Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Ellen DeGeneres

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Ellen DeGeneres made an impact.

Ellen DeGeneres is a retired American comedian, actress, television host, writer, and producer. Rising to prominence in stand-up comedy and the sitcom 'Ellen,' she achieved widespread recognition as the host of 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' from 2003 to 2022, winning 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. The show concluded following allegations of workplace bullying, leading to investigations and a decline in public support. DeGeneres officially retired from the talk show in 2022.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: Ellen DeGeneres Hosted the Grammy Awards

In 1996, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

1997: Ellen DeGeneres Hosted the Grammy Awards

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

November 4, 2001: Ellen DeGeneres hosts the Emmy Awards

On November 4, 2001, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Emmy Awards, which was presented after two cancellations due to network concerns following the September 11 attacks. DeGeneres received several standing ovations for her performance, which included the line: "What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?"

November 2004: DeGeneres appears in American Express ad campaign

In November 2004, Ellen DeGeneres appeared, dancing, in an ad campaign for American Express.

September 18, 2005: Ellen DeGeneres Hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards

On September 18, 2005, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony. This was three weeks after Hurricane Katrina, making it the second time she hosted the Emmys following a national tragedy.

September 7, 2006: DeGeneres Selected to Host the 79th Academy Awards

On September 7, 2006, Ellen DeGeneres was selected to host the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, which took place on February 25, 2007.

November 2006: American Express commercial with Ellen DeGeneres Debuts

In November 2006, a two-minute black-and-white American Express commercial featuring Ellen DeGeneres working with animals debuted. It was created by Ogilvy & Mather.

February 25, 2007: Ellen DeGeneres Hosts the 79th Academy Awards

On February 25, 2007, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, making her the first openly gay person to have hosted the event. Her hosting gig received positive reviews.

September 2008: DeGeneres Begins Working with CoverGirl Cosmetics

In September 2008, Ellen DeGeneres began working with CoverGirl Cosmetics, which led to criticism due to the brand's animal testing practices conflicting with DeGeneres's animal-friendly values.

Covergirl Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick, Light, 0.14 Ounce

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January 2009: DeGeneres's Face Becomes Focus of CoverGirl Advertisements

In January 2009, Ellen DeGeneres's face became the focus of CoverGirl advertisements, marking her first beauty campaign.

Covergirl Smoothers Moisturizing Concealer Stick, Light, 0.14 Ounce

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2009: PETA Names DeGeneres "Woman of the Year"

In 2009, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) named Ellen DeGeneres their "Woman of the Year".

May 26, 2010: DeGeneres Starts Record Label eleveneleven

On May 26, 2010, Ellen DeGeneres announced on her show that she was starting her own record label entitled "eleveneleven". She signed Greyson Chance as her first act.

2010: DeGeneres Serves as Campaign Ambassador for Adopt-A-Turkey Project

In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres served as campaign ambassador to Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project, asking people to start "a new tradition by adopting a turkey instead of eating one" at Thanksgiving.

November 2011: DeGeneres Named Special Envoy for Global AIDS Awareness

In November 2011, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton named Ellen DeGeneres a special envoy for Global AIDS Awareness.

December 3, 2011: DeGeneres Headlines "Change Begins Within" Gala

On December 3, 2011, Ellen DeGeneres headlined the third annual "Change Begins Within" gala for the David Lynch Foundation held at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

2012: DeGeneres Becomes Spokesperson for J. C. Penney

In spring 2012, Ellen DeGeneres became the spokesperson for J. C. Penney in a tour and advertising campaign.

April 2013: DeGeneres Donates to Stop Anti-Whistleblower Legislation

In April 2013, Ellen DeGeneres donated $25,000 to stop anti-whistleblower agricultural gag legislation in Tennessee, which would prohibit undercover investigators from recording footage of animal abuse on farms.

August 2, 2013: DeGeneres to Host Academy Awards for the Second Time

On August 2, 2013, it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would host the Academy Awards on March 2, 2014, for the second time.

March 2, 2014: Ellen DeGeneres Hosts the Academy Awards for the Second Time

On March 2, 2014, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Academy Awards for the second time.

October 24, 2014: E.D. on Air launched on QVC

On October 24, 2014, Ellen DeGeneres' line of home products, initialized as E.D., began being offered on QVC under the name E.D. on Air.

2015: ED by Ellen Lifestyle Brand Launched

In 2015, Ellen DeGeneres launched her lifestyle brand under the name ED by Ellen, which later changed to ED Ellen DeGeneres. The collection includes apparel, shoe, accessory, pet, baby, and home items.

February 2017: DeGeneres's dog collection at PetSmart was launched

In February 2017, Ellen DeGeneres's dog collection at PetSmart was launched, and a cat line was introduced later that year.

November 2017: DeGeneres Responds to Elephant Trophy Import Ban

In November 2017, in response to President Donald Trump's decision to allow the importation of elephant trophies from Africa, Ellen DeGeneres created a hashtag campaign in partnership with her brand, ED Ellen DeGeneres, to donate to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. She also created a T-shirt with her brand whose proceeds also go to the organization.

August 15, 2018: DeGeneres Partners with Walmart for EV1 Fashion Collection

On August 15, 2018, it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would partner with Walmart to launch a fashion collection under the brand name EV1, a low-cost alternative to her ED Ellen DeGeneres product.

September 10, 2018: EV1 Fashion Collection Officially Launched

On September 10, 2018, the EV1 fashion collection, a partnership between Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart, was officially launched.

September 2020: Executives Leave and Apology During Season Opening

Following an investigation, three executives left the show, and the show vowed to change its culture. In September 2020, DeGeneres apologized during the eighteenth season's opening.

2020: DeGeneres's 2020 Earnings

In 2020, Forbes estimated Ellen DeGeneres's earnings at US$84 million and her net worth at $370 million, making her the 12th-highest-paid entertainer in the world.

May 12, 2021: Ellen DeGeneres Announces End of Talk Show

On May 12, 2021, Ellen DeGeneres announced that she would end her talk show following the conclusion of its nineteenth season in 2022.

May 26, 2022: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Final Episode

On May 26, 2022, the final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired. Guests included Jennifer Aniston, Pink, and Billie Eilish, with Portia de Rossi and other family members in the audience.

July 2024: Ellen DeGeneres Reflects on Career Challenges

In July 2024, Ellen DeGeneres reflected on her career, stating she "got kicked out of show business for being mean". She also stated she would leave show business for good after her contractual obligations ended.

July 2025: Future work options

In July 2025, during an appearance in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, Ellen DeGeneres stated that she wouldn't resurrect her former talk show for a British audience but was considering future work options.