Rosie O’Donnell has moved an ocean away from Hollywood, but she’s still entertaining audiences. The actress and former talk show host shared with Variety how she ended up playing a lesbian nun having a New York City adventure in “And Just Like That…,” which returned for its third season on HBO Max on Thursday. O’Donnell explained that she has long been friends with Cynthia Nixon, who plays Miranda on the comedy and its prequel, “Sex and the City.” “My daughter was actually her assistant on set,” O’Donnell explained. “She put her on there, and then she said, ‘By the way, Michael told me that he has a role for you. Are you up for it?’ I said, ‘Are you kidding me? In a minute!’ I didn’t even have to think about it.” O’Donnell has also known the show’s creator, Michael Patrick King, for more than 30 years. “When I was a young comedian, he was in a comedy duo called King and Mindy — Lisa Mindy and Michael King,” she said. “I used to hang out with them at Catch a Rising Star and at the Improv. It’s been pretty amazing to see the people that began together doing so well.” As for being gay in real life and learning that King had created a lesbian nun character for her, O’Donnell said, “I laughed my a** off. I thought — I know how to play this character.” “I was very, very happy to be doing all my scenes with Cynthia. It was not acting for me. I don’t have to act in love with her, because I’ve been in love with her for many years,” O’Donnell said. “I saw her in ‘Wit,’ on Broadway, and even though I had known her for very many years and was friends with her in a real way, when I went backstage, I was awestruck and couldn’t find my words.” O’Donnell, who has also appeared on the HBO comedy “Hacks” this season, said people like the character she plays, Mary, who discovers her sexuality later in life, are common. “I know many women who only come to it in their 40s, and how hard it is when they set up a life with a man and children, and then they come to realize this basic thing about themselves,” she sad. “I understand their struggle. It was a relatable character — somebody who, for all different reasons, wasn’t able to be in touch with who they were, and then came to find the beauty that awaits the rest of her life.” She also reflected on having moved to Ireland from the United States. “Never, for one moment since I arrived here, did I regret my choice,” O’Donnell said. “People have been so welcoming, so accepting, and they have a different view of celebrity in the culture here,” she added. “They are not prioritized over other people. People are much more friendly and intimate with each other in a real way.” HBO Max and CNN are both part of Warner Bros. Discovery.
Rosie O’Donnell is back on the small screen as a nun having the time of her life in ‘And Just Like That…’
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"Rosie O'Donnell Stars as a Lesbian Nun in HBO Max's 'And Just Like That...'"
CNN
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TruthLens AI Summary
Rosie O’Donnell has made a return to television in the third season of HBO Max's 'And Just Like That...' where she plays a lesbian nun named Mary, who embarks on an adventure in New York City. O’Donnell, who has relocated to Ireland, shared her journey into this role in an interview with Variety. Her connection to the show is rooted in her long-standing friendship with Cynthia Nixon, who portrays Miranda. O'Donnell revealed that Nixon's daughter was her assistant, and this connection led to the opportunity when Nixon mentioned that the show's creator, Michael Patrick King, had a part for her. O'Donnell, who has known King for over three decades, expressed her enthusiasm about the role, stating, "Are you kidding me? In a minute!" She highlighted the nostalgic ties she has with both Nixon and King, recalling their early days in the comedy scene together.
O'Donnell's character, Mary, resonates with many women who discover their sexual identity later in life, a theme she finds relatable. She empathizes with those who have built lives with men and children, only to confront their true selves later on. O'Donnell reminisced about her admiration for Nixon, recalling how she was awestruck after seeing her perform on Broadway. The actress also reflected on her move to Ireland, expressing no regrets about her choice. She noted the welcoming and accepting nature of the Irish people, stating that celebrity culture there does not overshadow everyday interactions, allowing for more genuine connections among individuals. O'Donnell's portrayal of a character navigating her identity, combined with her personal experiences, adds depth to her performance and highlights the struggles many face in understanding their true selves.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article highlights Rosie O'Donnell's return to television in the series "And Just Like That...", where she plays a lesbian nun enjoying life in New York City. It provides insights into her personal connections with the show's cast and crew, particularly with Cynthia Nixon, and discusses the representation of LGBTQ+ characters in media.
Purpose of the Article
This news piece aims to celebrate O'Donnell's return to acting while also emphasizing her connection to the LGBTQ+ community. By highlighting her excitement about playing a lesbian character, the article seeks to resonate with audiences who appreciate diverse representations in media. It also serves to remind readers of the importance of friendship and collaboration in the entertainment industry, particularly in relation to LGBTQ+ narratives.
Perception in the Community
The article attempts to foster a positive perception of LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream media. By showcasing O'Donnell's enthusiasm for her role and her long-standing friendship with Nixon, it encourages acceptance and recognition of LGBTQ+ identities, particularly in light of the character's journey of self-discovery later in life.
Potential Omissions
While the article focuses on the positive aspects of O'Donnell's role and her relationships, it may downplay the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in the entertainment industry. Issues such as typecasting, discrimination, and the complexities of representation are not addressed, which could provide a more nuanced understanding of the topic.
Authenticity and Manipulation
The content appears authentic as it features direct quotes from O'Donnell that express her genuine feelings about the role and her friendships. However, there is an element of promotional framing, as it emphasizes the positive aspects of her return to television without delving into potential controversies or criticisms related to the show or its representation of LGBTQ+ issues.
Comparison with Other News
In the broader context of media representation, this article aligns with a growing trend of highlighting LGBTQ+ narratives in popular culture. It connects to other recent discussions about diversity in film and television, particularly regarding how characters from marginalized communities are portrayed.
Impact on Society and Economy
The article may contribute to a broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ themes in popular culture, potentially influencing public opinion and encouraging more inclusive storytelling in media. This acceptance can also have economic implications, as shows with diverse representation often attract larger audiences, impacting viewership ratings and advertising revenue.
Community Support
The article likely resonates more with LGBTQ+ communities and their allies, who appreciate representation in media. It serves to validate the experiences of individuals discovering their identities later in life, fostering a sense of belonging among viewers who relate to O'Donnell's character.
Market Influence
While the article itself may not have a direct impact on stock markets or specific companies, shows like "And Just Like That..." can influence viewer engagement and subscription rates for platforms like HBO Max. As such, media companies that prioritize inclusive content may see positive financial outcomes.
Global Context
In terms of global power dynamics, this article reflects ongoing discussions about representation and acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals in various societies. It aligns with a contemporary agenda that seeks to promote diversity and inclusivity, relevant to current global discourse.
Use of AI in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were utilized in the drafting process, especially in organizing quotes and structuring the narrative. However, the emotional depth and personal anecdotes suggest a human touch, indicating that while AI may assist in formatting, the core message remains authentic and relatable.
The overall reliability of this article is bolstered by its direct quotes and personal anecdotes. However, its promotional tone and omission of potential criticisms suggest a degree of bias, framing the narrative in a favorable light for both O'Donnell and the show's representation of LGBTQ+ characters.