Childhood and Education Journey of Ellen DeGeneres in Timeline

An overview of the childhood and early education of Ellen DeGeneres, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, actress, television host, writer, and producer. She gained prominence starring in the sitcom *Ellen* (1994-1998) and later hosted the talk show *The Ellen DeGeneres Show* (2003-2022), which earned her 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. Her career encompasses various roles in the entertainment industry, establishing her as a well-known figure in comedy and television.

Sections (4)

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

1997: DeGeneres Comes Out as Lesbian

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian, sparking intense media interest and impacting her career. She also began a relationship with actress Anne Heche.

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August 2000: DeGeneres's Relationship with Anne Heche Ends

In August 2000, Ellen DeGeneres's romantic relationship with actress Anne Heche ended.

2004: End of DeGeneres's Relationship with Alexandra Hedison

In 2004, Ellen DeGeneres ended her close relationship with photographer Alexandra Hedison, after which they appeared on the cover of The Advocate.

2004: DeGeneres Begins Relationship with Portia de Rossi

Since 2004, Ellen DeGeneres has been in a relationship with actress Portia de Rossi.

August 2008: DeGeneres and de Rossi Marry in California

In August 2008, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi married at their home in Beverly Hills, California, following the overturn of the same-sex marriage ban in California.

November 4, 2008: Proposition 8 in California Casts Doubt on Marriage Legal Status

On November 4, 2008, the passage of Proposition 8 in California cast doubt on the legal status of Ellen DeGeneres' marriage with Portia de Rossi.

2009: DeGeneres Named PETA's Woman of the Year

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

September 23, 2010: de Rossi Granted Legal Name Change to Portia Lee James DeGeneres

On September 23, 2010, Portia de Rossi's legal petition to change her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres was granted.

2010: DeGeneres Serves as Campaign Ambassador for Farm Sanctuary

In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres served as campaign ambassador to Farm Sanctuary's Adopt-A-Turkey Project, encouraging people to adopt a turkey instead of eating one at Thanksgiving.

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.

2011: DeGeneres Attends Saints Practice Dressed as Don Hutson

In 2011, Ellen DeGeneres, a fan of the National Football League, attended a New Orleans Saints practice session dressed as Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Don Hutson.

2012: "Going Vegan with Ellen" Section on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Website

In 2012, the website for The Ellen DeGeneres Show featured a section called "Going Vegan with Ellen," promoting "Meatless Mondays" and vegan recipes.

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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, aimed at preventing undercover investigators from recording animal abuse on farms.

2016: DeGeneres Re-Introduces Fish into Diet

In 2016, Ellen DeGeneres stated that she had re-introduced fish into her diet, moving away from her previously vegan lifestyle.

November 2017: Elephant Trophies Campaign

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

January 2018: Gorilla Home in Rwanda

In January 2018, as a gift for Ellen DeGeneres's 60th birthday, Portia de Rossi gifted her a permanent gorilla home in Rwanda, built in her name for the Digit Fund. This gift initiated a new branch of the Digit Fund known as the "Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund".

2018: DeGeneres Confirms End of Vegan Lifestyle

In her 2018 stand-up comedy special Relatable, Ellen DeGeneres confirmed that she had stopped following a vegan lifestyle "in the last year or two for no reason really".

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July 2024: DeGeneres Reflects on Career Setbacks

In July 2024, Ellen DeGeneres reflected on her career, stating she felt she "got kicked out of show business for being mean" and planned to leave show business permanently after her existing contractual obligations ended.

November 2024: Relocation to the Cotswolds

In November 2024, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi relocated from Montecito, California, to the Cotswolds region of England. The move was reportedly influenced by the re-election of Donald Trump as president, with the couple having "no plans to return to the United States". They had purchased the home in the Cotswolds prior to the election.