Hollywood superstar Rosie O’Donnell touched down in Melbourne to help launch this year’s Pride Round. She made sure to connect with Australian Football League Women’s (AFLW) players at Ikon Park. The 63-year-old American television personality, comedian, actress, and writer plunged into a whirlwind of riveting adventures. She spoke with players to learn more about their strategies and even tried kicking a football herself during the event!
O’Donnell, whose outsized persona and impact on the world of comedy and performance arts, only matched by the enthusiasm of her arrival to Australian shores. In her note, she described in thoughtful terms her excitement to explore a different culture and new customs. “I just want to absorb all of it,” she said. There’s so much excitement in Australia around this — it’s just fantastic.
On and off the field, O’Donnell brought contagious energy to the game. After kicking a few goals, she remarked, “Well, six points is when you get a goal. And that’s one of my favourite things when they (the goal umpires) do the double point.” And her unrelenting, playful spirit made her a fan favorite and players’ player as well.
Besides participating in the celebrations, O’Donnell opened up about her life and experiences. Reflecting on her past, she spoke candidly about losing her mother at the age of ten and the challenges of raising five children without maternal guidance. “It’s funny. It’s personal. It’s about losing my mum at 10 years old and then raising five children without a mother, which is a difficult thing to do,” she stated.
O’Donnell invokes her adopted son to have a deeper—to touch the audience. My career is important to me, and so is my family life. More than anything, my life changed for the better when I adopted my now autistic 12-year-old at age 50, she said.
The Pride Round is a wonderful example of what sporting events can achieve when they are used as a platform to encourage inclusivity and acceptance. O’Donnell’s involvement does more than raise awareness about these values. It inspires fans to connect with the sport at a deeper level.
“As we get older and leave sports behind, we forget that it’s fun — and it’s supposed to be fun,” she said, thinking back on her experience with AFLW athletes.
O’Donnell’s visit to Melbourne coincides with her preparations to bring her show, Common Knowledge, to the city. Her presence at the Pride Round launch further solidifies her commitment to advocacy and celebration of diversity in sports and beyond.
