50 Facts About Ellen Degeneres

Ellen DeGeneres: Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ellen DeGeneres has become a household name, but her journey to stardom began in humble surroundings. Let's explore her early life and the initial steps she took in her career.

1. Birth and Early Life: Ellen Lee DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana. Her parents, Elizabeth and Elliott DeGeneres, provided a middle-class upbringing. Her mother worked as a speech therapist, while her father was an insurance agent.

2. Stand-Up Comedy Career: Ellen began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. She started performing at local coffee houses and eventually made her way to bigger stages. Her big debut came in 1986 when she was invited to perform on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," becoming the first female comedian he ever invited to the show.

3. Early TV Roles: Before becoming a household name, Ellen had several early TV roles. Her first regular TV role was in the short-lived Fox sitcom "Open House," a spin-off of "Duet." She also appeared in "Laurie Hill" and "These Friends of Mine," which later became "Ellen" after the first season.

The Groundbreaking 'Ellen' Sitcom

Ellen's sitcom was a pivotal moment in television history, especially for LGBTQ+ representation. Here are some key facts about this groundbreaking show.

4. Ellen Sitcom: "Ellen" was a groundbreaking sitcom that aired from 1994 to 1998. The show was inspired by Ellen's style of observational humor and was often referred to as a "female Seinfeld."

5. Coming Out: Ellen's coming-out episode, titled "The Puppy Episode," was one of the highest-rated episodes of the show. This moment not only made Ellen a trailblazer for LGBTQ+ representation on mainstream television but also had a significant impact on her career and personal life.

6. The Ellen Show: After "Ellen" was canceled, Ellen returned to television with a new CBS sitcom called "The Ellen Show," which aired from 2001 to 2002. Although it was canceled after 13 episodes, it marked her return to series television and paved the way for her future success.

The Ellen DeGeneres Show: A Daytime Phenomenon

Ellen's talk show has become a staple of daytime television, known for its humor, celebrity interviews, and heartwarming moments.

7. The Ellen DeGeneres Show: In 2003, Ellen launched her own syndicated talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." The show was nominated for 11 Daytime Emmy Awards in its first season and won four, including Best Talk Show. Over the years, the show has won 25 Emmy Awards and has become one of the most popular daytime talk shows in the United States.

8. Hosting Awards Shows: Ellen has hosted several prestigious award shows, including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Primetime Emmys. In 2006, she became the first openly gay or lesbian person to host the Academy Awards ceremony. Her hosting duties have included the 79th Academy Awards and the 86th Academy Awards, where she orchestrated a record-breaking selfie that became the most retweeted image ever.

Voice Acting and Other Ventures

Ellen's talents extend beyond live-action roles. She has also made a significant impact in voice acting and other creative ventures.

9. Voice Acting: Ellen's voice acting career includes the iconic role of Dory in the Disney/Pixar films "Finding Nemo" (2003) and "Finding Dory" (2016). She won the Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in "Finding Nemo," making her the first actress to win a Saturn Award for a voice performance.

10. Philanthropy and Activism: Ellen is known for her philanthropic efforts and activism. She has been a passionate advocate for animal rights and has promoted veganism through her website "Going Vegan With Ellen." In 2009, she was named Woman of the Year by PETA. Her charitable work extends to various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and children's welfare.

Personal Life and Relationships

Ellen's personal life, including her marriage to Portia de Rossi, has been a subject of public interest and admiration.

11. Marriage and Personal Life: Ellen married Portia de Rossi in 2008, and the couple has been together since 2004. Ellen has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and has used her platform to promote equality and acceptance.

12. Awards and Honors: Ellen has received numerous awards and honors for her work. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 and has won 20 People's Choice Awards, more than any other person. She also received the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes in 2020 for her work on television.

Ellen's Entrepreneurial Spirit

Beyond her entertainment career, Ellen has ventured into various business endeavors, showcasing her entrepreneurial spirit.

13. Best-Selling Author: Ellen is a best-selling author with four books to her name. Her writing includes memoirs, children's books, and lifestyle guides, showcasing her versatility and creativity beyond her entertainment career.

14. Record Company and Production Company: Ellen has ventured into the music industry with her record company, Eleveneleven, and has also started a production company, A Very Good Production. These ventures reflect her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creative projects.

