Influential People: Ellen DeGeneres

Recently in PLP we have been learning about ancient medieval times and how change can create tension. We were asked to think of one person who was influential or still is influential and explain a bit about them.

Name: Ellen DeGeneres

Age: 59
Birthday: January 26, 1958
Place of Birth: Louisiana, USA
Occupation: American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer

Why are they influential? Ellen was one of the most influential celebrities to advocate gay rights. She inspired so many people to open up even before it was legal everywhere . She has been married to her wife since 2008. Even though not everyone supported her when she first came out gay, she didn’t care and pulled through. This is just one part of how she has inspired so many people. Her talk show gives out millions and millions of dollars a year to people who are in need and inspire people worldwide to share the generosity and kindness. She is also an an activist for positivity and shows that though every episode of her show.

What characteristics help make them influential?
Kindness, generosity, compassion, empathy, leadership, inspirational

How did people react to the changes or ideas that she had?
When Ellen came out as gay, she was happy. The unfortunate part was that her views and popularity received a lot of backlash. Not everyone supported gay rights at that time and so she almost had to cancel the show. Instead of trying to please others, she pulled through and now people look up to her for her leadership and bravery. She is now a huge activist for gay rights and has inspired tons of people to be true to themselves.

What things influenced her?
When she received a lot of criticism from peers about her coming out, She really was effected. As I said before, she was threatened too cancel the show. She strongly thought this was wrong and believed that everyone is equal no matter wheat their sexuality. This is what she eventually became even more famous and influential for. The hate only made her stronger and that is what I think was extremely important.

If you could ask her one question what would it be?
Other than asking to be on her talk show, I would probably ask her “What’s one thing you need to be happy and successful, in your opinion?”. It would ask her this because her outlook on life is exactly how I want mine to be. She is happy, independent and strong but still compassionate and truly winning at life. 🙂