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 fame starring in the sitcom "Ellen" (1994–1998) and later hosted the talk show "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" (2003–2022), earning 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. DeGeneres has been a prominent figure in entertainment.
1925: Father's Birth
In 1925, Elliott Everett DeGeneres, Ellen's father, was born. He worked as an insurance agent.
1930: Mother's Birth
In 1930, Elizabeth Jane "Betty" (née Pfeffer), Ellen's mother, was born. She worked as a speech therapist.
January 26, 1958: Ellen DeGeneres Born
On January 26, 1958, Ellen Lee DeGeneres was born. She is an American comedian, actress, television host, writer, and producer.
May 1976: High School Graduation
In May 1976, Ellen DeGeneres graduated from Atlanta High School.
April 1997: Coming Out on Time Magazine Cover
In April 1997, Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out as a lesbian on the cover of Time magazine with the headline "Yep, I'm Gay," a pivotal moment in her career and LGBTQ+ representation in media.
April 1997: Publicly Came Out as Lesbian
In April 1997, Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out as a lesbian on the cover of Time with the words, "Yep, I'm Gay" and became the first openly gay lead character on an American network television show.
1997: DeGeneres Comes Out as Lesbian
In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian, sparking intense media interest and impacting her professional career. That same year she started a romantic relationship with actress Anne Heche.
August 2000: DeGeneres's Relationship with Anne Heche Ends
In August 2000, Ellen DeGeneres's relationship with actress Anne Heche ended.
2004: DeGeneres Starts Relationship with Portia de Rossi
In 2004, Ellen DeGeneres began her relationship with actress Portia de Rossi.
2004: DeGeneres Ends Relationship with Alexandra Hedison
In 2004, Ellen DeGeneres ended her relationship with photographer Alexandra Hedison. The couple appeared on the cover of The Advocate after their separation had already been announced.
February 2006: Class Reunion on The Ellen Show
In February 2006, Ellen DeGeneres celebrated her thirty-year class reunion by flying her graduating class to California to be guests on her show and surprising Atlanta High School with a new LED sign.
August 2008: DeGeneres and de Rossi Marry
In August 2008, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi were married at their home in Beverly Hills, California, after the overturn of the same-sex marriage ban in California.
November 4, 2008: Proposition 8 Casts Doubt on Marriage
On November 4, 2008, the passage of Proposition 8 in California cast doubt on the legal status of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's marriage.
September 23, 2010: de Rossi Granted 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.
2011: DeGeneres Attends Saints Practice Dressed as Don Hutson
In 2011, Ellen DeGeneres attended a New Orleans Saints practice session dressed as Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Don Hutson.
2012: Ellen Promotes Veganism on Her Show
In 2012, The Ellen DeGeneres Show website promoted "Meatless Mondays" and featured vegan recipes in the section called "Going Vegan with Ellen".
2016: DeGeneres Re-Introduces Fish into Her Diet
In 2016, DeGeneres stated that she had re-introduced fish into her diet.
November 2017: DeGeneres Campaigns Against Elephant Trophy Imports
In November 2017, in response to President Donald Trump allowing elephant trophy imports, Ellen DeGeneres launched a campaign with her brand to donate to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.
January 2018: de Rossi Gifts Gorilla Home to DeGeneres for 60th Birthday
In January 2018, 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, part of the "Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund".
2018: DeGeneres Confirms She Stopped Following a Vegan Lifestyle
In 2018, DeGeneres confirmed that she had stopped following a vegan lifestyle "in the last year or two for no reason really" in her stand-up comedy special Relatable.
2018: Father's Death
In 2018, Elliott Everett DeGeneres, Ellen's father, passed away.
November 2024: DeGeneres and de Rossi Relocate to England
In November 2024, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi relocated from Montecito, California, to the Cotswolds region of England. The move was reportedly due to the re-election of Donald Trump.
