Comedian and former talk show host Ellen DeGeneres has hinted at retirement from Hollywood following the release of her upcoming Netflix special.
During her recent “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up” tour stop, DeGeneres offered some clues about her future plans, leaving people wondering if this truly is her last act.
The 66-year-old took the stage at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, two years after her long-running The Ellen DeGeneres Show ended in 2022 following allegations of a toxic work environment.
According to SFGate, she addressed the audience with characteristic humour.
She said: “Let me catch you up on what’s been going on with me since you last saw me.”
“I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean,” she added.
DeGeneres, who helmed the talk show for 19 seasons, also spoke about how this dramatic shift impacted her, acknowledging a newfound awareness of her own sensitivity.
She continued: “I used to say, ‘I don’t care what people say about me.”
“Now I realize I said that during the height of my popularity.”
She went on to joke: “Next time, I’ll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay and mean – the triple crown.”
While aiming to make the crowd laugh, she also addressed the source of the accusations against her.
She added: “I can be demanding and impatient and tough.”
“I am a strong woman. I am many things, but I am not mean.”
DeGeneres explained that her intent was never to be mean, so she didn’t consider herself a mean person, even if it sometimes came off that way.
When asked whether she would return to Broadway or the big screen in the future, Ellen was quick to set the record straight.
She responded: “This is the last time you’re going to see me.”
“After my Netflix special, I’m done,”
Whether this is a definitive farewell or a playful jab remains to be seen.
The upcoming Netflix special, expected to be filmed this fall, could provide more insight.
Ellen DeGeneres’ Netflix standup special is set to premiere on Netflix sometime in late 2024.
