Born January 26, 1958, Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, writer, actress and television personality. Highly regarded for her humor and charisma, DeGeneres has won the hearts of fans around the world.
She rose to fame thanks to her groundbreaking sitcom and her hugely popular talk show. DeGeneres’ particular brand of poignant comedy has made a lasting impression on people.
File
- Full name: Ellen Lee DeGeneres
- Date of birth: January 26, 1958
- Age: 65 years old
- Female
- Place of birth: Metairie, Louisiana, United States
- Nationality: American
- Profession: Comedian, TV presenter, Actor, Writer
- Height: 1.71 m
- Parents: Betty DeGeneres (mother), Elliott Everett DeGeneres (father)
- Siblings: Vance DeGeneres (older brother)
- Spouse: Portia de Rossi
- Children: Not applicable
- Relationship status: Married
- Net worth: 380 million USD
Early Life & Education
Ellen DeGeneres, 65, was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana, on January 26, 1958. She was born to Elizabeth Jane “Betty” and Elliott Everett DeGeneres. Ellen grew up with an older brother, Vance DeGeneres, a musician and producer.
Coming from a mixed French, English, German and Irish culture, she grew up in a Christian Scientist family.
Her parents filed for separation in 1973 and divorced the following year. Not long after, her mother remarried Roy Gruessendorf, a salesman, and Ellen and her mother moved to Atlanta, Texas, while Vance stayed with their father.
During her teenage years, DeGeneres faced the traumatic experience of being sexually abused by her stepfather. Gruessendorf used her mother’s diagnosis of breast cancer as an excuse to touch her inappropriately.
The abuse escalated to the point where DeGeneres ran away from home and had to spend a night in the hospital. Even though she shared her experience with her mother several years later, it took Betty Jane time to believe it.
Finally, she realizes the truth when Gruessendorf’s stories about his behavior toward Ellen change. Gruessendorf passed away in 1997.
DeGeneres completed her secondary education at Atlanta High School and then attended the University of New Orleans, majoring in communication studies. However, she left university after one semester to work in a law firm with her cousin.
Her early jobs included working at JC Penney, waiting at TGI Fridays and another restaurant, and working as a house painter, hostess, and bartender. These early experiences shaped her comedic perspective and provided material for her future career.
Personal life
Ellen DeGeneres identifies as lesbian. She married her longtime girlfriend, Portia de Rossi, in 2008.
Their marriage marked a milestone as DeGeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997 during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The couple’s relationship has inspired many people as they openly embraced their love and supported each other over the years. Ellen and Rossi have decided not to have children.
Ellen DeGeneres was in a relationship with Alexandra Hedison (2001 – 2004), Anne Heche (1997 – 2000), Teresa Boyd (1988 – 1996), and Kat Perkoff (1978 – 1980).
Career
DeGeneres’ stand-up comedy career began in the early 1980s, performing at small clubs and coffee shops. By 1981, she became a host at the Clyde Comedy Club in New Orleans, gaining recognition for her talent.
Showtime named her the funniest person in America in 1984, further cementing her presence in comedy.
In the late 1980s and early 1990s, DeGeneres ventured into film, starring in projects such as “Coneheads.” She also hosts a show called “Ellen’s Energy Adventure”at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park.
Her sense of humor and charm have made her a beloved face in both film and television.
DeGeneres’ breakthrough came with the sitcom “Ellen,” which aired from 1994 to 1998. In April 1997, she made history when she came out as a lesbian on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in his sitcom.
Episode “Puppy episode” received critical acclaim and high ratings. DeGeneres’ character, Ellen Morgan, symbolizes LGBTQ+ representation on television.
After “Ellen” ended, DeGeneres returned to television in 2001 with another sitcom, “The Ellen Show,” was sadly canceled after 13 episodes.
However, her career took a new direction when she debuted “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in September 2003.
The daytime talk show was a huge success, earning DeGeneres many awards, including multiple Daytime Emmy awards.
Known for her dancing, humor and generous gifts, she connected with audiences around the world, making the show a daytime television favorite.
Argumentative
Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres has faced both praise and criticism. In 2020, allegations of toxic work environments on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” surfaced, leading to an internal investigation and subsequent changes in the production process.
The controversy sheds light on the challenges and complexities of maintaining a long-running television show.
Net value
Ellen DeGeneres has amassed considerable wealth throughout her career, with an estimated net worth of $380 million.
Her success as a comedian, television host, actress, writer, and business ventures have contributed greatly to her financial success.
Social Media
- Instagram handle: @theellenshow
- Twitter name: @TheEllenShow
Filming
- You are wrong
- EDtv
- Love letter
- Find Nemo
- Find Dory
