Born: 1958 (Metairie, Louisiana)
Biography:
Ellen Lee DeGeneres, often referred to mononymously as Ellen, is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer. She was born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, to Elizabeth Jane Betty and Elliott Everett DeGeneres. Ellen, who has French, English, German, and Irish ancestry, was raised in a Christian Scientist household.
DeGeneres began her stand-up career in the early 1980s and quickly gained popularity for her sharp wit and humorous observations. Her talents led to appearances on various television shows, including a memorable appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson in 1986. This marked the start of her journey to becoming one of the most beloved comedians in America.
In 1994, DeGeneres starred in her own sitcom, Ellen, which quickly became a hit. However, it was during the fourth season of the show that she made history by coming out as a lesbian on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Her character, Ellen Morgan, also came out as gay in a groundbreaking episode of the sitcom. This was a significant moment for both DeGeneres and the LGBTQ+ community, as it marked the first time a lead character on a sitcom openly identified as gay. The series continued to explore various LGBT issues, including the coming-out process, and contributed to greater visibility for the community.
DeGeneres’s talent and charisma extended beyond comedy and into the realm of hosting. In 2003, she launched her own syndicated daily talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The show quickly gained a massive following and became a cultural phenomenon. Known for her warm and engaging personality, DeGeneres seamlessly connected with her audience through witty interviews, heartfelt stories, and generous acts of kindness. The show received widespread acclaim and earned DeGeneres an impressive 33 Daytime Emmy Awards throughout its run until 2022.
Beyond her successful television career, DeGeneres ventured into the world of film, starring in movies such as Mr. Wrong (1996), EDtv (1999), and The Love Letter (1999). She also lent her voice to the lovable character of Dory in the Disney/Pixar animated films Finding Nemo (2003) and Finding Dory (2016). For her role as Dory, DeGeneres received critical acclaim and became the first actress to win a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for a voice performance.
In addition to her work in entertainment, DeGeneres has been actively involved in philanthropy and advocacy. She has used her platform to raise awareness and support numerous charitable causes, including animal rights, LGBT rights, and humanitarian efforts. Her dedication to making a positive impact has earned her various awards and recognitions, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016.
Throughout her career, DeGeneres has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry and has become an iconic figure in popular culture. Her influence extends far beyond comedy and TV, as she has been an inspiration and role model for many. Ellen DeGeneres’s contributions to women’s history, LGBTQ+ representation, and charitable endeavors have solidified her as a trailblazer and an influential figure in American society.
Awards:
– Primetime Emmy Award for The Puppy Episode (1997) – for the sitcom Ellen
– 33 Daytime Emmy Awards for The Ellen DeGeneres Show
– Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for Finding Nemo (2003) – for voice performance as Dory
– Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
– Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes (2020)
– Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016)
– Numerous People’s Choice Awards and other awards for her work and philanthropic efforts.