Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen Lee DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. She grew up in a modest household and later went on to become one of the most influential figures in American entertainment.

On the same day she publicly came out, her character, Ellen Morgan, also came out as gay on the television show 'Ellen' in 'The Puppy Episode.' This moment was monumental in television history and earned the show multiple awards, including an Emmy for writing.

On April 30, 1997, Ellen DeGeneres made history by publicly coming out as gay during an appearance on 'The Oprah Winfrey Show.' This event was groundbreaking as it made her one of the first openly lesbian actresses in Hollywood, paving the way for greater LGBTQ+ acceptance in the media.

On September 8, 2003, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' premiered, quickly becoming one of the most popular daytime talk shows. The show garnered more than 30 Daytime Emmy Awards in its first three seasons and became known for its upbeat style and impactful interviews.

On February 25, 2007, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards. Her performance was widely praised for its humor and accessibility. She became the first openly gay person to host the event, marking a significant milestone in her career and in Oscars history.

On August 16, 2008, Ellen DeGeneres married actress Portia de Rossi in an intimate ceremony at their home in Beverly Hills. The couple's marriage became iconic in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights, particularly in the context of California's legal battles over same-sex marriage.

On October 22, 2012, Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, one of the highest honors in comedy. This accolade recognized her influence on American culture and her contributions to the world of comedy.

On September 4, 2012, Ellen DeGeneres received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star is located at 6270 Hollywood Boulevard in front of the W Hollywood Hotel. She dedicated the star to her loving fans and thanked them for their support.

Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Academy Awards for the second time on March 2, 2014. She was praised once again for her humor and ability to engage the audience. The show featured a viral selfie with numerous celebrities that quickly became one of the most retweeted images on Twitter.

On January 26, 2015, Ellen DeGeneres launched her own design competition show, 'Ellen's Design Challenge,' which aired on HGTV. The show featured aspiring furniture designers competing to create unique pieces, reflecting her passion for interior design and decor.

On November 22, 2016, Ellen DeGeneres was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama. This is the highest civilian honor in the United States, recognizing her contributions to the arts, LGBTQ+ rights, and her influence on American culture.

On December 18, 2018, Ellen DeGeneres released her stand-up comedy special, 'Relatable,' on Netflix. It marked her return to stand-up comedy after a 15-year hiatus and was well-received, offering insights into her life and career while maintaining her signature humor.

On September 21, 2020, Ellen DeGeneres addressed allegations of a toxic work environment on her talk show. She apologized to her staff and viewers, acknowledging that things happened that never should have and expressing her commitment to making necessary changes.

On May 12, 2021, Ellen DeGeneres announced that her long-running talk show, 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' would end after its 19th season in 2022. She explained that she was ready to move on and explore other creative opportunities, marking the end of an era in daytime television.