Ellen DeGeneres has long been a household name in American entertainment. With her unique blend of humor, kindness, and relatability, she spent decades as a trailblazer in comedy and daytime television. Known for her Emmy-winning sitcom Ellen and the long-running The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she played a pivotal role in both LGBTQ+ representation and pop culture. As she has stepped back from the public spotlight in recent years, many fans now ask: Is Ellen DeGeneres still alive? This article provides a factual update on her life, health, and what she’s doing after stepping away from daily television.
Is Ellen DeGeneres Still Alive?
Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is still alive as of 2025. Born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana, she is currently 67 years old. Though she retired from her daytime talk show in 2022 and has reduced public appearances, she remains active through other projects and maintains a presence on social media.
Despite occasional internet rumors, there are no credible reports suggesting any decline in her health or wellbeing. DeGeneres continues to live a private but purposeful life post-retirement, often engaging in philanthropy and spending time with her spouse and animals.
Early Life and Comedy Career
Ellen DeGeneres started her professional life far from the limelight. Before pursuing stand-up comedy, she worked various jobs including waitress, house painter, and legal secretary. Her comedic talent was evident early on, and by the 1980s she began performing stand-up in small clubs across New Orleans.
She gained national recognition after being named “Funniest Person in America” by Showtime in 1984. This launched her into the world of televised stand-up specials and ultimately led to multiple appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, where she became the first female comedian invited by Carson to sit down after her set.
Breakthrough with Sitcom Ellen
In 1994, DeGeneres starred in the ABC sitcom These Friends of Mine, later renamed simply Ellen. The show ran for five seasons and gained attention not just for its humor but for its cultural significance.
In 1997, DeGeneres and her character made history when both came out as gay—on national television. The “Puppy Episode,” in which her character Ellen Morgan comes out, aired on April 30, 1997, and became one of the most-watched and discussed episodes in TV history.
Though the show was canceled the following year, DeGeneres’ bravery broke barriers and paved the way for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media.
The Ellen DeGeneres Show and Mainstream Stardom
After facing industry backlash post-coming out, Ellen made a remarkable comeback. In 2003, she launched The Ellen DeGeneres Show, a daytime talk show that blended celebrity interviews, games, music, and acts of kindness.
The show was a massive success, running for 19 seasons until its final episode in May 2022. Over its run, it won over 60 Daytime Emmy Awards, and Ellen became known for her catchphrase “Be kind,” which symbolized her on-screen persona and philanthropic image.
She hosted high-profile events including the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Primetime Emmys, becoming one of the most influential figures in American media.
Retirement from Talk Show and Post-Ellen Life
Ellen DeGeneres officially retired from The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, citing a desire for change and personal evolution. The show concluded after 19 years on the air, with emotional farewells from both celebrity guests and long-time staff.
Since then, she has kept a relatively low public profile. She spends time at her sprawling estate in Montecito, California, with her wife Portia de Rossi, whom she married in 2008. The couple is known for their shared interest in real estate, animal welfare, and conservation efforts.
Though largely retired from public-facing entertainment, DeGeneres has not ruled out future creative projects.
Health Status and Public Well-being
Ellen DeGeneres is in good health as of 2025. In 2020, she publicly announced that she tested positive for COVID-19 but experienced only mild symptoms and fully recovered. Since then, she has continued to appear healthy in her rare public appearances and social media posts.
She has not disclosed any serious or chronic medical conditions. Any claims suggesting otherwise are typically unfounded rumors circulated on social platforms.
Her lifestyle—focused on wellness, gardening, animal care, and outdoor activities—has been highlighted in various interviews, suggesting she remains physically and mentally well in retirement.
Controversy and Workplace Allegations
In 2020, The Ellen DeGeneres Show came under scrutiny after several former employees alleged a toxic workplace culture behind the scenes. Allegations included claims of racial insensitivity, intimidation, and misconduct among producers.
While Ellen herself was not directly accused of abuse, she faced criticism for allowing the environment to persist under her leadership. She responded with a public apology, both in writing and on the show’s premiere episode that fall.
The incident impacted her public image and contributed to the decline in the show’s ratings, which some believe influenced her decision to end the series. Nevertheless, her fan base and professional legacy remain substantial.
Business Ventures and Philanthropy
In addition to her entertainment career, DeGeneres has been involved in multiple business and charitable ventures:
- ED by Ellen – A lifestyle brand offering apparel, accessories, and home goods
- Vegan skincare and wellness products
- Real estate – Ellen and Portia have been active in flipping multimillion-dollar homes
- The Ellen Fund – A charitable organization focused on wildlife conservation, especially gorillas
- Support for animal rescue and LGBTQ+ rights
She continues to support causes she believes in, often spotlighting small charities and underserved communities even outside her television platform.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Ellen DeGeneres is widely credited with reshaping American daytime television. By blending humor, kindness, and inclusive messaging, she created a show that became part of daily life for millions of viewers.
Her legacy also includes paving the way for LGBTQ+ visibility in mainstream media. By coming out in the 1990s—a time when doing so could destroy careers—she opened doors for others and changed the conversation around representation and acceptance.
Though her reputation took a hit in recent years, her overall contributions to entertainment, equality, and philanthropy remain significant and deeply impactful.
Awards and Recognition
Over her decades-long career, DeGeneres has received numerous awards and honors for her work in entertainment and humanitarian causes:
- Presidential Medal of Freedom (2016), awarded by President Barack Obama
- Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Talk Show and Host
- Teen Choice, People’s Choice, and GLAAD Media Awards
- Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
- Named “Entertainer of the Year” by numerous media outlets
Her awards reflect both her popularity and her influence in breaking cultural boundaries and elevating causes she cares about.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ellen DeGeneres still alive?
Yes, Ellen DeGeneres is alive and well as of 2025. She is 67 years old and currently living a more private life post-retirement.
Why did Ellen DeGeneres end her talk show?
She ended The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022 after 19 seasons, citing a desire for personal growth and change. Ratings decline and controversy may have also contributed.
What is Ellen DeGeneres doing now?
Ellen is focusing on private life, real estate, animal welfare, and philanthropy. She occasionally engages with fans through social media and public events.
Is Ellen DeGeneres married?
Yes, she has been married to actress and philanthropist Portia de Rossi since 2008.
What controversies has Ellen DeGeneres faced?
In 2020, her show faced allegations of a toxic work environment. Ellen issued a public apology and implemented changes, but the situation affected her public image.
Conclusion
Ellen DeGeneres is still alive and continues to be a significant figure in American entertainment history. Although retired from daytime television, she remains active in philanthropy, animal advocacy, and selective creative projects. Her influence on comedy, LGBTQ+ visibility, and television remains undeniable.
While controversies have affected her public image in recent years, her courage in coming out, groundbreaking talk show format, and decades of charitable efforts continue to shape her legacy. As of 2025, Ellen lives quietly, embracing a life of reflection, personal fulfillment, and selective public engagement.