Ellen DeGeneres has announced her departure from the public eye following the release of her upcoming Netflix special. During a recent stand-up performance titled “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up” in Santa Rosa, California, she revealed her decision when asked about her future plans in filmmaking or Broadway.
“No,” DeGeneres responded, as reported by SFGate. “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.” People magazine confirms that her comedy special is slated for release later this year.
In a light-hearted manner, DeGeneres humorously added, “Thank you for still caring! Let me catch you up on what’s been going on with me since you last saw me. I got chickens.” She continued with a playful nod to recent controversies, quipping, “Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean.”
“Next time, I’ll be kicked out for being old,” she joked. “Old, gay and mean, the triple crown.”
Reflecting on her career and fame, DeGeneres remarked on how her perspective has evolved over time. “I used to say, ‘I don’t care what people say about me,’” she shared with SFGate. “Now I realize I said that during the height of my popularity.”
Addressing recent challenges, she emphasized, “I am many things, but I am not mean.”
DeGeneres’ decision to step back from the limelight comes amidst the backdrop of a tumultuous period for her career. In 2020, her long-running talk show, “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” faced accusations of fostering a toxic workplace environment, tarnishing her reputation and prompting significant introspection.
During a stand-up routine in Los Angeles at the time, DeGeneres candidly reflected on the fallout, including being “kicked out of show business” and the impact of the scandal on her public image. “What else can I tell you?” she sarcastically remarked to fans, as noted by Rolling Stone. “Oh yeah, I got kicked out of show business. There’s no mean people in show business.”
The controversies surrounding the show were not limited to workplace culture concerns but also included allegations of inappropriate behavior by ousted producers. The ensuing media scrutiny and negative headlines took a toll on DeGeneres, prompting her to announce the conclusion of her show in 2021 after 19 seasons on the air. The final episode aired in May 2022.
Throughout her career, Ellen DeGeneres had become a cultural icon, celebrated for her humor and philanthropy. Her talk show was renowned for its light-hearted entertainment and heartfelt moments, which garnered a loyal fan base over nearly two decades.
Despite the challenges and controversies, DeGeneres remained resilient and continued to engage with her audience, using her platform to address important social issues and promote kindness. Her decision to exit Hollywood following her Netflix special marks a significant turning point in her career, allowing her to pursue new endeavors away from the public spotlight.
As she bids farewell to Hollywood, DeGeneres leaves behind a legacy that spans beyond entertainment. Her impact on LGBTQ+ representation, philanthropy, and advocacy for kindness and compassion has left an indelible mark on popular culture and society at large.
While the future holds uncertainty, Ellen DeGeneres’ influence and contributions to entertainment and social causes will continue to resonate, reflecting a career defined by laughter, generosity, and resilience in the face of adversity.
