Ellen DeGeneres Biography: Age, Parents, Spouse, Net Worth, Height, Children, Movie, Instagram

Born on January 26, 1958, Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, writer, actor, and television personality. Acclaimed for her humor and charisma, DeGeneres has won over fans worldwide.

She rose to fame with her breakout sitcom and her wildly popular talk show. DeGeneres’s distinctive brand of insightful comedy has had a lasting impression on people.

Profile

• Full Name: Ellen Lee DeGeneres
• Date of Birth: January 26, 1958
• Age: 65 years old
• Gender: Female
• Place of Birth: Metairie, Louisiana, U.S.
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Comedian, Television Host, Actress, Writer
• Height: 1.71 m
• Parents: Betty DeGeneres (mother), Elliott Everett DeGeneres (father)
• Siblings: Vance DeGeneres (brother)
• Spouse: Portia de Rossi
• Children: N/A
• Relationship Status: Married
• Net Worth: $380 million

Early Life & Education

Ellen DeGeneres, aged 65, was born and raised in Metairie, Louisiana, on January 26, 1958. She was born to Elizabeth Jane “Betty” and Elliott Everett DeGeneres. Ellen grew up with one brother, Vance DeGeneres, a musician and producer.

Coming from a mixed French, English, German, and Irish heritage, she was raised in a Christian Scientist household.

Her parents filed for separation in 1973 and divorced the following year. Shortly after, her mother remarried Roy Gruessendorf, a salesman, and Ellen and her mother moved to Atlanta, Texas, while Vance stayed with their father.

During her teenage years, DeGeneres faced a traumatic experience when her stepfather molested her. Gruessendorf used her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis as an excuse to touch her inappropriately.

The abuse escalated to the point where DeGeneres ran away from home and spent a night in a hospital. Despite sharing her experience with her mother a few years later, it took time for Betty Jane to believe her.

Eventually, she realized the truth when Gruessendorf’s stories about his behavior towards Ellen changed. Gruessendorf passed away in 1997.

DeGeneres completed her high school education at Atlanta High School and then attended the University of New Orleans, majoring in communication studies. However, she left college after one semester to work in a law firm with her cousin.

Her early jobs included working at J.C. Penney, waiting at TGI Fridays and another restaurant, and being a house painter, hostess, and bartender. These early experiences shaped her comedic perspective and provided material for her future career.

Personal Life

Ellen DeGeneres identifies as lesbian. She married her longtime girlfriend, Portia de Rossi, in 2008.

Their marriage marked a significant milestone as DeGeneres came out as a lesbian in 1997 during an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show.

The couple’s relationship has inspired many, as they have openly embraced their love and supported each other throughout the years. Ellen and Rossi have decided not to have any children.

Ellen DeGeneres has had relationships with Alexandra Hedison (2001 – 2004), Anne Heche (1997 – 2000), Teresa Boyd (1988 – 1996), and Kat Perkoff (1978 – 1980).

Career

DeGeneres’ stand-up comedy career began in the early 1980s, performing at small clubs and coffee houses. By 1981, she became the emcee at Clyde’s Comedy Club in New Orleans, gaining recognition for her talent.

Showtime named her the funniest person in America in 1984, further solidifying her presence in the comedy scene.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, DeGeneres ventured into film, starring in projects such as “Coneheads.” She also hosted a show called “Ellen’s Energy Adventure” at Walt Disney World’s Epcot theme park.

Her comedic abilities and charm made her a beloved presence in both film and television.

DeGeneres’s breakthrough came with the sitcom “Ellen,” which aired from 1994 to 1998. In April 1997, she made history by coming out as a lesbian on The Oprah Winfrey Show and in her sitcom.

The episode “The Puppy Episode” received critical acclaim and high ratings. DeGeneres’s character, Ellen Morgan, symbolized LGBTQ+ representation on television.

Following the end of “Ellen,” DeGeneres returned to television in 2001 with another sitcom, “The Ellen Show,” which unfortunately was canceled after 13 episodes.

However, her career took a new turn when she launched “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” in September 2003.

The daytime talk show became a massive success, earning DeGeneres numerous accolades, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards.

Known for her dancing, humor, and generous giveaways, she connected with audiences worldwide, making the show a beloved staple of daytime television.

Controversy

Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres has faced both praise and criticism. In 2020, allegations of a toxic work environment on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” surfaced, leading to an internal investigation and subsequent changes within the production.

The controversy illuminated the challenges and complexities of maintaining a long-running television show.

Net Worth

Ellen DeGeneres has amassed significant wealth throughout her career, with an estimated net worth of $380 million.

Her success as a comedian, television host, actress, and writer and her entrepreneurial ventures have contributed immensely to her financial success.

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @theellenshow
• Twitter handle: @TheEllenShow

Filmography

• Mr. Wrong
• EDtv
• The Love Letter
• Finding Nemo
• Finding Dory