Lawrence O’Donnell is an American television anchor, actor, author, screenwriter, and liberal political commentator, best known for hosting “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell” on MSNBC. Born on November 7, 1951, in Boston, Massachusetts, he has had a diverse career spanning politics, television, and literature.
Career Highlights:
- Television Hosting: Since 2010, O’Donnell has hosted “The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell,” a nightly MSNBC program where he discusses political events and issues. The show airs weeknights at 10 p.m. ET. You can watch recent episodes on MSNBC’s official website or listen to them as podcasts on platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
- Political Commentary: Before his broadcasting career, O’Donnell served as a legislative aide to Senator Daniel Patrick Moynihan from 1989 to 1995, including roles as senior adviser and staff director of the Senate Finance Committee. He describes himself as a “practical European socialist.”
- Television Production and Acting: O’Donnell was a writer and producer for the NBC series “The West Wing,” portraying President Josiah Bartlet’s father in flashbacks. He also created and executive produced “Mister Sterling” and played recurring character Lee Hatcher in HBO’s “Big Love.”
- Authorship: He authored “Deadly Force” in 1983, detailing a wrongful death case involving police brutality, and “Playing with Fire: The 1968 Election and the Transformation of American Politics” in 2017.
Recent Developments:
In February 2025, O’Donnell secured an exclusive final interview with President Joe Biden, conducted in the Oval Office and aired on MSNBC’s “The Last Word.” This interview marked Biden’s last television appearance before leaving office.
Additionally, O’Donnell has been vocal about infrastructure projects, suggesting that the Gateway Program, which includes a new rail tunnel between Manhattan and New Jersey, should be named the “Biden Tunnel” in recognition of its funding through Biden’s 2021 infrastructure bill.
For more insights into Lawrence O’Donnell’s perspectives and interviews, you can follow him on Instagram at @lawrence_odonnell.