Ellen Degeneres

DeGeneres' career began as an emcee at a local comedy club in her hometown of New Orleans. Her acting career in television included roles in several successful sitcoms before being offered a part in "These Friends of Mine" by ABC. Following the first season, the show was renamed "Ellen." Running from 1994 to 1998, the show garnered record ratings with DeGeneres receiving multiple Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy nominations. In 1997, DeGeneres was the recipient of the coveted Peabody Award and earned a Primetime Emmy Award for writing the critically acclaimed "Puppy Episode" where her character came out as a gay woman to a record 46 million viewers.

She has made a home for herself in daytime with her hit Syndicated talk show, "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," and recently announced the show's renewal through the 2021-2022 season. Currently, in its seventeenth season, the show has earned a total of 63 Daytime Emmy® Awards, including 11 for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show crowning it the record holder in this category. In addition, DeGeneres has won 12 Teen Choice Awards, and she is a 21-time PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS winner, making her the most decorated individual in the 44-year history of the franchise. Most recently, DeGeneres won her fourth Kids' Choice Award for Favorite TV Host for "Ellen's Game of Games."

In November 2016, DeGeneres was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom presented by President Obama. The prestigious award is the nation's highest civilian honor and was bestowed on DeGeneres for her extraordinary contributions to notable change and progress in the United States. She was also presented with the 15th Annual MARK TWAIN PRIZE FOR AMERICAN HUMOR by the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in October 2012.