Rosie O'Donnell Reveals Her Toughest Talk Show Guest

Get ready for a blast from the past, because Rosie O'donnell just dropped a major bombshell about one of her most memorable (and challenging) interviews from her iconic talk show days. Yep, it involves none other than the internet's favorite good guy, Keanu Reeves!

TL;DR: The Quick Hits

Rosie O'Donnell recently named Keanu Reeves as "one of the worst" talk show guests on her original show.
She clarified that while she loves him, his quiet nature made live interviews tough, calling him out on air for not talking.
Despite the initial awkwardness, Reeves "got the hang of it" on a later appearance, and O'Donnell insists he's a "lovely man."
O'Donnell also praised Martin Short as her "best guest" and Barbra Streisand as her "favorite."

Rosie Reflects on Her Iconic Daytime TV Career with Surprising Candor

Daytime television queen Rosie O'Donnell, 63, recently sat down with Australian talk show host Sam Pang on his show, Sam Pang Tonight, on October 16, 2025. During the chat, Rosie took a stroll down memory lane, reflecting on her hugely popular program, The Rosie O'Donnell Show, which ran for a fantastic six seasons from 1996 to 2002. She hosted over a thousand episodes, interviewing a who's-who of Hollywood stars, musicians, and public figures.

When asked about her best and worst guests, Rosie didn't hold back. While she quickly praised some big names, her reveal of a "worst" guest truly surprised the audience – and is now making waves across the globe!

The Unexpected Revelation: Keanu Reeves' Talk Show Struggle

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Who would've thought that the beloved Keanu Reeves, known for his roles in blockbusters like The Matrix and John Wick, would be on anyone's "worst guest" list? Well, according to Rosie, his initial appearances on her show in the late '90s were... a bit quiet.

O'Donnell made it clear she adores Reeves, gushing, "He's so sweet, he looks gorgeous, I love all his movies," but quickly added, "but he would not answer a question." She then hilariously recounted their live, unrehearsable struggle, where her questions were met with minimal replies.

Rosie O'Donnell on Keanu Reeves' Interview:

"I'd say, 'So, Keanu, how's it going? How are you feeling?' [He'd respond] 'Good.' We were live. We couldn't retape. I finally said after three minutes, 'You know, Keanu, it is a talk show. You have to talk!'"

Can you imagine the pressure of trying to coax conversation out of someone live on national television when they're just giving one-word answers? It definitely sounds like a challenge, even for a seasoned host like Rosie!

Keanu's Quiet Charm and Eventual Talk Show Evolution

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Despite the initial awkwardness in his 1997 appearance, Rosie was quick to defend the 61-year-old actor. She emphasized his genuinely good nature, stating, "He's a lovely man and a good-hearted guy, so I don't wanna throw him under the bus." She also confirmed that Keanu did eventually get the hang of it, even returning to her show in 2001 with more to say. It seems even "The One" needed a little time to adjust to the rapid-fire world of daytime talk.

This revelation offers a fun glimpse into the reality behind celebrity interviews. While we often see polished performances, some stars, like Keanu, are naturally more reserved. It's a testament to Rosie's hosting skills that she could playfully push him to open up without alienating him or the audience.

From Quiet to Queen: Rosie's Favorite and Best Guests

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Of course, not all guests were as challenging as a young Keanu. Rosie also shared who truly shined on her set. Her "favorite" guest of all time was none other than the legendary Barbra Streisand, a pick that probably won't surprise many, given Streisand's iconic status and storytelling prowess.

But when it came to the "best guest to have on," Rosie immediately singled out comedy legend Martin Short. His energy and quick wit made him a dream interviewee. "Because you come out and say, 'How you doing, Marty?' and it's over for you," she chuckled, "He stands up and he goes, 'I'm here!' He was the funniest and the nicest guy, so I would say Marty Short was definitely one of the best." It's easy to picture Short's infectious enthusiasm filling the studio, making the host's job a breeze!

The Controversial Interviews: Tom Selleck and Elisabeth Hasselbeck

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Rosie's career hasn't been without its share of more intense on-air moments. She also reminisced about her highly publicized 1999 interview with actor Tom Selleck, which spiraled into a heated debate about gun rights following the Columbine High School massacre. "It was very awkward," she recalled, noting Selleck had an ad out saying, "'I am the NRA, shooting teaches children good values,' and I was so torn up about Columbine that I just didn't give up." This was a stark contrast to the quiet Keanu, showing Rosie wasn't afraid to challenge guests on serious topics, even if it made for uncomfortable television.

In another recent revelation, O'Donnell also brought up her infamous on-air shouting match with Elisabeth Hasselbeck on The View back in May 2007. Rosie reignited claims that the dramatic political debate was a "setup" by producers, specifically the late Bill Geddie, who passed away in 2023. Hasselbeck, however, tearfully refuted these claims on her Instagram Story, demanding Rosie "stop the madness, stop the lying and just be free." These anecdotes highlight the long-lasting impact of live TV moments and how they continue to shape narratives years later.

Keanu's Latest Adventures: What's the 'Good Fortune' Star Up To?

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While his past talk show appearances might have been a bit shy, Keanu Reeves is far from quiet these days, especially with new projects hitting the screen. He's currently promoting his new supernatural comedy movie, Good Fortune, which premiered on October 17, 2025. In the film, he takes on the role of an angel named Gabriel, a divine character guided by director Aziz Ansari. Reeves shares the screen with a fantastic cast including Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keke Palmer. It's clear that while talk show chatter might not be his natural habitat, his captivating screen presence continues to draw audiences.

These recent comments from Rosie O'Donnell certainly add another layer to our understanding of beloved celebrities. It's a reminder that even the biggest stars have their comfort zones, and sometimes, a little push (or a direct "you have to talk!") is needed to get the conversation flowing. It also underscores the enduring legacy of talk shows and the memorable moments they create, both awkward and amazing!

Frequently Asked Questions About Rosie O'Donnell and Keanu Reeves

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When did "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" originally air?

"The Rosie O'Donnell Show" ran for six successful seasons from 1996 to 2002, becoming a daytime television staple known for its informal interviews and Rosie's engaging personality.

What movie is Keanu Reeves currently promoting?

Keanu Reeves is currently promoting his new supernatural comedy film, "Good Fortune," where he stars as an angel named Gabriel. The movie premiered on October 17, 2025.

Who were Rosie O'Donnell's favorite and best talk show guests?

Rosie O'Donnell named Barbra Streisand as "probably" her favorite guest, and Martin Short as the "best guest to have on," praising his humor and energy.

What happened during Rosie O'Donnell's interview with Tom Selleck?

In 1999, Rosie O'Donnell had a highly charged interview with Tom Selleck regarding gun control and his affiliation with the NRA, following the Columbine massacre. O'Donnell pressed him on his stance, creating a memorable and controversial moment.