Theater News

Rosie O'Donnell to Receive 2014 Isabelle Stevenson Award

The Broadway veteran and philanthropist will accept the honor at this year’s Tony Awards ceremony.

Rosie O'Donnell will be presented with the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the 2014 Tony Awards ceremony on June 8.
Rosie O'Donnell will be presented with the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the 2014 Tony Awards ceremony on June 8.
(© David Gordon)

Rosie O'Donnell has been announced as the 2014 recipient of the Isabelle Stevenson Award, to be presented at the Tony Awards ceremony on Sunday, June 8.

The honor is presented annually to a member of the theater community who has made a substantial contribution to or volunteered time and effort on behalf of one or more humanitarian, social service, or charitable organizations. O'Donnell will be recognized for her commitment to arts education throughout the New York City public school system. In 2003, Rosie's For All Kids Foundation launched Rosie's Broadway Kids. Now known as Rosie's Theater Kids, the nonprofit arts education organization provides training in dance, music, and drama for New York City public school students who might not otherwise have the same opportunities to experience the theater.

"We are excited to announce Rosie as this year's Isabelle Stevenson Award recipient," said Charlotte St. Martin, executive director of The Broadway League, and Heather Hitchens, executive director of the American Theatre Wing. "Rosie exemplifies the spirit and the generosity of the Broadway community through her 'pay it forward' mentality within the arts community and beyond. Rosie constantly works to make our world a better place, and unconditional generosity like hers deserves great recognition."

Throughout her career, O'Donnell has appeared in three Broadway productions including Grease, Seussical, and Fiddler on the Roof, and she produced the 2003 Boy George-inspired musical, Taboo. She has also hosted the Tony Awards ceremony three times and earned an Emmy Award for hosting the 52nd Tony Awards ceremony, in 1998.

Featured In This Story