Ellen DeGeneres's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Ellen DeGeneres. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

Ellen DeGeneres is an American former comedian, actress, television host, writer, and producer. She gained prominence in the 1990s with her sitcom "Ellen," known for its groundbreaking coming-out episode. From 2003 to 2022, she hosted the widely popular daytime talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which was known for its comedic segments, celebrity interviews, and charitable giveaways. The show received numerous Emmy Awards. While celebrated for her contributions to entertainment and LGBTQ+ visibility, DeGeneres's career has also faced controversy, particularly allegations of a toxic workplace environment on her talk show.

Sections (4)

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

1996: Hosting the Grammy Awards

In 1996, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards.

April 1997: Publicly Comes Out as Lesbian

In April 1997, Ellen DeGeneres publicly came out as a lesbian on the cover of Time magazine with the headline "Yep, I'm gay" and became the first openly gay lead character on an American network television show.

1997: Hosting the Grammy Awards

In 1997, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the Grammy Awards for a second time.

November 4, 2001: Hosting the Emmy Awards

On November 4, 2001, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the televised broadcast of the Emmy Awards, which were presented after two cancellations due to network concerns following the September 11 attacks. Her performance, which required a more somber tone, received several standing ovations.

November 2004: Appeared in American Express Ad Campaign

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

August 2005: Hosting the 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards Announced

In August 2005, it was announced that Ellen DeGeneres would host the 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards ceremony, held on September 18, 2005.

September 18, 2005: Hosting the Primetime Emmy Awards

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

September 7, 2006: Hosting the 79th Academy Awards Selected

On September 7, 2006, Ellen DeGeneres was chosen to host the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, marking her the first openly gay person to host the event.

November 2006: New American Express Commercial Debuted

In November 2006, Ellen DeGeneres's most recent American Express commercial, a two-minute black-and-white spot in which she works with animals, debuted. It was created by Ogilvy & Mather.

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

On February 25, 2007, Ellen DeGeneres hosted the 79th Academy Awards ceremony, becoming the first openly gay person to host the event.

2007: American Express Commercial Wins Emmy

In 2007, the American Express commercial featuring Ellen Degeneres won the Emmy Award for Outstanding Commercial.

August 2008: Marriage to Portia de Rossi

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

2009: PETA's Woman of the Year

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

2012: Obama's Tweet was surpassed by a Selfie

In 2012, Barack Obama held the retweet record for his presidential election victory until the selfie taken by Ellen Degeneres during the academy awards.

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

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

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

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

2015: Named One of the Most Powerful Women

In 2015, Ellen DeGeneres was named the 50th-most-powerful woman in the world by Forbes.

2016: Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom

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

May 2017: Selfie is Fifth-Most Retweeted Tweet Ever

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