Stand up, actress and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres was born on 26 January 1958. She undertook a variety of jobs before finding her metier of comedy. In 1981, she MC-ed at a New Orleans comedy club but her big break was in 1986 when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. This led to TV sitcoms, notably Ellen in 1994-1998. Over recent years she has reinvented herself as a talk show host. Her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show launched in 1993 to public and critical acclaim. In September... moreStand up, actress and talk show host, Ellen DeGeneres was born on 26 January 1958. She undertook a variety of jobs before finding her metier of comedy. In 1981, she MC-ed at a New Orleans comedy club but her big break was in 1986 when she appeared on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. This led to TV sitcoms, notably Ellen in 1994-1998. Over recent years she has reinvented herself as a talk show host. Her show The Ellen DeGeneres Show launched in 1993 to public and critical acclaim. In September 2009, she became as American Idol judge claiming she qualifies for the role because she's been judged all her life. Elle's style is observational, kindly and deadpan, and has ensured she's been a popular choice as an awards host -she's hosted the Emmys and the Oscars.