Ellen DeGeneres Says She’s ‘Done’ With Fame, Is Quitting Hollywood, and Some People Aren’t Disappointed

Ellen DeGeneres is walking away from Hollywood. 

During a recent comedy show in Santa Rosa, Calif., the comedian and actor declared that she was “done” being in the public eye. Some people aren’t mourning her departure. 

Ellen DeGeneres speaks out on her future in Hollywood

DeGeneres, 66, says she’s planning to step away from the spotlight following the release of her upcoming Netflix comedy special.  

“This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done,” she said during a stop on her “Ellen’s Last Stand … Up” tour at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, according to SFGate. 

“I’m going bye-bye,” she added when asked if she would ever return to voice Dory in another Finding Dory movie.

For nearly two decades, DeGeneres hosted the popular daytime talk series The Ellen DeGeneres Show. But her career unraveled following reports that she was a nasty, abusive boss.

Ex-employees told Buzzfeed News that DeGeneres’ “be kind” brand was just for show and that behind the scenes, things were very different. People reported being fired for taking medical leave and being on the receiving end of racist comments. While former employees put most of the blame on executive producers and managers, they said DeGeneres should have known what was going on. The Ellen DeGeneres Show aired its last episode in May 2022. 

“I got kicked out of show business for being mean,” DeGeneres told the crowd in Santa Rosa. 

“I am many things, but I am not mean,” she said. 

Critics are happy to see the last of Ellen DeGeneres 

Critics of DeGeneres greeted her retirement announcement with applause. 

“Don’t threaten me with a good time ellen,” one person commented on a Reddit thread discussing the news.

“Please let it be so…. Crossing fingers…,” another wrote. 

But other people are disappointed to see DeGeneres – who made television history when her character came out as a lesbian in a 1997 episode of Ellen – walk away from the entertainment industry. 

“I think you’re a gifted and talented comedian and will always love you,” a fan commented on one of DeGeneres’ Instagram posts. 

“Ellen, I just saw your show in Santa Rosa,” someone wrote on another post. “It was funny, touching, healing, so great. I just want to say thank you and I, like so many millions, love you. I never believed those hateful people and never will. Please don’t leave us all for good. You are a bright and shining light of love and we need you.” 

​​For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheet’s YouTube channel.