“Find out who you are and be that person. That’s what your soul was put on this Earth to be. Find that truth, live that truth and everything else will come.” ~ Ellen DeGeneres, Television Host
Summary: Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, host and actress, best known for her talk show The Ellen DeGeneres show. Her wittiness and free-spirited attitude has won her multiple Emmys, People’s Choice Awards and recently the Prudential Medal of Freedom in 2016. Ellen is also one of the first female public-figures who came out as a lesbian during an appearance in The Oprah Winfrey Show. While this appearance spiralled into a series of intensive tabloid coverage, she persevered into becoming an active member of Parents and Friends of Lesbian and Gays (PFLAG), and a spokesperson for the Human Rights Campaign’s Coming Out Project. Ellen has become a pioneering face in the entertainment industry not only as a female figure, but also a humanitarian and animal rights activists.
Nationality: American
Industry: Entertainment & Activism
Q: And are you able to challenge other people to accept their responsibility? on oprah.com
A: Oh yeah, and that was such a huge thing for me, because I was raised to be quiet about things like that—you know, just keep your mouth closed. Not in a strict way—my parents were very passive. My father would never confront anybody about anything and is just kind and gentle. And my mother is really funny and sarcastic. But in my family, nothing was ever confronted. Yet now it’s easy for me to tell other people what they’re doing and how it makes me feel. And sure, I want people to like me—but not at my expense. I just learned that there are too many people who are going to have an opinion about me whether I am kind to them or not. I can’t control what they’re feeling. I am not a yeller and I don’t have a temper, but I do want people to do their best. And if someone is a friend and I see that they’re doing stuff that is not helping them grow, I will make it a point to talk to them about it.
