DeGeneres, Ellen (1958–)

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DeGeneres, Ellen (1958–)

American comedian. Born Ellen Lee DeGeneres, Jan 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana; dau. of Betty DeGeneres (gay-rights activist); sister of Vance DeGeneres.

Began career as a stand-up comic; was named Best Female Club Standup at Comedy Awards (1991); starred on "Ellen" (1994–98); came out as a lesbian on the show (April 1997), a television 1st that brought cheers and controversy; launched talk show "Ellen: the Ellen DeGeneres Show" (2003), for which she won a daytime Emmy (2004); writings include My Point … And I Do Have One and The Funny Thing Is …; was the voice for Dory the Blue Fish in Finding Nemo (2003).