Ep 3. Rosie O'Donnell

Rosie O'Donnell, the famous American comedian and talk show host, sets out to discover the roots of her family tree in Season 2, Episode 3 of "Who Do You Think You Are?" This episode takes viewers on a journey through O'Donnell's past as she uncovers the stories of her ancestors and learns more about where she comes from.

The episode begins with O'Donnell explaining her interest in tracing her family history, noting that she knows very little about her ancestors beyond her grandparents. She describes how her mother died when she was young, leaving her with many unanswered questions about her family's past.

O'Donnell's journey starts with a trip to New York City, where she visits the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. Here, she learns about the experiences of some of the millions of immigrants who came to the US through Ellis Island, including her own great-grandfather. She is moved by the stories of these early pioneers and gains a newfound appreciation for the struggles and sacrifices they made to build a new life in America.

From there, O'Donnell travels to Ireland, where she hopes to learn more about her Irish roots. She begins by visiting a quaint little town called Celbridge, where her maternal great-grandmother was born. O'Donnell meets with local historians who help her uncover more information about her great-grandmother's family, including the fact that they were tenant farmers who struggled to eke out a living on a small piece of land.

One of the most touching moments in the episode comes when O'Donnell visits a cemetery in a nearby village and sees the grave of her great-grandmother for the first time. She is visibly emotional as she reflects on the struggles and hardships her ancestors faced and feels a deep sense of connection to them.

Next, O'Donnell heads to County Kerry, where her paternal great-grandparents lived. She visits a small rural farm in the village of Castleisland, where her great-grandfather grew up. Here, she learns more about the lives of her ancestors and how they coped with the devastating potato famine of the 19th century.

The episode also delves into O'Donnell's family history on her father's side, revealing some surprising stories that even she wasn't aware of. Along the way, she discovers the personal struggles and triumphs of her ancestors, including those who fought in the American Civil War and World War II.

As O'Donnell's journey unfolds, she learns more about the impact her family history has had on her own life and career. She reflects on the lessons she has learned from her ancestors and how their determination and perseverance have inspired her own success.

Overall, this episode of "Who Do You Think You Are?" is a touching and insightful journey through the life and history of Rosie O'Donnell and her family. From the hardship and struggle of her ancestors to the triumphs and achievements that followed, the story of O'Donnell's family is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of family ties.