Ellen DeGeneres Announces Her Retirement from Comedy
Ellen DeGeneres has officially decided to step away from the spotlight. During a performance in Santa Rosa, California, the beloved comedian announced that her current tour, Ellen’s Last Stand…Up, will be her final one. “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done,” she told the audience, confirming that her upcoming 2024 special will mark her farewell.
The moment was emotional yet lighthearted—classic Ellen. Despite reports of several canceled tour stops, she kept her trademark humor, joking, “Let me catch you up… I got chickens. Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean.” It was a witty nod to the controversy that surrounded the end of The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022, when allegations of a toxic workplace changed public perception of her. “I am many things,” she told the crowd, “but I am not mean.”
After nearly two decades on television and decades in comedy, Ellen seemed at peace with her decision. She reflected, “I used to say I didn’t care what people said about me—then I realized I said that during the height of my popularity.” Her honesty showed both self-awareness and closure.
Ellen’s journey has been one of resilience and reinvention. From coming out publicly in the 1990s to transforming daytime TV with her talk show’s message of kindness, she became a cultural icon. Though her “Be Kind” motto later became a point of criticism, her influence—breaking barriers, promoting inclusion, and spreading laughter—remains undeniable.
Now, Ellen is ready for a quieter chapter. “I got chickens,” she joked again, hinting that she’s content trading applause for peace. Her final Netflix special is expected to blend humor and reflection, offering one last look at her signature mix of honesty and heart.
Ellen DeGeneres leaves behind a legacy of laughter, compassion, and courage. She’s ending her career on her own terms—gracefully, truthfully, and with the same humor that made her one of the most beloved entertainers of her time.