O’Donnell to guest star on ‘Queer as Folk’

Talk-show host requested a role on Showtime drama

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updated 4:36 p.m. ET May 24, 2005

NEW YORK - Rosie O’Donnell hasn’t been doing many acting gigs lately, but she’ll appear on Showtime’s “Queer as Folk” for three episodes.

O’Donnell, long a fan of the gay-themed drama, called the show’s producers to request a role on the show, the cable channel said Tuesday. Her first episode will air Sunday (10 p.m. ET).

The former talk-show host plays an abused woman who works at the local diner and falls for her mentor, played by Sharon Gless.

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As one of the few TV programs to give gay issues the spotlight, “Queer as Folk” is clearly near to O’Donnell’s heart. She and Kelli Carpenter O’Donnell, who were married in a civil ceremony Feb. 26 in San Francisco, are raising four children together and are strong advocates of gay marriage and adoption.

O’Donnell, 43, has been busy writing a blog and running a cruise business. She backs the R Family Vacations cruise line, billed as the first to cater to gay and lesbian families.