LOS ANGELES (AP) – Ellen DeGeneres ended a nearly two-decade-long daytime talk show on Thursday with a celebrity love party and a strong affirmation of her success as a gay woman who dares to be herself.
DeGeneres and guests Jennifer Aniston, Billie Eilish, and Pink shared memories and affection as “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” concluded its more than 3,200-episode Emmy-winning career, which began in September 2003.
“Twenty years ago, when we were trying to sell the show, no one thought it would work. Not because it was a different kind of show, but because I was different, “DeGeneres said of the rejection of television channels.
When the syndicated program aired, he was prevented from saying the word “gay” or even the pronoun “we,” DeGeneres said, as the latter would imply that he had a partner. He did not specify who imposed the ban.
“I certainly couldn’t say woman, and that’s because it wasn’t legal for gays to get married, and now I say ‘woman’ all the time,” DeGeneres added, with a touch of defiance as she watched actor Portia de Rossi . of the studio audience. They were married in 2008.
The host, who became known for encouraging her audience to join her in impromptu dances, shared some recent moves with her partner and DJ, Stephen “tWitch” Boss, with the song “Best of My Love “.
The dancer and choreographer hailed DeGeneres as someone who inspires others because she has “the courage to go out and be your true self.”
Aniston, who as the first guest on the first episode of the show gave DeGeneres a “Welcome” tapestry, came up with another that said, “Thank you for the memories.” DeGeneres noted that the “Friends” star has been on the show a total of 20 times.
“Nothing,” Aniston said mockingly, and then she became serious.
“I love and appreciate you very much and what you have given to the world over the last 19 years. The contribution is endless,” he said. He presented a retrospective video of the race that also promoted DeGeneres’ philanthropic efforts, which is said to include more than $ 400 million in donations to charities and “deserving spectators.”
“I love you,” a radiant Eilish told DeGeneres during his talk. “I love you so much, it’s nonsense,” said Pink, who performed “What About Us.”
DeGeneres ’daytime reign suffered a major blow in 2020, when the program was supposed to be a toxic job and three producers came out amid claims. On the air that fall, DeGeneres apologized for “things that shouldn’t have happened,” but defended himself as the same genuine person, if imperfect, inside and outside the camera.
The talk show was a second major television event for DeGeneres. In 1997, she left an indelible mark when she came out as a lesbian and took her character to the ABC sitcom “Ellen” with her. The series was removed the following year.
“Twenty-five years ago, they canceled my sitcom because they didn’t want a lesbian to be in prime time once a week. And I said, “Okay, then I’ll be up to date every day,” DeGeneres said Thursday.
The comedian, actor and producer has said it will take time to consider her next professional move, but first she and De Rossi will take a trip to Rwanda. DeGeneres ended his daytime show with a plea to his audience, who said it was worth repeating.
“If I’ve done anything in the last 19 years, I hope I’ve inspired you to be yourself, your true self. And if someone is brave enough to tell you who they are, be brave enough to support them, even don’t get me wrong, “DeGeneres said. “By opening your heart and mind you will be much more compassionate, and compassion is what makes the world a better place.”