For her 60th birthday, we honor the empathetic, comedic genius that is Ellen DeGeneres
Everybody loves Ellen DeGeneres. Honestly, how could we not? She’s built her career on making us laugh, bringing us joy, and helping people in need.
Ellen was born January 26th, 1958 in Louisiana. She began her standup career in the 1980s. She acted in several movies, as well as on the television sitcom, Ellen, from 1994 to 1998. It was during the fourth season of this show that she came out to Oprah on The Oprah Winfrey Show — then, on her own show, her character Ellen Morgan also came out. Thus, Ellen became the first openly lesbian actress to portray an openly lesbian character on television.
Ellen went on to host her talk show, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, starting in 2003. She’s been on the air ever since.
Is it her affability that makes her so lovable? Is it the way she stands up for those who need it most? The way she makes us laugh while simultaneously making us feel seen? Her goofy jokes?
TBH, it’s everything about her.
And it’s not just her legions of fans that love her and appreciate what she does. She was honored the Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2016.
"It’s easy to forget now just how much courage was required for Ellen to come out on the most public of stages 20 years ago," Obama remarked.
I don’t know about you, but when she teared up, so did I.
In case you forgot just how much she’s accomplished in her mere 60 years (on top of being an LGBTQ+ icon) here’s a refresher: she’s hosted the Academy Awards, the Grammy Awards, and the Primetime Emmys. She’s written four books. Ellen created her own record company and her own production company. She has a lifestyle brand. And let’s not forget her wildly successful talk show, and now her new gameshow.
Oh, and she’s won 30 Emmys, 20 People’s Choice Awards (the most anyone has ever won, period), and many awards for her philanthropic contributions.
Ellen has done so much, and yet she keeps giving. Here’s to you, Ellen. Thanks for everything, and happy 60th!
