Biography- Ellen DeGeneres Birth: “For me it’s that I contributed… That I’m on this planet doing some good and making people happy. That to me is the most important thing, that my hour of television is positive and upbeat and an antidote for all negative stuff in life. ” This was written by Ellen Lee DeGeneres who was born on January 26, 1958 in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. She was born to Elliot and Betty DeGeneres, and has an older brother, Vance DeGeneres. Her father was a successful insurance salesman and her mother a real-estate agent. Childhood:
As a child Ellen spent most of her time exploring her city. “You know most people can grow up in a city like New Orleans without realizing how unique a city it is. ” Ellen said this when she was growing up in New Orleans. Ellen’s dream was to become a veterinarian but gave it up because she wasn’t “book smart” instead she dreamed of becoming a standup comedian. Adolescence: When Ellen was in her teenage years her parents were divorced when she was only 13 years old. The divorce was really hard on Ellen because she was close to her mother and father and she didn’t want to see them separate.
For school Ellen was really not interested in school that much. She graduated from Atlanta High School in 1976, she attended the University of New Orleans as a communication major, but she decided to drop put after one semester. She had many jobs until her dream of becoming a standup comedian came true in 1981. She performed shows in many small clubs and coffeehouses, before she worked her way up to comedy clubs. Ellen’s next idea was to be a talk show host and to be on television. She got her wish when she signed a contract with NBC. Adulthood: During Ellen’s adulthood she had some ups and some downs.
She was named “The Funniest Person in America” by winning a comedy contest. Ellen was on two television shows from 1989-1992 called “Open House” (1989) and “Laurie Hill” (1992). She had her own show in 1994 on ABC called “These Friends of Mine” or also called “Ellen. ” Ellen had made television history in April 1997 when her character, and herself had announced she was a lesbian. This made television history. Ellen’s show was cancelled because of bad ratings. In 2001 Ellen had a new show called “The Ellen Show” but this was also cancelled because of bad ratings.
In 2003 Ellen was in “Finding Nemo” as the voice of Dory a very forgetful fish. Ellen had a lot of fun doing this movie. “Finding Nemo” became a hit and so did Ellen. In 2003, Ellen fulfilled her dream when she signed a contract with NBC to do her new show called “Ellen: The Ellen DeGeneres Show. ” The show became a big success. It had good ratings and won 15 Emmy Awards in the shows first three seasons. The show is still on Television today. On her show she is devoted and is determined to change people’s lives.
She continues to change people’s lives instantly by donating money , supplies, and things people need. Ellen’s show has had a real effect on people and still does today. Love Life: Ellen has had many relationships in her life. Her relationships have been mostly with other women. Her first relationship was with Anne Heche who was an actress. Their relationship ended in 2000, Ellen said “I felt like I would never live again. But you do. ” She was heartbroken and depressed. Shortly after in 2001, she began seeing Alexandra Hedison. They broke up in 2004 and Ellen began dating Portia De Rossi.
Ellen and Portia were married on Sunday, August 17th , 2008 at a ceremony at their home. Accomplishments and Awards: One of Ellen’s major achievements was in 1986, when she appeared on the “Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. ” She was the only female to be invited back after only one appearance on television. Ellen hosted many award shows including the “Primetime Emmy Awards” and “The Academy Awards. ” Ellen is a successful author of two books they are “My Point Is and I Do Have One” (1995) and “The Funny Thing Is… ” (2003). Ellen has starred in many movies including “Coneheads” (1993), “Mr.
Wrong” (1996), “If These Walls Could Talk 2” (2000) and “Finding Nemo” (2003). She has recently been asked to be the forth judge on hit show “American Idol. ” Some of the awards she has won are the People’s Choice Awards: Favourite Daytime Talk Show Host (2005, 2006, 2007), Daytime Emmy Awards: Outstanding Talk Show (2004, 2006, 2007), Outstanding Talk Show Host (2005, 2006, 2007, 2008), Kids Choice Awards: Favourite Voice from an animated movie, “Finding Nemo” (2004), an Emmy for Outstanding Writing for a Comedy Series for Ellen (1994) and GLAAD Media Awards Stephen F.
Award (1998) and many more. Impact: Ellen DeGeneres has a huge and positive impact on people all over the world. She has been so kind and generous. She influences people by having a positive attitude. She has made a huge impact towards life for many people. Ellen is the host of a Daytime Talk Show, she has had many giveaways. On the show she gives money to people who need it especially to those who have very little. Ellen continues to give back to her community and is a wonderful positive person.