15. Lifestyle Brand: Ellen launched her lifestyle brand, ED Ellen DeGeneres, which includes a collection of apparel, accessories, home, baby, and pet items. This brand extension showcases her ability to diversify and expand her influence beyond entertainment.

Ellen's Impact on Popular Culture

Ellen's influence extends far beyond her own career. She has inspired countless individuals with her kindness, positivity, and advocacy.

16. Impact on Popular Culture: Ellen's influence extends far beyond her own career. She has inspired countless individuals with her kindness, positivity, and advocacy. Her impact on popular culture is evident in the numerous memes, parodies, and references to her in various forms of media.

17. Judge on American Idol: In 2010, Ellen joined the panel of judges on the popular talent show "American Idol." Her unique insights and humor brought a fresh perspective to the show, making her a memorable judge.

18. Animal Rights Activist: Ellen's love for animals is well-documented. She is an animal rights activist and follows veganism herself. Her spouse, Portia de Rossi, is also a vegan. Together, they promote animal welfare through various initiatives.

Recognitions and Honors

Ellen's contributions to entertainment and society have earned her numerous recognitions and honors.

19. Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: In recognition of her contributions to the entertainment industry, Ellen has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. This honor underscores her enduring impact on popular culture.

20. Funniest Person in Louisiana: Before her national fame, Ellen was named the Funniest Person in Louisiana. This early recognition of her comedic talent set the stage for her future success in stand-up comedy and television.

Ellen's Lesser-Known Facts

Even with her fame, there are still some lesser-known facts about Ellen that might surprise you.

21. Odd Jobs Before Fame: Before becoming a star, Ellen took up various odd jobs to support herself. She worked as a bartender, law office aide, vacuum saleswoman, TGI Friday's waitress, and even an oyster shucker in New Orleans.

22. Punctuality and Professionalism: Ellen is known for her punctuality and strict professionalism on sets. Interviewers have noted that she always arrives early for interviews and photo shoots, showcasing her dedication to her work.

23. Heart-Warming Relationship with Mother: Ellen has a heart-warming relationship with her mother, Betty Jane. She often reserves the best seat in her studio audience for her mother, demonstrating her appreciation and gratitude.

24. Seal of Approval from Johnny Carson: Ellen's appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1986 was a significant milestone. She was the first female comedian he ever invited to the show, earning her a seal of approval from one of the biggest names in the business.

25. Role in Pulp Fiction: Ellen attempted to land the role of Jody in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" but lost out to Rosanna Arquette. This experience highlights the competitive nature of the film industry and her determination to succeed.

Ellen's Resilience and Humor

Ellen's resilience and humor have been key to her success, even in challenging situations.

26. Bed Rest During Talk Show: Ellen once ran her talk show from her hospital bed after suffering a torn ligament. Despite doctor's orders to rest, she continued the show as normal, with guests sitting on the side of her bed instead of plush armchairs.

27. Dressing the Part at Tulane University: Ellen made a memorable appearance at Tulane University's commencement ceremony dressed in a bathrobe and slippers. Her quip, "They told me everyone would be wearing robes," showcased her playful humor.

28. Finding Nemo and Dory: Ellen's voice acting in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory" made her character, Dory, a beloved and iconic figure. Her ability to bring humor and charm to the role earned her numerous awards and recognition.

29. The Big Bang Theory: Ellen made a guest appearance on "The Big Bang Theory" in 2019, adding to her extensive list of TV roles and cementing her status as a versatile actress.

Ellen's Advocacy and Activism

Ellen has used her platform to advocate for various causes, making a significant impact on society.

30. Support for LGBTQ+ Community: Ellen has been a steadfast supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. Her coming-out episode on "Ellen" paved the way for greater representation and acceptance, making her a hero for many in the community.

31. Animal Welfare Initiatives: Ellen's love for animals extends to various welfare initiatives. She coordinates a website called "Going Vegan With Ellen," which promotes vegan recipes and animal welfare. Her efforts have been recognized by organizations like PETA.

Prestigious Awards and Honors

Ellen's contributions to comedy and television have earned her some of the most prestigious awards in the industry.

32. Mark Twain Prize for American Humor: Ellen received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a prestigious award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to American humor. This honor underscores her impact on comedy and entertainment.

