Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved 66-year-old former talk show host, has recently revealed her plans to step away from the limelight. In a comedy show called “Last Stand… Up Tour,” which will be filmed for Netflix, DeGeneres shared her future intentions in show business.
During a Q&A session at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, an audience member asked DeGeneres if she would consider returning to films or perhaps try her luck on Broadway. However, to everyone’s surprise, DeGeneres responded with a definitive “no.” She stated, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
DeGeneres has been addressing the controversial cancellation of her eponymous daytime talk show during her stand-up performances. In 2020, accusations of a “toxic work environment” surfaced, with employees claiming instances of racism, sexual misconduct, and intimidation by executive producers. Some workers even feared facing penalties if they took medical leave or raised complaints.
At the time, DeGeneres took responsibility and apologized, owning up to the situation. Unfortunately, the show never recovered from the scandal and concluded its 19-year run in May 2022. During her stand-up show, DeGeneres explained that although she can be demanding and tough due to her strong personality, she is not mean. She acknowledged that sometimes her actions may have come across that way but that was never her intention.
The cancellation of her show deeply affected DeGeneres, leading her to reflect on her own sensitivity. She confessed that she used to say, “I don’t care what people say about me,” but now recognizes that this mindset came during the peak of her popularity. With a touch of humor, DeGeneres quipped, “Next time, I’ll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay, and mean – the triple crown.”
In light of her retirement, DeGeneres has canceled four upcoming show dates for her stand-up tour. Although no further details were provided, fans eagerly await her Netflix special, set to premiere later this year.
Ellen DeGeneres has surely left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, with her show featuring countless celebrities such as Hilary Clinton, Beyonce, Taylor Swift, and many more. As she closes this chapter of her life, let us celebrate her legacy and look forward to what lies ahead for this beloved comedian.
