American Talent
The Greatest That Made It Great
American ingenuity architects
A chronicle of brilliance
Comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres
Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres has displayed humor, bravery, and perseverance. She broke new ground as a comedian, revolutionized daytime television, and gave a voice to the voiceless as an activist. DeGeneres' impact on American society and her contributions to social change demonstrate the power of a single person to make the world a better, more welcoming place despite facing adversity.
Ellen DeGeneres has had a successful career in comedy and television spanning many decades thanks to her quick wit, ability to relate to her audience, and kind personality. Her commitment to kindness and her historic "coming out" have cemented her place in American pop culture, while her fight for LGBTQ+ rights have made her a beloved cultural hero.
DeGeneres began her career as a comedian in the clubs and coffeehouses of her native New Orleans after moving there from her birthplace in Metairie, Louisiana. In 1986, a booking agent for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" saw her perform, and the rest is history. In a nod to her singular comedic appeal, Carson invited her to sit on his couch following her performance, becoming her the first female comedian to do so.
After starring in the groundbreaking sitcoms "Open House" and "Laurie Hill," DeGeneres landed the lead role in her self-titled sitcom, "Ellen," in 1994. DeGeneres's character came out as gay in a seminal 1997 episode titled "The Puppy Episode," mirroring DeGeneres's own coming out on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The episode received high ratings and an Emmy award, but it also received criticism. This show ended its run in 1998.
DeGeneres's return to television with "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2003 was a turning point in her career. With its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and human-interest topics, the daytime talk show became an instant smash. DeGeneres's Daytime Emmys are a testament to how popular her program has become and how easily accessible her humor and optimism are to her audience.
DeGeneres has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and media representation. Her brave decision to come out in public blazed a trail for other LGBTQ+ celebrities in Hollywood and increased tolerance and acceptance in many households.
DeGeneres' influence and legacy extend far beyond her time in television and stand-up comedy. Her activism has helped advance LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, and her message of love has reached people all across the world. She has raised millions of dollars for charity through her public profile and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her efforts.
Recent Events: In 2020, reports surfaced about a potentially hostile work atmosphere at 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' prompting an internal inquiry and a significant reshuffle of employees. DeGeneres responded to the charges and issued an apology on air, saying she would do all in her power to create a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. She declared in May of 2021 that season 19 will be the last.
DeGeneres began her career as a comedian in the clubs and coffeehouses of her native New Orleans after moving there from her birthplace in Metairie, Louisiana. In 1986, a booking agent for "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" saw her perform, and the rest is history. In a nod to her singular comedic appeal, Carson invited her to sit on his couch following her performance, becoming her the first female comedian to do so.
After starring in the groundbreaking sitcoms "Open House" and "Laurie Hill," DeGeneres landed the lead role in her self-titled sitcom, "Ellen," in 1994. DeGeneres's character came out as gay in a seminal 1997 episode titled "The Puppy Episode," mirroring DeGeneres's own coming out on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The episode received high ratings and an Emmy award, but it also received criticism. This show ended its run in 1998.
DeGeneres's return to television with "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in 2003 was a turning point in her career. With its blend of humor, celebrity interviews, and human-interest topics, the daytime talk show became an instant smash. DeGeneres's Daytime Emmys are a testament to how popular her program has become and how easily accessible her humor and optimism are to her audience.
DeGeneres has been an outspoken supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and media representation. Her brave decision to come out in public blazed a trail for other LGBTQ+ celebrities in Hollywood and increased tolerance and acceptance in many households.
DeGeneres' influence and legacy extend far beyond her time in television and stand-up comedy. Her activism has helped advance LGBTQ+ rights in the United States, and her message of love has reached people all across the world. She has raised millions of dollars for charity through her public profile and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016 for her efforts.
Recent Events: In 2020, reports surfaced about a potentially hostile work atmosphere at 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' prompting an internal inquiry and a significant reshuffle of employees. DeGeneres responded to the charges and issued an apology on air, saying she would do all in her power to create a workplace free of harassment and discrimination. She declared in May of 2021 that season 19 will be the last.
