Ellen DeGeneres ended her long daytime talk show on Thursday with muted fanfare as the comedian and host continue to struggle with the aftermath of allegations that The Ellen DeGeneres Show was a toxic workplace.
When Oprah Winfrey finished her iconic daytime talk show in 2011, more than 16.4 million people tuned in, and the New York Times hailed it as the most important moment in television history. When DeGeneres said goodbye with tears to the show he presented for almost two decades, there was no such big show.
The final episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show featured guests Jennifer Aniston, Billie Eilish and Pink, who shared fond memories of the host. There were also segments that celebrated DeGeneres ’successes as an openly gay woman in the media and her philanthropic efforts.
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DeGeneres began the final episode with a monologue explaining the obstacles he faced in the early days of his talk show.
“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, “said DeGeneres. The Ellen DeGeneres Show has won numerous Emmy Awards over its more than 3,200 episodes.
When the show first aired, DeGeneres was banned from saying the word “gay” and even the pronoun “we,” as it implied that DeGeneres had a partner. He did not specify who imposed the ban.
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“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 amid thunderous applause. His wife, actor Portia de Rossi, attended the recording of the final episode and watched it from the studio audience. The two were married in 2008.
Aniston was the first guest on The Ellen DeGeneres Show when it began in September 2003, and marked her appearance by giving DeGeneres a “Welcome” mat. Aniston was also the first guest on Thursday’s final episode and gave DeGeneres another mat. This time it was said, “Thank you for the memories.”
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“I love and appreciate you so much and what you have given to the world over the last 19 years. The contribution is endless,” Aniston 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.”
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“I love you,” a radiant Eilish told DeGeneres during his talk. “I love you so much, it’s silly,” echoed Pink, who performed What About Us.
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DeGeneres was the queen of daytime television for many years, but fell into public disgrace in 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. When the filming of The Ellen DeGeneres Show had to be modified due to social distancing rules, many crew members were told to expect a 60% pay cut, a measure they found to contradict the daily message. from “DeGeneres” to his audience: “Be kind. ‘”
Former and current employees began talking about the intimidation, racism, and fear they experienced from producers while working on the program and claimed that the workplace was a toxic environment.
3:03 Ellen DeGeneres addresses “toxic” workplace complaints as show returns for new season Previous video Next video
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DeGeneres apologized on air for “things that shouldn’t have happened,” but defended himself as the same genuine person, if imperfect, inside and outside the camera.
In a recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter, DeGeneres said, “There was a time for a couple of months when I was crying every day,” as the show ended. DeGeneres decided to end the show last year amid falling audiences.
“I knew it was time to end this chapter and do something different, but it was still very emotional.”
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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 comedy 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, how are you?’ “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, one he said was worth repeating.
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“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.”
DeGeneres ended the show by walking to a couch with a TV in front of him, remembering how he opened his first episode. He looked at his audience with tears before approaching the couch and turning off the television.
– With archives of The Associated Press
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