History of Ellen DeGeneres in Timeline

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.

Sections (4)

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

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.

1973: Parents' Separation

In 1973, Ellen's parents filed for separation.

May 1976: High School Graduation

In May 1976, Ellen DeGeneres graduated from Atlanta High School.

1981: Emcee at Clyde's Comedy Club

In 1981, Ellen DeGeneres became the emcee at Clyde's Comedy Club in New Orleans, marking an early step in her comedy career.

1984: Funniest Person in America

In 1984, Ellen DeGeneres was named Showtime's "Funniest Person in America," marking a significant achievement early in her comedy career.

1986: Appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson

In 1986, Ellen DeGeneres appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, a significant milestone in her early stand-up comedy career.

1989: First Regular TV Role

In 1989, Ellen DeGeneres had her first regular TV role in the Fox sitcom Open House, where she played Margo Van Meter.

1992: Role in Laurie Hill

In 1992, Ellen DeGeneres was cast in the sitcom Laurie Hill as Nurse Nancy MacIntyre, though the series was canceled after four episodes.

September 15, 1996: Ellen's Energy Crisis ride opened

On September 15, 1996, the Ellen's Energy Crisis ride, later renamed Ellen's Energy Adventure, first opened at Walt Disney World's Epcot.

1996: DeGeneres Hosted the Grammy Awards

In 1996, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

1996: Hosting the Grammy Awards

In 1996, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

1996: Starred in Mr. Wrong

In 1996, Ellen DeGeneres starred in Mr. Wrong.

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.

1997: DeGeneres Hosted the Grammy Awards

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

1997: Hosting the Grammy Awards

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

1999: Starred in EDtv and The Love Letter

In 1999, Ellen DeGeneres starred in EDtv and The Love Letter.

August 2000: DeGeneres's Relationship with Anne Heche Ends

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

2000: Release of HBO Special The Beginning

In 2000, Ellen DeGeneres released her HBO stand-up comedy special "The Beginning."

November 4, 2001: Ellen DeGeneres Hosts the Emmy Awards

On November 4, 2001, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the televised broadcast of the Emmy Awards, which was presented after cancellations due to the September 11 attacks. DeGeneres received standing ovations for her performance.

2001: Hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2001, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards.

2001: The Ellen Show Debut

In 2001, Ellen DeGeneres returned to television with a new CBS sitcom, "The Ellen Show,", which was later cancelled after 13 episodes.

September 2003: The Ellen DeGeneres Show Launched

In September 2003, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" was launched, quickly rising in ratings and receiving critical praise.

2003: Voiced Dory in Finding Nemo

In 2003, Ellen DeGeneres provided the voice of Dory in the Disney/Pixar film Finding Nemo. For her performance, she won several awards, including a Saturn Award.

2003: Release of HBO Special Here and Now

In 2003, Ellen DeGeneres released her HBO stand-up comedy special "Here and Now".

November 2004: DeGeneres Appears in American Express Ad Campaign

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

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.

August 2005: DeGeneres to Host the Primetime Emmy Awards

In August 2005, it was announced that DeGeneres would host the 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony.

September 18, 2005: DeGeneres Hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards

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

2005: Hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards

In 2005, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Primetime Emmy Awards.

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.

May 2006: Commencement Speech at Tulane University

In May 2006, Ellen DeGeneres made a surprise appearance at Tulane University's commencement in New Orleans.

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

On September 7, 2006, DeGeneres was chosen to host the 79th Academy Awards ceremony.

November 2006: New American Express Commercial Debuts

In November 2006, DeGeneres's most recent American Express commercial, a two-minute black-and-white spot in which she works with animals, debuted.

February 25, 2007: DeGeneres Hosts the Academy Awards

On February 25, 2007, DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, becoming the first openly gay person to host the event. Reviews of her performance were positive.

March 2007: Broadcast Week from Universal Studios Orlando

In March 2007, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" broadcast for a week from Universal Studios Orlando, featuring skits with DeGeneres on various rides.

May 2007: Bed Rest and Show Hosting

In May 2007, Ellen DeGeneres was placed on bed rest due to a torn ligament in her back but continued hosting her show from a hospital bed.

2007: American Express Commercial Wins Emmy Award

In 2007, DeGeneres's American Express commercial won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial.

2007: Hosting the Academy Awards

In 2007, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Academy Awards.

2007: Allegations of On-Set Treatment

In 2007, a former writer from "The Ellen Show" described Ellen DeGeneres's treatment of the writers as harsh and critical.

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.

September 2008: DeGeneres Begins Working with CoverGirl Cosmetics

In September 2008, DeGeneres began working with CoverGirl Cosmetics, facing criticism due to conflicting values regarding animal testing.

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.

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

In January 2009, DeGeneres's face became the focus of CoverGirl advertisements as part of her beauty campaign.

May 1, 2009: 1000th Episode Celebration

On May 1, 2009, Ellen DeGeneres celebrated her 1000th episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" with celebrity guests.

2009: Commencement Speech at Tulane University

In 2009, Ellen DeGeneres delivered another commencement speech at Tulane University.

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".

February 9, 2010: American Idol Debut

On February 9, 2010, Ellen DeGeneres made her debut as a judge on the ninth season of "American Idol".

May 26, 2010: DeGeneres Announces Record Label "eleveneleven"

On May 26, 2010, DeGeneres announced the launch of her own record label entitled "eleveneleven". She signed Greyson Chance as her first act.

July 29, 2010: Departure from American Idol

On July 29, 2010, it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would be leaving "American Idol" after one season.

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.

2010: Judge on American Idol

In 2010, Ellen DeGeneres served as a judge on the ninth season of the Fox competition show American Idol.

