Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres
Ellen_DeGeneres-2009.jpg: Tulane Public Relations derivative work: Smalljim (tal · CC BY 2.0 · source
Name	Ellen DeGeneres
Caption	DeGeneres in 2011
Birth date	26 January 1958
Birth place	Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation	Comedian, television host, actress, writer, producer
Years active	1978–present
Spouse	Portia de Rossi, 2008
Awards	Full list below

Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer who became a defining figure in popular culture and a pioneering advocate for LGBT rights in the United States. She rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian before starring in the ABC sitcom Ellen, where her character's coming out mirrored her own public announcement in 1997, a landmark event in television history. She later achieved global fame as the host of the Daytime Emmy-winning talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which aired for 19 seasons and was known for its emphasis on kindness, celebrity interviews, and audience giveaways. Her career spans stand-up comedy, film, voice acting, and production, solidifying her status as one of the most influential entertainers of her generation.

Early life and career

Born in Metairie, Louisiana, she is the daughter of Betty DeGeneres and insurance salesman Elliott DeGeneres. After attending the University of New Orleans for one semester, she held various jobs, including as a waitress and a house painter, before beginning her comedy career in local New Orleans clubs. Her big break came in 1982 when she performed on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, becoming the first female comedian invited to sit on Carson's couch after her set. This appearance led to national exposure, a role in the Fox sitcom Open House, and her first HBO comedy special, Young Comedians Reunion. She later starred in the ABC sitcom These Friends of Mine, which was retitled Ellen and ran from 1994 to 1998.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show

Premiering in 2003, The Ellen DeGeneres Show became a daytime television institution, distributed by Warner Bros. Television and filmed at Warner Bros. Studios, Burbank. The show was celebrated for its upbeat atmosphere, featuring segments like celebrity games, musical performances, and generous audience gifts. It won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show and made her a beloved household name. She also gained fame for her dancing entrances and served as host for major events like the Academy Awards in 2007 and 2014. The show concluded in 2022 after 19 seasons, following reports of a toxic workplace environment that led to an internal investigation by Warner Bros..

Stand-up comedy and film work

Her stand-up career, marked by observational humor about everyday life, includes several acclaimed HBO specials such as The Beginning. In film, she provided the voice of Dory in the Pixar animated films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory, with the latter becoming one of the highest-grossing animated films of all time. Her other notable film roles include Mr. Wrong and a starring role in The Love Letter. She also served as a judge on the ABC talent competition American Idol during its ninth season and created the Netflix sitcom One Day at a Time revival through her production company, A Very Good Production.

Personal life and activism

Her coming out in a 1997 episode of Ellen and a concurrent interview on The Oprah Winfrey Show was a pivotal moment for LGBT visibility, though it initially led to professional setbacks and the cancellation of her sitcom. She began a relationship with actress Portia de Rossi in 2004, and they married in 2008 following the overturn of Proposition 8. A prominent animal rights advocate, she is a supporter of organizations like The Humane Society of the United States and PETA. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including disaster relief for Hurricane Katrina and fundraising for wildlife conservation.

Awards and recognition

Throughout her career, she has received numerous accolades, including 30 Daytime Emmy Awards for The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the People's Choice Award for Favorite Daytime Talk Show Host multiple times. In 2016, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama, the nation's highest civilian honor, for her impact on American culture and advocacy. She has also been honored with The Mark Twain Prize for American Humor and several Teen Choice Awards. Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame was unveiled in 2012.

Category:American comedians Category:American television hosts Category:American LGBT rights activists Category:Presidential Medal of Freedom recipients