Ellen DeGeneres, the renowned comedian and former talk show host, has returned to the spotlight with her Netflix special "For Your Approval," filmed at Minneapolis's Orpheum Theatre in August 2023. In this candid performance, DeGeneres reflects on her career's highs and lows, addressing the controversies that led to the end of her long-running daytime talk show.
DeGeneres, born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, began her career as a stand-up comedian in the early 1980s. Her journey in the entertainment industry has been marked by significant milestones and challenges. In 1997, she made history by coming out as lesbian both personally and through her character on the sitcom "Ellen," which ran from 1994 to 1998 on ABC. This groundbreaking moment led to a period of professional hardship, with DeGeneres facing a backlash that resulted in her being blacklisted from the industry.
However, DeGeneres made a triumphant return to Hollywood in 2003 with "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," which ran for 19 seasons until 2022. During its run, the show garnered 30 Daytime Emmy Awards and 20 People's Choice Awards, solidifying DeGeneres's status as a beloved television personality.
In her Netflix special, DeGeneres addresses the allegations of a toxic work environment that surfaced in 2020, which ultimately led to the show's conclusion. She reflects on her management style and the challenges of being a boss, admitting to some immature behavior while also questioning the expectations placed on her as the face of the show.
"I didn't go to business school. I went to Charlie Chuckle Hut."
DeGeneres draws parallels between her recent career setback and her experience of being blacklisted in the 1990s after coming out. She discusses the unwritten rules based on gender and the consequences of not conforming to societal expectations.
Throughout her career, DeGeneres has been involved in various philanthropic efforts, including disaster relief and LGBTQ+ rights. In 2018, she launched The Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, demonstrating her commitment to animal welfare. Her contributions to entertainment and society were recognized in 2016 when she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama.
As she reflects on her journey, DeGeneres expresses contentment with no longer being a "boss or a brand or a billboard." She describes herself as a multifaceted person with various traits, both positive and challenging, embracing her complexity beyond the one-dimensional public persona she had cultivated.
DeGeneres's Netflix special offers a glimpse into the life of a comedian who has experienced both adoration and criticism throughout her career. From voicing Dory in Pixar's "Finding Nemo" and "Finding Dory" to hosting the Academy Awards in 2007 and 2014, her impact on popular culture is undeniable. As she steps away from the television screen, DeGeneres leaves behind a legacy that includes not only her entertainment contributions but also her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and animal welfare.