Rosie O’Donnell isn’t the first person who comes to mind when theater is mentioned, but her philanthropy has garnered her a place in history as an honorary Tony Award recipient.

The awards administration announced on Tuesday that they want to honor O’Donnell for her efforts in bringing the arts to youth with Rosie’s Theater Kids, a nonprofit organization that provides dance, drama, and music to public school children in New York.

“We are excited to announce Rosie as this year’s Isabelle Stevenson Award recipient. 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,” said Charlotte St. Martin, Executive Director of The Broadway League.

O’Donnell appeared in productions of Grease, Seussical, Love, Loss, And What I Wore, and Fiddler on the Roof and has won an Emmy for her hosting duties, which she has performed three times.

The Tony Awards will broadcast live on Sunday, June 8 and will be hosted by Hugh Jackman this year.

Image via Wikimedia Commons