Ellen DeGeneres, born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, is an American comedian and television host known for her quirky observational humor. As of October 2023, she is 65 years old.
Early Life and Career
DeGeneres briefly attended the University of New Orleans, where she majored in communications. However, she left university life behind and pursued various jobs, including working in a law firm, waitressing, bartending, house painting, and shucking oysters. In the late 1970s, she started performing comedy routines in local coffeehouses and soon began traveling across the United States on the comedy club circuit.
DeGeneres gained recognition for her quirky and naive storytelling style, often compared to the likes of Mary Tyler Moore and Lucille Ball. In 1982, she was named Funniest Person of the Year by Showtime. Her career reached new heights in 1986 when she was invited to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, becoming the first female comedian to be asked to sit and chat with Carson.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
After appearing in various television shows and films, DeGeneres launched her own syndicated talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, in 2003. The show became a daytime television staple and earned more than 20 Daytime Emmy Awards in its first five seasons. In September 2022, DeGeneres announced that the show would be ending after its 19th season, which will conclude in 2023.
Recent News and Controversies
In 2020, The Ellen DeGeneres Show faced allegations of a toxic work environment, which led to investigations and staff changes. However, DeGeneres stated that these allegations were not the reason for the show’s ending. She had already planned to conclude the show after its 19th season. DeGeneres expressed that the allegations were hurtful but did not impact her decision to end the show.
DeGeneres has received numerous accolades throughout her career, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2012 and the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. She has also been involved in various philanthropic efforts and is known for her advocacy of kindness and compassion.
FAQs
1. How old is Ellen DeGeneres?
Ellen DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958, making her 65 years old as of October 2023.
2. When did The Ellen DeGeneres Show start?
The Ellen DeGeneres Show premiered in 2003 and has been running for nearly two decades.
3. Why is The Ellen Show ending?
The Ellen DeGeneres Show is ending after its 19th season because Ellen DeGeneres wanted to pursue new challenges and focus on her conservation efforts.
4. Did the workplace scandal affect the decision to end the show?
The workplace scandal and allegations of a toxic work environment did not directly impact the decision to end the show. Ellen DeGeneres had already planned to conclude the show after its 19th season.
5. What other shows and films has Ellen DeGeneres been a part of?
Aside from her talk show, Ellen DeGeneres has appeared in television shows such as One Night Stand, Open House, and Laurie Hill. She has also been involved in films like Coneheads, Mr. Wrong, and Finding Nemo, where she provided the voice of Dory.