, author, and screenwriter. He is best known for hosting The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell on MSNBC and for working on The West Wing as a writer, producer, and actor.

9. What is Lawrence O'Donnell political affiliation?

- Lawrence O'Donnell does not belong to a specific political party but describes himself as a "practical European socialist."

10. What TV shows and movies has Lawrence O'Donnell appeared in?

- Lawrence O'Donnell has worked on The West Wing, Big Love, Homeland, Monk, and The Last Word with Lawrence O'Donnell.