Ellen DeGeneres announces she’s leaving Hollywood for good, saying we ‘won’t see her again.’
At 66, Ellen DeGeneres, the Emmy award-winning TV host who launched her career in stand-up comedy clubs, has decided to exit Hollywood for good. DeGeneres, whose show combined comedy, celebrity interviews, musical guests, and human interest stories, premiered her daytime talk show in 2003.
It became a massive success, spanning 19 seasons and drawing millions of viewers each episode. Known for her signature sign-off, “Be kind to one another,” DeGeneres built her career on a persona of kindness.
However, 2020 marked a turning point. Rumors began to surface about DeGeneres’s off-screen demeanor, suggesting she wasn’t as kind as her on-screen persona. Former employees began sharing their experiences, with some celebrities also weighing in. Although the reports did not directly accuse DeGeneres of toxic behavior, they highlighted that the show’s overall environment was a reflection of her brand.
In response to these allegations, three senior producers were removed from the show. DeGeneres addressed the controversy on air, apologizing and acknowledging her responsibility: “I learned that things happened here that should never have happened. I know that I’m in a position of privilege and power, and I realize that with that comes responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
In a 2021 interview with Today’s Savannah Guthrie, DeGeneres expressed her belief that the backlash felt ‘orchestrated’ and ‘misogynistic,’ despite the positive feedback she consistently received from guests about the show’s atmosphere. After nearly 20 years, she ended her talk show in 2022, stating she needed new challenges.
Recently, DeGeneres returned to the spotlight, preparing to release a Netflix comedy special where she plans to address the controversies.
“To answer the questions everyone is asking me – Yes, I’m going to talk about it,” she confirmed. On tour, she humorously reflected on her experiences: “Honestly, I’m making jokes about what happened to me, but it was devastating. I just hated the way the show ended.”
In a Q&A after one of her stand-up shows, DeGeneres was asked about her future in film or theater. She responded, “Um, no. This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
