'Who Do You Think You Are?': Rosie O'Donnell Discovers the Strength and Struggles of Her Irish Ancestors (VIDEO)

Rosie O'Donnell has known many ups and downs in her life, from the loss of her mother to cancer when Rosie was 11, through her successes in school and into the entertainment industry.

She's had as many ups as downs since becoming famous, but all of her own struggle was set aside when she learned her family history on 'Who Do You Think You Are?' (Fri., 8PM ET on NBC).

"It doesn't diminish my own suffering, but it's not any longer the focal point of my existence," she said after visting a workhouse where her grandfather and his family lived in poverty before fleeing to Canada. "I think that's a gift."

O'Donnell knew almost nothing of her heritage on her mother's side. "I had a mother who died. That's all I knew," she said. "And that felt like an unlivable tragedy; like an unbearable tragedy. But now, I think to myself, her life existed because of the suffering and pain [of her ancestors]."

The struggles of people who lived much tougher lives than O'Donnell has ultimately led to the life of success and privilege she's been able to enjoy. Even if it hasn't always been an easy road for her, she can thank those who came before for getting her to the place where she could achieve such dreams.

As for her discoveries of the Irish people who lived in famine and poverty in those workhouses? "This huge part of Irish history [is] almost non-existent," she said with sadness. "I think that needs to be fixed; needs to be told."

Watch the full episode here: