Sixteen years ago today, Ellen DeGeneres became even more famous than her comedy as she became one of the highest profile Hollywood personalities to come out.
In the 1980s she was the first female comedian to be asked to join Johnny Carson on the couch of The Tonight Show.
Her sitcom "Ellen" was a huge success up to April 30, 1997 when both she and her character publicly came out. Although the show was renewed for one more season, "parental advisory" warnings were aired before each episode.
She didn't work for almost three years, but then the country began to slowing "evolve" on the issue of acceptance of gays.
The turning point for her reemergence can probably be credited to her very successful hosting gig for the 2001 Primetime Emmy Awards. "What would bug the Taliban more than seeing a gay woman in a suit surrounded by Jews?" she asked during the show. Upbeat and funny, she received rave reviews and found a new fanbase.
And with 2003 giving her the twin showcases of both "Finding Nemo" and her self-titled talk show, Ellen found that the courage to be yourself can lead to happiness.
Let's hear it for Ellen!
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