Ellen DeGeneres’ nearly two-decade-old daytime talk show came to an abrupt halt Thursday with a celebrity lovefest, and a strong assertion of her accomplishment as a gay woman daring be herself.
DeGeneres, Pink, and Billie Eilish, guests, shared their affections as “The Ellen DeGeneres show” ended its Emmy-winning 3,200-plus-episode run that began September 2003.
“Twenty-years ago, when we tried to sell the show,” DeGeneres said. DeGeneres stated that the resistance from television stations was not because it was a new show but because he was different.
DeGeneres stated that she was prohibited from using the words “gay” and “we” on the syndicated program. This would have implied she had a partner. She did not specify who she was banning.
“Sure couldn’t say wife, and it was because gay people weren’t allowed to get married — now I say wife’ all of the time,” DeGeneres said, with a hint of defiance as Portia de Rossi, an actor, watched from the studio audience. They were married in 2008.
She was well-known for encouraging her audience in impromptu dancing. The host shared her last moves with Stephen “tWitch”, her DJ sidekick, to the tune “Best of My Love.”
DeGeneres was praised by the dancer-choreographer as an inspiration because she “has the courage to be yourself”
Aniston, the first guest to the show’s inaugural episode, gave DeGeneres an “Welcome” mat. DeGeneres also received another one that said, “Thanks, for the memories.”
Aniston said, in a teasing tone, “You’re welcomed,” and then became serious.
“I love and appreciate you. She said that the contribution was endless. DeGeneres’ career retrospective video was also shown. It featured DeGeneres philanthropic efforts that included more than $400 million in donations for charities and “deserving viewers”.
During their chat, Eilish beamingly told DeGeneres “I love you.” Pink performed “What About Us” and said, “I love you so many, it’s stupid.”
