Ellen DeGeneres Bids Farewell to Hollywood: From Hosting ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’ to Facing Accusations of On-Set Bullying, Revisit Major Milestones of Controversial Celeb’s Iconic Career!

Ellen DeGeneres, a beloved figure in daytime television and comedy, has had a career filled with laughter, activism, and heartfelt moments. Over the years, she built a legacy with her stand-up routines, memorable acting roles, and the widely adored The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Yet, this chapter of her life closed on a sombre note in May 2022, as the show ended amid serious allegations of a toxic work environment. Now, in a candid moment during her stand-up show in Santa Rosa, California, Ellen revealed a surprisingly quiet future. When a fan asked about her next big project, she responded honestly, saying, “Um, no. This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”  Ellen DeGeneres Confirms She’s Quitting Hollywood, Declares ‘This Is the Last You’ll See of Me’.

As Ellen prepares to step away from the spotlight and leave Hollywood behind, here is a brief round-up of her career, including her television show, personal life, movies, and controversies.

The Rise to Fame

Ellen DeGeneres launched her career as a stand-up comedian in the 1980s, bringing a distinctive observational humour focused on the peculiarities of daily life. Her sharp wit and engaging performances quickly established her as a notable comedian. A career-defining moment arrived in 1989 when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, a breakthrough that set the stage for her future success. Her stand-up acclaim led to the creation of her own sitcom, Ellen, which premiered in 1994. While the show was a success, it was Ellen’s courageous public coming out as a queer woman in 1997 that significantly altered her career trajectory. In 2003, she launched The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show celebrated for its positive energy and heartfelt content. For 19 years, the show was a daytime TV favourite, winning awards and impacting many viewers. Ellen’s initial TV role was on the Fox sitcom Open House, which aired from 1989 to 1990. After a short-lived role on ABC’s Laurie Hill, she went on to create and star in Ellen, originally called These Friends of Mine, which marked the beginning of her prominent career on television.

'The Ellen DeGeneres Show'

In 2003, DeGeneres launched The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show that became a cultural phenomenon. The show was known for its feel-good vibe, with DeGeneres often engaging in playful banter with guests and promoting acts of kindness. The programme won numerous awards, including 61 Daytime Emmy Awards, and became a platform for celebrities, musicians, and ordinary people alike. DeGeneres’ charm and the show’s positive atmosphere resonated with audiences, making it a staple of daytime television for nearly two decades. Ellen DeGeneres Makes Netflix Comeback With Final Stand-up Comedy Special.

First Episode Of Ellen DeGeneres Show

Personal Life and Philanthropy

Beyond her professional achievements, Ellen DeGeneres is known for her advocacy work and personal life. She married actress Portia de Rossi in 2008, and the couple’s relationship has been a source of inspiration for many. DeGeneres is also a vocal advocate for various causes, including animal rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental issues. Her efforts include launching the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund and participating in numerous charity events, reflecting her commitment to making a positive impact on the world. The author of My Point… And I Do Have One publicly revealed her relationship with actress Anne Heche shortly after coming out, and later she was romantically involved with photographer Alexandra Hedison, but finally married Portia.

Ellen With Her Wife Portia de Rossi

Acting Ventures and Film Career

Ellen’s career is not limited to television. She ventured into acting and voice work, appearing in films like Mr. Wrong (1996) and Finding Nemo (2003), where she voiced the beloved character Dory. Her role in Finding Nemo was especially celebrated, earning her praise for bringing humour and heart to the character. She reprised her role as Dory in the sequel, Finding Dory (2016), which was also a commercial and critical success.

Controversies and 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' Finale

Despite her success, Ellen DeGeneres’ career has not been without controversy. In 2020, The Ellen DeGeneres Show faced allegations of a toxic workplace environment. Former employees accused the show of fostering a culture of bullying, discrimination, and harassment. These accusations were a significant blow to the show’s reputation, with several staff members coming forward to describe their negative experiences. In response to the allegations, DeGeneres issued a public apology, acknowledging that the show had not always lived up to its standards of kindness and respect. Despite her efforts to address the issues, the controversy continued to overshadow the programme’s positive image. In May 2022, DeGeneres announced that the 19th season of The Ellen DeGeneres Show would be its last. She cited a desire for new challenges as a factor in her decision to end the show, though the timing of the announcement was undoubtedly influenced by the ongoing scrutiny of the show’s workplace culture. The final episode aired on May 26, 2022, marking the end of an era for one of daytime television’s most iconic programmes.

Watch The Final Episode Of Ellen DeGeneres Show

A Legacy of Mixed Impressions

Ellen DeGeneres’ career is marked by significant achievements and notable controversies. From her groundbreaking role on Ellen to her celebrated talk show and philanthropic work, DeGeneres has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. However, the allegations of a toxic work environment at The Ellen DeGeneres Show and the subsequent end of the programme highlight the complexities of her legacy. Her career offers a fascinating study of the interplay between public success and personal conduct in the world of entertainment.

At 66, Ellen reflects on how her attitude towards fame has shifted over time. “I used to say, ‘I don't care what people say about me.' Now, I realise I said that during the height of my popularity,” she shared. She also asserts, “I am many things, but I am not mean.” As Ellen DeGeneres bids adieu to Hollywood and steps away from the media spotlight, her career stands as a complex blend of joy and controversy. Ellen’s departure marks the end of an era filled with laughter and challenges, leaving behind a legacy of both significant achievements and hard lessons learned.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 10, 2024 10:28 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).