Ellen DeGeneres has officially disclosed the precise date she is stepping away from the entertainment industry for good.
The 66-year-old television icon, best known for hosting The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show that effortlessly blended humor, celebrity interviews, and heartwarming human-interest stories, has made her final decision.
Her long-running talk show came to an end in 2022 after an impressive 19-season run. However, the final chapters of her television career were marred by controversy. Reports surfaced in 2020, alleging a toxic work environment behind the scenes, with accusations of workplace misconduct, discrimination, and harassment.
Although none of the claims directly implicated DeGeneres herself, the backlash was severe, leading to her being effectively ‘canceled’ in the court of public opinion. The fallout pushed her away from the limelight, and she largely retreated from the entertainment industry.
Now, after briefly returning to the stage with her Ellen’s Last Stand… Up Tour, the comedian has made it clear that she is saying farewell to television and film forever. Alongside this announcement, she has officially shared the exact date when she will be signing off from show business permanently.
The Career that Defined Daytime Television
DeGeneres was a household name for nearly two decades, captivating millions of viewers with her charismatic personality and signature kindness-based brand. However, the entertainment world was shaken in 2020 when BuzzFeed published two explosive exposés that painted a very different picture of what went on behind the scenes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
The reports detailed shocking claims made by both current and former employees, alleging a work culture rife with fear, intimidation, and inappropriate behavior. Some employees accused top producers of mistreatment and misconduct, while others claimed that the talk show’s positive and charitable image was nothing more than a façade.
One former staff member bluntly stated:
“That ‘be kind’ stuff only happens when the cameras are rolling. It’s all just for the audience. Behind the scenes, it was a totally different story.”
Another former worker suggested that DeGeneres was shielded from the reality of what was happening around her:
“I think the executive producers surrounded her and told her everything was great, everyone was happy, and she just believed it. But as the boss, it was still her responsibility to know what was going on.”
While the investigation did not accuse DeGeneres of personal misconduct, her carefully curated public image took a serious hit. Around the same time, comedian Kevin T. Porter created an X (formerly Twitter) thread that went viral, branding her as one of the “meanest people alive.”
Porter’s post struck a nerve with social media users, sparking a wave of personal accounts from people who claimed to have had negative encounters with DeGeneres. Although many of the stories could not be verified, the sheer number of responses caused lasting damage to her reputation.
The Aftermath and Her Final Exit from the Industry
Following the controversy, Variety reported that three top producers were fired from the show. On-air, DeGeneres addressed the scandal, acknowledging the allegations and stating:
“I learned that things happened here that should never have happened. I know that as someone in a position of power, I have a responsibility, and I take responsibility for what happens at my show.”
Despite these remarks, the damage was done. When The Ellen DeGeneres Show concluded in 2022, she spoke candidly to The Hollywood Reporter, explaining that as a creative individual, she wanted to explore new challenges beyond the talk show format.
Her return to stand-up comedy saw her openly joke about the controversy, even poking fun at her own fall from grace.
“For those of you keeping score, this is actually the second time I’ve been kicked out of show business,” she told audiences. “Eventually, they’re probably going to do it a third time… because I’m mean, old, and gay.”
However, beneath the humor, DeGeneres admitted that the entire ordeal was deeply painful for her.
“Honestly, I joke about it now, but it was devastating. I hated the way the show ended. I loved it so much, and I just didn’t want that to be how people remember me.”
The Final Goodbye
During a Q&A session after one of her stand-up performances, an audience member asked whether she had any upcoming television or film projects. Without hesitation, DeGeneres gave a straightforward answer:
“No. This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
She later elaborated on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt post featuring herself and her wife, Portia de Rossi. In the caption, she finally revealed the exact date of her retirement from show business.
She wrote:
“I will be celebrating my 16th wedding anniversary on August 16 in Minneapolis while filming my final Netflix special. What a day!!!
I’m so lucky to be loved by the most amazing person I’ve ever met. I love you, Portia. You’re my everything.”
With that announcement, Ellen DeGeneres has made it official: her career in television and entertainment is coming to a permanent close.