Happy birthday, Rosie O'Donnell!

Rosie O'Donnell turns 51 today!

Born in Commack, NY, Roseann O'Donnell grew up to be one of the most distinguished comedienne and activist.

She started a comedy career as a stand-up comedian in her teenage years, but her big break was on 1984's Star Search.

After a big success, she landed in roles in TV series and sitcoms, such as Gimme A Break!, Stand By Your Man, and Stand-Up Spotlight.

O'Donnell made her first film appearance in League of Their Own, co-starring Tom Hanks and Madonna.

After appearing in many movies, in 1996, she began hosting The Rosie O'Donnell Show, a daytime talk show. She earned her first multiple Emmy Awards for it.

In 2006, O'Donnell replaced Meredith Vieira on The View, a women-oriented talk show.

She is also an author of two bestseller books, Find Me, and Celebrity Detox and active in charity work.

The earnings from her first memoir, Find Me, was used to build For All Kids Foundation, an organization helping institute national standards for day care centers across the country.

O'Donnell is currently married to Michelle Rounds, a consultant from NYC. The pair adopted a girl named Dakota.

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