Rosie O’Donnell Signs On for New Lifetime Original Movie

LOS ANGELES, October 23:
Rosie O’Donnell is set to star in and executive produce America, a new Lifetime original movie based on E.R.
Frank’s book of the same name.

The film follows the story
of a boy named America, who is 16 years old and spent his entire life shuffled
through the foster care system. O’Donnell stars as a therapist who gives him
the support he needs to deal with his past and move forward. Ruby Dee (American
Gangster) stars alongside
O’Donnell as one of the boy’s caregivers.

America is produced by Larry Sanitsky and written by Joyce
Eliason. Yves Simoneau will direct the Sony Pictures Television project, which
is set to premiere in February 2009.

Tanya Lopez, the senior VP
of original movies for Lifetime Networks, said, "We are truly inspired by
Rosie's passion for this project. She's an incredible advocate for reforming
the foster care system and a strong voice for children." She added,
"Rosie really understands the issue of these kids 'aging out' of the
system without any resources to prepare them for life on their own and this
film shines a light on this tragic crisis."

O'Donnell added, "I
optioned the book America in
2002 and worked on the script for a number of years. The story has so much
heart and I can only hope that by bringing the foster care system into the
public's consciousness that much-needed reform can be made."

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski