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Birth
Ellen is born on January 26, 1958 in Metairie, Louisiana.
(Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.biography.com/people/ellen-degeneres-9542420#ellen-the-sitcom&awesm=~oCaeJwEOnn1eaR.) -
Teenage Troubles
Ellen's parents get divorced when she is 13 years old.
("Ellen DeGeneres." PEOPLE.com. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.people.com/people/ellen_degeneres/biography.) -
Ellen Leaves New Orleans
Ellen moves to Atlanta, Texas with her mother, while her father and brother stay behind in New Orleans, Louisiana. Later her mother remarries, and Ellen is sexually abused by her new stepfather.
("Ellen DeGeneres." PEOPLE.com. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.people.com/people/ellen_degeneres/biography.) -
Graduation
Ellen graduates from Atlanta High School and decides to move back to New Orleans.
(Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.biography.com/people/ellen-degeneres-9542420#ellen-the-sitcom&awesm=~oCaeJwEOnn1eaR.) -
College Career
Ellen attends college at the University of New Orleans as a comunications major, but she drops out after one semester to pursue her comedian career.
(Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.biography.com/people/ellen-degeneres-9542420#ellen-the-sitcom&awesm=~oCaeJwEOnn1eaR.) -
Inspiration
Ellen's girlfriend, Kathy Perkoff, dies suddenly in a car accident. Ellen writes and performs her first monologue, "A Phone Call To God," in memory and inspiration of Kathy as her first stand up job.
("Ellen DeGeneres." PEOPLE.com. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.people.com/people/ellen_degeneres/biography.) -
Discovery
Ellen speaks at a public event, but her nerves get to her. She starts using humor to get her through it and is a hit. This is the event that she was discovered at.
(Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.biography.com/people/ellen-degeneres-9542420#ellen-the-sitcom&awesm=~oCaeJwEOnn1eaR.) -
Beginning of Ellen's Career
Ellen tours America and is named the funniest person in the U.S after winning a competition sponsored by Showtime.
("Biography." IMDb. IMDb.com. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001122/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm.) -
Big Debut
Ellen stars on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" and makes her big debut. She was also the first female guest to perform and be brought over to the hot seat.
(Bio.com. A&E Networks Television. 25 Apr. 2014 http://www.biography.com/people/ellen-degeneres-9542420#ellen-the-sitcom&awesm=~oCaeJwEOnn1eaR.) -
Acting Begins
Ellen stars in her first sitcom, "Open House," but it only lasted for one season. -
First Award
Ellen won the title of "Best Female Club Standup." -
Retrying the Acting Career
The show "These Friends of Mine" premieres, but gets renamed "Ellen" after the first season. -
First Book
Ellen's first book, "My Point... and I Do Have One," is published. -
Hosting
Ellen hosts the Grammy's for the first time. -
Coming Out
Ellen came out on an episode of her show, causing controversy throughout network television. -
Coming Out
Ellen comes out on an episode of "Ellen." Which later got the show cancelled due to controversy throughout the media. -
Movie Career Begins
Ellen stars in two movies, Edtv with Matthew McCanaughey, and The Love Letter. -
Acting Continues
"Finding Nemo" preimeres. Ellen plays the part of Dory, a fish with memory loss. -
Her Own Way
The talk show, "Ellen," premieres(still on today). -
Writing Round Two
Ellen's book, "The Funny Thing Is...," is published. -
Marriage
Ellen marries her girlfriend of 4 years, actress Portia de Rossi, in the state of California. They had the highest-profile gay marriage after the unions became legalized. -
Walk of Fame
Ellen recieved a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. -
Oscars
Ellen hosts the annual Oscars award show for the second time. The first being 7 years earlier.