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International Gay & Lesbian Review

Ellen: The Real Story of Ellen DeGeneres

by Kathleen Tracy
abstract

This abstract is from the cover of the book.

All Ellen DeGeneres wanted to be was funny. She kept her humor clean and steered clear of politics and social agendas, instead honing a quirky, off-center, mistrustful view of the world.

If ever there was a more unlikely comic to become a symbol of controversy, it was Ellen DeGeneres. Throughout her career, she balanced her ever-growing success with her desire to keep her sexuality private. How that struggle affected her life and career and ultimately inspired her to come our of the closet putting her life in the spotlight and her career at considerable risk, forms the core of this biography. And in a broader sense, the controversy caused by Ellen's acknowledged sexuality is a reflection of America's own struggle with tolerance and acceptance.

Ellen examines the repercussions still being felt by the comic as a direct result of the revelations and offers a glimpse of what her future may hold.

It details:

  • Ellen's colorful family history, which includes a swashbuckling pirate ancestor
  • How her conservative father turned his back on Ellen when he learned she was gay
  • The personal tragedy that became her greatest inspiration
  • Her secret life in the gay bar scene during her stand-up days and the women Ellen has loved
  • Her bitter fights with television executives
  • Her life today

    Ellen DeGeneres spent years perfecting her stand-up comedy routines and performed thousands of shows before she becomes an "overnight success" and star of her own TV series. Though barely over forty, she's lived quite a remarkable life already.

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    International Gay & Lesbian Review
    Los Angeles, CA