Ellen DeGeneres: Her Most Iconic Career Moments

Ellen DeGeneres, renowned for her wit, humour, and groundbreaking daytime talk show, has spent over four decades as a comedian, actress, producer, and LGBTQ+ advocate. Here are her top career milestones!

Ellen's Stand-Up Comedy Roots
Ellen began her career in stand-up comedy in the 1980s, earning a reputation for her observational humour and warm delivery. Her 1986 appearance on 'The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson' made history, as she became the first female comedian invited to sit on Carson's couch after her performance—a significant moment that launched her to fame.

'Ellen' (1994–1998)
DeGeneres starred in the popular sitcom 'Ellen,' where she played "Ellen Morgan," a quirky bookstore owner. The show broke barriers when her character came out as gay in "The Puppy Episode" in 1997, mirroring Ellen’s own real-life coming out. This landmark moment was a cultural milestone for LGBTQ+ representation on television.

'Finding Nemo' (2003)
Ellen voiced the loveable and forgetful fish "Dory" in Disney and Pixar's animated film 'Finding Nemo.' Her performance received widespread acclaim and introduced her to a new generation of fans. She later reprised her role in the 2016 sequel, Finding Dory, solidifying "Dory" as one of her most iconic characters.

'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' (2003–2022)
Ellen became a beloved daytime TV host with 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' a talk show that combined celebrity interviews, games, and feel-good moments. The show ran for 19 seasons, won numerous Daytime Emmy Awards, and featured memorable segments like her "12 Days of Giveaways" and heartwarming surprises for fans.

'American Idol' Judge (2010)
In 2010, Ellen joined 'American Idol' as a judge for its ninth season. Although her tenure was short-lived, her presence on the iconic competition show showcased her versatility and ability to connect with a wide audience.

Award Show Host Extraordinaire
Ellen proved her hosting prowess on numerous occasions, including the Academy Awards, the Primetime Emmys, and the Grammy Awards. Her 2014 Oscars hosting gig became especially memorable for the celebrity-filled selfie she orchestrated, which went viral and broke social media records.

Ellen’s Game of Games (2017–2021)
Ellen expanded her television empire with the creation of the prime-time game show 'Ellen’s Game of Games.' The series featured hilarious and high-energy challenges, bringing her signature humour and charm to family entertainment.

Author and Producer
In addition to her on-screen success, Ellen has authored several bestselling books, including 'My Point... And I Do Have One and Seriously... I’m Kidding.' She has also produced hit shows like 'Little Big Shots' and 'Green Eggs and Ham,' demonstrating her influence behind the scenes.

Advocate and Philanthropist
Ellen has used her platform to support numerous charitable causes. She has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and environmental conservation. Her kindness was encapsulated by her catchphrase, "Be kind to one another," which became a signature of her public image.