OWN Announces Rosie O'Donnell as Collaborator for OWN Documentary Film Club

Los Angeles, CA — Rosie O'Donnell will be a collaborator for the OWN Documentary Film Club, selecting key films and hosting specials that inspire deeper conversations following their on-air premiere. It was announced today by Lisa Erspamer, chief creative officer, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.   

OWN will air a one-hour special hosted by Rosie O'Donnell following the world television premiere of Becoming Chaz in May, featuring Chaz Bono, his girlfriend Jennifer Elia and filmmakers Fenton Bailey and Randy Barbato. Premiering on OWN, Becoming Chaz will be the first documentary film to air as part of the OWN Documentary Film Club. 

"We are thrilled to have Rosie be a part of the OWN Documentary Film Club," said Ms. Erspamer. "She has a great enthusiasm and sensibility for documentaries, and is the perfect choice to host the specials." 

"I love watching every documentary. It excites me to know that OWN is as passionate about documentary films and storytelling as I am," said Ms. O'Donnell, whose new talk show The Rosie O'Donnell Show, will premiere on OWN Fall 2011. 

One of the most successful talk show hosts of the past 15 years, Rosie O'Donnell earned six consecutive Daytime Emmys® for Outstanding Talk Show Host during her years on The Rosie O'Donnell Show. The show, a beloved departure from the many sensational talk shows of the time, skyrocketed in ratings and audiences enjoyed her warm and approachable style, along with the fuzzy koosh balls she launched at the crowd and camera. 

An outspoken advocate for children's needs, her recent HBO special, A Family Is a Family is A Family: A Rosie O'Donnell Celebration, celebrated her family, along with other types of families, sharing funny and oftentimes profound insights on family life and love proving that families come in all shapes, sizes, and colors. Additionally, her charitable organization, Rosie's Theatre Kids, offers underserved children arts education enrichment, along with the chance to enjoy Broadway theatre. Today, she can be heard on Sirius XM Radio's Rosie Radio, a daily two-hour show featuring Ms. O'Donnell discussing the day's news and events. An actress, comedian, and the author of several best-selling books, she lives in New York with her children.  

The slate of previously announced original documentaries that comprise the OWN Documentary Film Club include Extraordinary Moms, One Last Shot, Seven Suicides and Tent City, USA. Acquired documentaries include 65 Red Roses, Becoming Chaz, Family Affair, Life 2.0, Louder than a Bomb, Most Valuable Players, No Woman, No Cry, One Lucky Elephant and Sons of Perdition.

About OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
A joint venture between Harpo, Inc. and Discovery Communications, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network is a multi-platform media company designed to entertain, inform, and inspire people to live their best lives. OWN debuted on January 1, 2011, in approximately 85 million homes on what was the Discovery Health Channel. The venture also includes the award-winning digital platform, Oprah.com. For more information, please visit www.oprah.com/own and https://press.discovery.com/us/own/.