MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell Shares Health Update & Reveals When He’ll Be Back on Show
MSNBC‘s Lawrence O’Donnell was only supposed to be taking a week off, but a health issue has seen the veteran news anchor sidelined from his nightly show, The Last Word, for longer than expected.
O’Donnell shared an update with fans last Thursday (March 27), revealing that an infection had put him out of action. “Thanks to @msnbc team @CapehartJ @AliVelshi @jrpsaki for filling in for me. My week off turned into 2 weeks after I picked up an infection,” he wrote on X.
He added, “Expect to be back @TheLastWord next week.”
Thanks to @msnbc team @CapehartJ @AliVelshi @jrpsaki for filling in for me. My week off turned into 2 weeks after I picked up an infection. Expect to be back @TheLastWord next week.
— Lawrence O’Donnell (@Lawrence) March 27, 2025
While O’Donnell said he expected to be back this week, he was still missing from Monday’s (March 31) episode. Instead, MSNBC reporter Symone Sanders filled in for the absent host.
Fans shared their well wishes with O’Donnell, with one X user writing, “Feel better @Lawrence, see you next week.”
“I’m glad that you are taking care of yourself. We all look forward to seeing you back when you’re ready,” said another.
“Lawrence take care of- this country needs you to help us understand the truth / thank you sir your efforts are amazing,” another added.
Another wrote, “Sorry the vacation turned into sick days. You’ve been missed!”
“Get well. Lawrence. Your voice is much missed and needed,” said one user.
The 73-year-old O’Donnell has anchored The Last Word since 2010, hosting Mondays to Thursdays, with relief presenters on Fridays. Last month, he revealed on air that he was taking a week off because all the President Trump news had “exhausted” him.
Speaking to his MSNBC colleague Rachel Maddow, O’Donnell said on the March 12 broadcast, “Here’s the thing, this is day 52 [of Trump’s term]. I thought it was day 92. It turns out it’s day 52, Rachel, and I’m exhausted at day 52, and so, I’m going to take next week off.”
“I’m telling you that now because I know you don’t like it when I just drift away,” he continued. “I’m just taking next week off, then I can come back and go with you all the way to the hundred days.”
Maddow returned to hosting her show five nights a week following Trump’s return to the White House. She agreed to cover the first 100 days of the presidency nightly before returning to her regular Monday slot.
O’Donnell’s absence comes amid several shake-ups at MSNBC over the past few months. In February, the network parted ways with long-time anchor Joy Reid, dropped Alex Wagner from her nightly prime-time slot, and removed Katie Phang from her weekend slot. Phang and Wagner will both remain with the network in new roles; Wagner as a senior political analyst and Phang as a legal correspondent.
The Last Word With Lawrence O’Donnell, Weeknights, 10/9 c, MSNBC
Conversation29 Comments
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O
I love the facts as presented by Lawrence. He always makes the issues clear regardless of what others think!!
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B
MSNBC’s new president is a racist white supremacist. Bigoted to the core.
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G
Nice try. DEI killed MSnBC. Reid is an insufferable human being and racist. Capehart is a horrible elitist no talent, and the rest who were fired also did NOT do well in the ratings either. Television is a BUSINESS. Regardless of race or political beliefs, hosts (employees) are required to produce RESULTS. Oh, and Kamala LOST! Big Time. I am sorry for your loss. Not really. Nexxxxxt.
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O
Yep, of all the hosts on MSNBC you fire the Black Woman. Joy Reid was not only incredibly talented but she was very knowledgeable. And the ratings, I don't buy that bullshit because everybody's ratings were down. Yes, it's a business! But why was she the only Anchor fired? Morning Joe's ratings are in the toilet. Rachel's ratings dropped, so has Nicole Wallace. All great Broadcasters I might add. But Joy was the only one cancelled. This Country can't stop it's racism against Black People. And we helped build this Nation😢☹️
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Republican talking points tried to spin that Trump won by a landslide...he won by less than 2%. And the
Trump administration is the most unqualified lot in the history of that office. A DEI hire is not an unqualified person, but a DUI hire is.
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O
I love ❤️ you Lawrence, you're the best.
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R
Lawrence O’Donnell was missed. Never miss his broadcast
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O
We missed you Lawrence. Glad you’re back. We wish you nothing but good health.
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G
Best wishes ❤️ hopefully you'll be back soon
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G
So happy you’re back Lawrence … you were missed for sure!! Wishing you complete healing & recovery back to health! We learn a lot from you, thank you so much!
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C
I can't watch Lawrence's show without him. There are certain people who are not replaceable. Katie Chang us another one of those people. The shake up left a void that has not been replaced. You need to find suitable replacements to keep your followers
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O
Glad to have him back.
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O
I need to know facts and truth, but with Trump et al and his destruction our democracy it’s hard. Lawrence gives us facts and truth and no matter how difficult, his journalism skill calms me and gives me hope at days end. I’m old and it helps a lot.
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B
I miss Lawrence and hope he is okay. He gives great depth and historical perspective in his show, teaching us history and widom of what has come before. Prayers that he is well and can return.
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O
I miss Lawrence! Life in these times is even more challenging without Lawrence and his wisdom and perspective.
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G
I know Lawrence gets sick and tired of talking about the child in the White House but we need him. I know his contract is coming up but I hope he stays. He keeps us informed and grounded.
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C
Lawrence is one of my favorites. However I’ve been concerned about his well-being. This presidency seems to be taking a physical and emotional toll on him. As most of the country is going thru hell together, I fear that his knowledge and expertise cause him much more alarm than the average informed viewer. I hope he weathers the storm, we need people like him.
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I sooo hope you're truly okay, Lawrence. I can feel and see in you that what is happening in this country is intensely difficult for you and your public appreciates the profound information you provide to us as we find our way through this lost time.
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I am glad he is back
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P
I miss the OFD correspondent. Rest. Get well.
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A
Dear Lawrence,
I love seeing and hearing you speak on your show. I wish the rest of the world would listen to you as I do and believe you about Trump. After what I saw today with the grilling of Anthony Faucci, I don't know if I can wait until Trump's time in MY white house is over. Keep speaking about the things that matter. Some of us out here need to hear you. Thank you for all you do for us.
Loretta Reda
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J
I really miss you whenever your smiling face is missing. Your insights and insistence on truthful reporting in this time of upside down horrifying news is refreshing and gives a glimpse of hope in these difficult times. Be well.
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R
He is my absolute favorite.
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P
A TV world without Lawrence is impossible. His commentary is viral and courageous, and powerful truth always. It takes much energy. Stay strong Lawrence.
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O
Trump derangement syndrome is a hard thing to recover from
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C
I agree with what he says about be exhausted on account of Trump. He would be better off in a TV show that he would host with another person who would represent the conservative side and both host a show sitting around the table and bringing in guests by skype or live and talk about what they feel. More homey and intelligent.
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No thanks. We get enough ‘conservative’ Reich wing drivel between #HerrDrumof and religious nut job #MagaMike.
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Failing network with failing talent O’Donnell lied
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