Ellen DeGeneres ended her 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 Emmy-winning, more than 3,200-episode 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.
Why does the show end?
The news of the end of the show came 10 months after DeGeneres ’daytime reign had a major blow in 2020, when the show was supposed to be a toxic job and three producers came out amid claims.
On the air that season, DeGeneres apologized for “things that shouldn’t have happened,” but defended himself as the same genuine person, if imperfect, inside and outside the camera.
He said the show was coming to an end as he found a desire for new challenges.
Space to play or pause, M to mute, left and right arrows to search, up and down arrows for volume. “I’m a job in progress”: Ellen DeGeneres apologizes to her staff
What made it “different”?
When the show aired, he was prevented from saying the word “gay” or even the pronoun “we,” DeGeneres said, as that would mean 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 gay people to get married, and now I say‘ woman ’all the time,” DeGeneres said.
What happened in your last show?
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 a person 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.”
Ellen DeGeneres noted that Friends star Jennifer Aniston had been on the show a total of 20 times. (AP: Warner Bros. / Michael Rozman)
“Nothing,” Aniston said. “I love and appreciate you and what you have given to the world over the last 19 years. The contribution is endless,” he said.
Aniston presented a retrospective video of the race that also promoted DeGeneres’ philanthropic efforts, which includes 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.”
Ellen DeGeneres shared a hug and some final dance moves with Stephen “tWitch” Boss. (AP: Warner Bros. / Michael Rozman)
What’s next for the host?
The comedian, actor and producer has said it will take time to consider his next professional move, but first she and his wife, Rossi’s Australian Portia, are on 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 and true self. And if someone is brave enough to tell you who you are, be brave enough to give support, even if you don’t understand it, “DeGeneres said.
“By opening your heart and mind you will be much more compassionate, and compassion is what makes the world a better place.”
Ellen DeGeneres will take some time for herself before making her next professional move. (AP: Warner Bros. / Michael Rozman)
AP
Posted 4 hours, 4 hours ago, Friday, May 27, 2022 at 1:59 AM, updated 4 hours ago, 4 hours ago, Friday, May 27, 2022 at 2:14 AM