Ellen DeGeneres Biography

Comedian, actress and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958. She was raised in Metairie, Louisiana. Her parents Betty Jane Pfeffer and Elliott DeGeneres practiced the religion called Christian Science, which negates the existence of sin, sickness and death, as well as the reality of the material world. Ellen herself was a follower of the religion until she reached her teenage years. Her brother Vince is a successful screenwriter.

A divorce in 1974 and Betty Jane’s second marriage prompted Ellen to move to Texas with her mother and new stepfather, Roy Gruessendorf. Vince meanwhile, had to stay with their father, Elliot. Ellen had to leave her Louisiana high school to continue her education in Texas. After her 1976 graduation, she returned to New Orleans to enroll for college at the “University of New Orleans.”

Ellen Quits School and Starts her Journey to Success

Ellen majored in communication studies, but spent only one semester in the university because she quit right after. She began working a variety of jobs one at a time. She first worked as a clerk in a law firm; as a salesgirl; as a bartender, as a waitress; as a hostess; and even as a house painter. This rich work experience serves as a good source for her comedy routines. Her first performances were at small venues. She was such a great hit that she began her climb to success as an emcee at a noted New Orleans comedy joint called “Clyde’s Comedy Club” in 1981.

First Female Comic to Sit Down with Johnny Carson

In 1986, Ellen started her comedy tours and it was around this time that she also began working as an actress. Her career highlight during the year was a television performance on the, “Tonight Show” hosted by Johnny Carson. Johnny Carson was so astounded by Ellen’s brilliant performance that he broke protocol and interviewed her on screen right after her routine. This move made Ellen a noted comedienne in the 1980s, and from then on it’s all the way to the top for Ellen.

Ellen Steps Out from the Closet

A successful show in 1994 called, “Ellen” further affirmed Ellen’s career in Hollywood, so it was quite a surprise to the public when in 1997, she admitted on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” that she was a lesbian. Her revelation affected her television show, as the network cancelled it after airing a few episodes. Nonetheless, Ellen gained the respect of the gay and lesbian community for her honesty.

Ellen’s Successful Return to Television

Today, Ellen’s daily talk show called, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” is a whopping success. Her unique comedic style has earned her eleven Daytime Emmy Awards, as well as twenty-five Emmy Awards in the show’s first three years being aired. Apart from her television show and movie appearances, Ellen also authored numerous best sellers. She also served as a judge in the 9th Season of the hit reality talent show, “American Idol.”

Ellen DeGeneres has also written several successful books throughout her career including "The Funny Thing Is.." and "My Point...and I Do Have One."

Ellen DeGeneres Marries Portia de Rossi

Ellen is currently legally married to the gorgeous actor Portia de Rossi, and they happily reside together in Beverly Hills. They married in the summer of 2008 after four years of dating. After their marriage Portia decided to legally change her last name to DeGeneres.

Portia is a successful actress and has written a book about her struggle with the eating disorder Anorexia, "Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain." The couple lives an all natural Vegan lifestyle and are dedicated to raising money for animals in need.