**Rosie O’Donnell Reveals Her Worst Ever Talk Show Guest: Keanu Reeves**
*Published October 17, 2025, 2:20 p.m. ET*
During a rare television appearance, Rosie O’Donnell opened up about her career as a prime-time talk show host and revealed her most challenging guest on *The Rosie O’Donnell Show* from the 1990s.
The former host, now 63, shared candid insights with RadarOnline.com about interviewing countless A-list stars. When asked to name the most difficult interviewee, O’Donnell’s surprising answer was none other than Keanu Reeves.
> “One of the worst, who, I love the guy, but he’s not good on talk shows: Keanu Reeves,” she admitted.
> “He’s so sweet, he looks gorgeous, I love all his movies, but he would not answer a question.
> 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.'”
Despite the initial awkwardness, O’Donnell noted that Reeves returned to her show later and “got the hang of it.” She was quick to emphasize that the actor is “a lovely man and a good-hearted guy,” making it clear she meant no disrespect.
### Favorite Guests: Barbra Streisand and Martin Short
While Reeves was challenging, O’Donnell spoke fondly of other guests. She named Barbra Streisand as her “favorite” guest and recalled her memorable experience with comedian Martin Short.
> “Because you come out and say, ‘How you doing, Marty?’ and it’s over for you,” she laughed. “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.”
### A Heated Moment with Tom Selleck
O’Donnell also reflected on a tense 1999 interview with actor Tom Selleck, where they clashed over gun laws following the Columbine massacre.
> “It was very awkward. I had never been unkind or controversial, but Columbine had just happened,” she explained.
> “It was 1999. He had an ad in the magazines that said, ‘I am the NRA. Shooting teaches children good values.’ And I was so torn up about Columbine that I just didn’t give up. And then, like an innocent idiot, I walked off-stage and said to my staff, ‘Do you think that’ll get any press?'”
### Fallout with Ellen DeGeneres
O’Donnell’s revelations come just days after she criticized fellow comedian and U.S. exile Ellen DeGeneres, revealing details about their long-standing fallout.
Rosie recounted how their friendship deteriorated after DeGeneres publicly stated on live TV that she wasn’t friendly with her.
> “That was, like, one of the most painful things that ever happened to me, in show business, in my life,” O’Donnell said.
> “I couldn’t believe it. I have photos of her holding my newborn babies. I knew her for 30 years.”
O’Donnell also expressed hurt over what she perceived as a lack of support from DeGeneres when she came out as gay during a comedy set in February 2002.
> “Instead of deciding to stand next to me and hold my hand, which is what I did to her, she did the opposite,” O’Donnell complained.
> She contrasted this with her own support for DeGeneres when Ellen came out on her popular talk show in 1997.
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Rosie O’Donnell’s candid reflections highlight the complexities behind the scenes of daytime talk shows, the challenges of live interviews, and the personal struggles intertwined with public friendships.
https://radaronline.com/p/rosie-odonnell-reveals-identity-of-her-worst-ever-chat-show-guest-a-list-superstar/