33. Carol Burnett Award: In 2020, Ellen received the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes for her work on television. This award, named after its inaugural namesake Carol Burnett, is given to individuals who have made a lasting impact on television.

34. Presidential Medal of Freedom: In 2016, Ellen was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honor in the United States. This recognition highlights her contributions to society and her influence beyond the entertainment industry.

Ellen's Philanthropic Efforts

Ellen's philanthropic efforts have made a significant impact on various causes and communities.

35. Philanthropic Efforts: Ellen's philanthropic efforts extend to various causes, including children's welfare and education. Her charitable work has made a significant impact on numerous organizations and communities.

36. Best-Selling Books: Ellen has written four best-selling books, showcasing her versatility as an author. Her writing includes memoirs, children's books, and lifestyle guides, demonstrating her ability to engage diverse audiences.

37. Record Company Ventures: Ellen's record company, Eleveneleven, reflects her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creative projects. This venture allows her to support emerging artists and promote new music.

38. Production Company Initiatives: A Very Good Production, Ellen's production company, focuses on producing high-quality content across various media platforms. This initiative underscores her dedication to creative storytelling and production excellence.

39. Lifestyle Brand Expansion: Ellen's lifestyle brand, ED Ellen DeGeneres, includes a wide range of products from apparel to home items. This brand extension demonstrates her ability to diversify and expand her influence beyond entertainment.

Ellen's Cultural Impact

Ellen's influence on pop culture is undeniable, making her a beloved figure around the world.

40. Impact on Pop Culture: Ellen's influence on pop culture is evident in the numerous memes, parodies, and references to her in various forms of media. Her impact extends beyond her own career, making her a cultural icon.

41. Judge on American Idol: Ellen's stint as a judge on "American Idol" brought a fresh perspective to the show. Her unique insights and humor made her a memorable judge, adding to her diverse list of professional experiences.

42. Animal Rights Advocacy: Ellen's advocacy for animal rights is well-documented. She promotes veganism through her website "Going Vegan With Ellen" and has been recognized by organizations like PETA for her efforts.

43. Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame: Ellen's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is a testament to her enduring impact on popular culture. This honor underscores her contributions to the entertainment industry and her lasting influence.

44. Funniest Person in Louisiana: Before her national fame, Ellen was named the Funniest Person in Louisiana. This early recognition of her comedic talent set the stage for her future success in stand-up comedy and television.

Ellen's Determination and Professionalism

Ellen's determination and professionalism have been key to her success, even in challenging situations.

45. Odd Jobs Before Fame: Before becoming a star, Ellen took up various odd jobs to support herself. These experiences, including working as a bartender and oyster shucker, highlight her determination and resilience.

46. Punctuality and Professionalism: Ellen is known for her punctuality and strict professionalism on sets. Interviewers have noted that she always arrives early for interviews and photo shoots, showcasing her dedication to her work.

47. Heart-Warming Relationship with Mother: Ellen has a heart-warming relationship with her mother, Betty Jane. She often reserves the best seat in her studio audience for her mother, demonstrating her appreciation and gratitude.

48. Seal of Approval from Johnny Carson: Ellen's appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" in 1986 was a significant milestone. She was the first female comedian he ever invited to the show, earning her a seal of approval from one of the biggest names in the business.

49. Role in Pulp Fiction: Ellen attempted to land the role of Jody in Quentin Tarantino's "Pulp Fiction" but lost out to Rosanna Arquette. This experience highlights the competitive nature of the film industry and her determination to succeed.

50. Legacy and Impact: Ellen DeGeneres's legacy extends far beyond her own career. She has inspired countless individuals with her kindness, positivity, and advocacy. Her impact on popular culture is evident in the numerous memes, parodies, and references to her in various forms of media, making her a cultural icon and a beloved figure around the world.

Ellen's Lasting Legacy

Ellen DeGeneres has left an indelible mark on entertainment and popular culture. From her early days as a stand-up comedian to her groundbreaking sitcom "Ellen," she has consistently pushed boundaries and broken barriers. Her talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," became a staple of daytime TV, known for its humor, heart, and generosity. Ellen's advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare has inspired many, and her philanthropic efforts have made a tangible difference in countless lives. Her voice acting as Dory in "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory" brought joy to audiences of all ages. Ellen's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a cultural icon is a testament to her talent, resilience, and kindness. Her legacy will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come.