After decades in the spotlight, beloved comedian and TV host Ellen DeGeneres has announced that she’s ready to walk away from the entertainment industry. Her recent stand-up show in Santa Rosa, California, saw her tell the audience, “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done.”
With her eponymous talk show ending in 2022 and the lingering effects of toxic workplace allegations, it seems the once-adored “Be Kind” icon is now ready to bid farewell to the public eye.
Ellen DeGeneres has been a fixture in the entertainment world for over 25 years, with her groundbreaking sitcom “Ellen” and long-running talk show “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” making her a household name. However, her decision to step away from the spotlight comes amidst a complex and tumultuous period in her career.
In 2020, current and former staffers of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show” spoke out about their alleged experiences of a toxic work environment on set, including claims of racism, intimidation, and a culture of fear.
DeGeneres addressed the controversy in a memo to her staff, acknowledging that “clearly some didn’t” do their jobs as she would have wanted. The scandal tarnished the public’s perception of the once-beloved “Be Kind” persona she had cultivated over the years.
During her recent stand-up show, DeGeneres acknowledged the criticism she faced, telling the audience, “I got kicked out of show business for being mean.” However, she was quick to defend herself, saying, “I am a strong woman. I am many things, but I am not mean.” DeGeneres explained that she can be “demanding and impatient and tough,” but insisted that she is not a cruel person.
DeGeneres’ decision to step away from the entertainment industry also seems to be driven by a desire for personal growth and new challenges. As she told the Hollywood Reporter just weeks before her talk show’s final episode, “When you’re a creative person, you constantly need to be challenged – and as great as this show is, and as fun as it is, it’s just not a challenge anymore.”
With her Netflix special set to be her final public appearance, the question remains: what’s next for Ellen DeGeneres? The comedian has hinted that she’s ready to leave the spotlight behind, and her July 1 stand-up show saw her tell the audience, “I’m going bye-bye, remember.” Whether she’ll pursue new creative endeavors, focus on her philanthropic efforts, or simply enjoy a quieter life out of the public eye remains to be seen.
Ellen DeGeneres’ departure from show business marks the end of an era for one of the most recognizable and influential figures in the entertainment industry. While her legacy is a complex one, marred by the toxic workplace allegations that tarnished her “Be Kind” image, her impact on television and comedy is undeniable. As she prepares to step away from the spotlight, fans and industry insiders alike will be left wondering what the future holds for the once-beloved comedian.
