I chose to research Ellen Degeneres because she is caring and makes people laugh and openly gay in an industry that struggles to promote LGBTQ+ entertainers. During my research, I learned about the struggles Ellen went through and how she persevered. I hope to pass on her story and help people choose to follow their dreams.

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Ellen Degeneres was born on January 26, 1958, in the suburbs of New Orleans. She left her family’s house in Metairie and moved to Atlanta, Texas with her mom when her parents split up. After graduating from high school, she went on to attend the University of New Orleans but dropped out of her major in communications after one semester. After dropping out, Ellen worked different jobs as a waitress, bartender, house painter, and oyster shucker.

During her childhood and young adult years, Ellen hadn’t come out so growing up and starting a career in entertainment came easier without the struggle of being openly gay. Her career started out with a small comedy routine she’d written with her friends. After traveling around and gaining popularity, Ellen debut on The Tonight Show Johnny Carson and was the first female comedian to sit down and talk with him live. It kick started her career and so many people chose to support her as a woman in comedy.

Being an openly gay female comedian did come with a few challenges. After finally getting her own show, The Ellen Show, Ellen’s popularity grew even more. After finally coming out in one of the episodes, she lost some of her support. Brands backed out, and she was attacked for having an influence on young adults.

The hardest part was that after same-sex marriage was allowed, she openly married her wife, Portia De Rossi. Ellen was successful in Hollywood before, but now that she was openly gay her progress slowed. Luckily, she had many followers who stayed with her. When she started her new show The Ellen Degeneres Show, she chose to highlight the good done in the world. Her new brand deals got backlash and many people didn’t like seeing her as a CoverGirl or a JC Penny's spokeswoman.

Even with the backlash, Ellen continues to be a positive influence on many people in America. While encouraging other gay viewers to be confident and stay strong, she also acknowledges the good deeds done in our harsh world today. Ever since coming out, Ellen has become the first openly gay character to be featured on prime-time television.