What Happened to MSNBC’s Lawrence O’Donnell? Illness & Absence Explained

Photo Credit: Jefferson Siegel-Pool/Getty Images News via Getty ImagesMSNBC’s longtime host Lawrence O’Donnell host recently took a two-week break, sparking questions from viewers about his health and return. After originally planning a short hiatus, O’Donnell extended his time away due to an unexpected illness.Here’s what we know about Lawrence O’Donnell’s absence and current status.

Is The Last Word’s Lawrence O’Donnell still sick?Lawrence O’Donnell has recovered from his illness and has returned to hosting The Last Word on MSNBC.After a two-week absence, he resumed his role on Tuesday night, April 1, 2025, telling viewers, “It’s great to be back.” He had initially planned a one-week break due to “exhaustion” but extended it after contracting an infection.



In a post on X (formerly Twitter) dated March 27, 2025, O’Donnell stated, “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.

” His colleague Symone D. Sanders-Townsend filled in for him on March 31.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, 2025During his return broadcast, O’Donnell remarked, “This morning was the first morning I started not in a doctor’s office in the last two weeks or so.

I really got used to it.” He then proceeded with his regular news coverage, including commentary on the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.O’Donnell had preemptively announced his break on March 12 in an on-air conversation with Rachel Maddow, saying, “This is day 52.

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” (via TV Insider).

He assured viewers that he would return to cover the remaining days of the first 100 days of the Trump administration.A new segment titled “Lawrence on Trump attacking the rule of law” is currently available on MSNBC’s website, confirming his active participation in ongoing programming. O’Donnell, 73, continues to host The Last Word weeknights on MSNBC at 10/9c.

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