2010: DeGeneres Serves as Campaign Ambassador to Farm Sanctuary's 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 Gala for David Lynch Foundation

On December 3, 2011, DeGeneres headlined the third annual "Change Begins Within" gala for the David Lynch Foundation.

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: Obama's Tweet Beat by DeGeneres

In 2012, Barack Obama's retweet record following his presidential election victory was beat by the group selfie effort orchestrated by Ellen DeGeneres at the Academy Awards.

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".

2012: DeGeneres Becomes Spokesperson for J. C. Penney

In spring 2012, DeGeneres became the spokesperson for J. C. Penney, participating 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 DeGeneres would host the Academy Awards for the second time on March 2, 2014.

March 2, 2014: DeGeneres Hosts the Academy Awards

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

October 24, 2014: E.D. on Air Product Line Launched on QVC

On October 24, 2014, Ellen DeGeneres's line of home products, E.D. on Air, began being offered on QVC.

2014: Hosting the Academy Awards

In 2014, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Academy Awards.

December 2015: 2000th Show Celebration

In December 2015, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Timberlake surprised Ellen DeGeneres on her 2,000th show.

2015: DeGeneres Named Among World's Most Powerful Women

In 2015, DeGeneres was named the 50th-most-powerful woman in the world by Forbes and came second on the World Pride Power list.

2015: Ellen Launches Lifestyle Brand ED by Ellen

In the Summer of 2015, Ellen DeGeneres launched her lifestyle brand under the name ED by Ellen.

2016: DeGeneres Re-Introduces Fish into Her Diet

In 2016, DeGeneres stated that she had re-introduced fish into her diet.

2016: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2016, Ellen DeGeneres received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

2016: Reprised Role in Finding Dory

In 2016, Ellen DeGeneres reprised her role as Dory in Finding Dory, the sequel to Finding Nemo.

February 2017: DeGeneres's Dog Collection at PetSmart Launched

In February 2017, DeGeneres's dog collection at PetSmart was launched.

May 2017: Selfie orchestrated by Ellen DeGeneres becomes fifth-most retweeted tweet ever

As of May 2017, a selfie orchestrated by Ellen DeGeneres during the broadcast of the 86th Academy Awards is the fifth-most retweeted tweet ever with over 3.4 million retweets.

August 13, 2017: Ellen's Energy Adventure ride closed

On August 13, 2017, the Ellen's Energy Adventure ride at Walt Disney World's Epcot closed permanently.

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.

November 2017: ED Ellen DeGeneres Collection Benefits #BeKindToElephants Campaign

In November 2017, the brand launched a collection to benefit DeGeneres's #BeKindToElephants campaign, donating 100% of the proceeds to the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust.

December 18, 2017: Ellen's Game of Games Preview

On December 18, 2017, Ellen's Game of Games previewed on NBC.

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".

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

On August 15, 2018, it was announced that DeGeneres would partner with Walmart to launch a fashion collection under the brand name EV1.

September 4, 2018: TCL Extends Partnership

On September 4, 2018, TCL announced its extension as the Official TV of The Ellen DeGeneres Show for a fifth consecutive season.

September 10, 2018: Fashion Collection EV1 Launches

On September 10, 2018, The fashion collection, EV1, a collaboration between Ellen DeGeneres and Walmart, officially launched.

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: Netflix Stand-Up Special Relatable

In 2018, Ellen DeGeneres released a Netflix stand-up special, Relatable, after a 15-year hiatus from performing comedy.

2018: Release of Netflix Special Relatable

In 2018, Ellen DeGeneres released her Netflix stand-up special "Relatable".

2018: Ellen's Game of Games Broadcast

In 2018, Ellen's Game of Games started broadcasting.

2018: Father's Death

In 2018, Elliott Everett DeGeneres, Ellen's father, passed away.

2018: Profile in The New York Times

In 2018, The New York Times profiled Ellen DeGeneres, highlighting her exploration of other creative outlets and her concerns about being boxed in by her "nice" image.

July 2020: Internal Investigation Launched at "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"

In July 2020, Telepictures announced an internal investigation into the workplace culture of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show", using WarnerMedia's employee relations team and a third-party consultant. DeGeneres issued a statement taking responsibility and pledging to "correct the issues".

July 2020: Toxic Workplace Allegations

In July 2020, ten former employees of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" accused DeGeneres of creating a "toxic" on-set atmosphere.

September 2020: Executives Exit and Apology Issued

In September 2020, following an investigation, three executives from "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" departed, and the show vowed to change its culture. DeGeneres apologized again during the eighteenth season's opening.

2020: DeGeneres's Earnings Estimated by Forbes

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

2020: Carol Burnett Award

In 2020, Ellen DeGeneres received the Carol Burnett Award at the Golden Globes.

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

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

May 2021: Ellen's Game of Games End

In May 2021, Ellen's Game of Games aired for the last time.

January 2022: Ellen's Game of Games Cancellation

In January 2022, Ellen's Game of Games was announced to be cancelled.

May 26, 2022: Final Episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" Airs

On May 26, 2022, the final episode of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" aired, featuring Jennifer Aniston, Pink, and Billie Eilish as guests.

November 2023: DeGeneres's Social Media Following Count

As of November 2023, DeGeneres had 75 million followers on Twitter and 139 million followers on Instagram.

July 2024: DeGeneres Reflects on Career Challenges

In July 2024, DeGeneres stated she felt she "got kicked out of show business for being mean." She announced she would retire from show business entirely after contractual obligations ended, preceding her final standup special, "For Your Approval."

September 2024: Release of Netflix Special For Your Approval

In September 2024, Ellen DeGeneres released another stand-up special, For Your Approval, through Netflix.

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.