Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres 2011

Ellen Lee DeGeneres (born January 26, 1958) is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer. She starred in the popular sitcom Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and has hosted her syndicated TV talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, since 2003.

Early Life

Ellen Lee DeGeneres was born in Metairie, Louisiana, to Elizabeth Jane (née Pfeffer), a speech therapist, and Elliott Everett DeGeneres, an insurance agent. She has one brother, Vance, who is a musician and producer. DeGeneres was raised as a Christian Scientist until the age of 13. After her parents divorced, she moved with her mother to Atlanta, Texas. DeGeneres graduated from Atlanta High School in 1976 and attended the University of New Orleans, where she majored in communication studies but left after one semester to pursue work in a law firm with her cousin. Her early jobs included working at J.C. Penney, and as a waitress at TGI Fridays and another restaurant, a house painter, a hostess, and a bartender. She relates much of her early life and career as a stand-up comedian in her autobiographical comedy routines.

Career

Stand-up Comedy

DeGeneres started performing stand-up comedy at small clubs and coffee houses. By 1981, she was the emcee at Clyde's Comedy Club in New Orleans. DeGeneres's comedy style is characterized by observational humor, often addressing the idiosyncrasies of daily life and her own experiences.

Television

In 1986, DeGeneres made a significant breakthrough when she was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. This appearance made her the first female comedian to be invited by Johnny Carson to sit on the famous couch during her first visit. Following this, DeGeneres starred in two television sitcoms, Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and The Ellen Show in 2001. However, it was her daytime talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which premiered in September 2003, that made her a household name. The show has won numerous awards and has been praised for its celebrity interviews, human interest stories, and DeGeneres's signature humor.

Film

DeGeneres has also made her mark in film, providing the voice of Dory, a fish with short-term memory loss, in the animated films Finding Nemo (2003) and its sequel Finding Dory (2016). Both films were critical and commercial successes.

Personal Life

DeGeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997. This was concurrent with her character on Ellen, making television history as the first lead in sitcom history to openly acknowledge being gay. DeGeneres is married to actress Portia de Rossi.

Philanthropy

DeGeneres is known for her charitable work, including raising awareness for animal rights and LGBTQ+ rights. She has also been involved in numerous humanitarian efforts, including disaster relief and anti-bullying campaigns.

Legacy

Ellen DeGeneres has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for her work in entertainment and activism, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded by President Barack Obama in 2016. She has made a significant impact on American culture, particularly in breaking down barriers for the LGBTQ+ community in media.