Ellen DeGeneres to Retire This Year, Cancels Some Stand-Up Shows

After canceling several tour dates, Ellen DeGeneres has announced that she is ending her career in show business.

The comedian, currently on her stand-up tour titled “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up,” revealed her decision during a recent performance. While on stage, DeGeneres admitted to the audience that she is stepping away from her career.

In Santa Rosa, California, a fan asked if DeGeneres would continue to perform, possibly even on Broadway or in movies, after her tour ends. Her response was straightforward and final.

According to SFGATE, she replied, “Um, no. This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special,” which is set to air at the end of 2024, “I’m done.”

Last week, WMAQ reported that several of DeGeneres’ shows have been canceled, including those in Dallas, San Francisco, Seattle, and Chicago, as noted on Ticketmaster.

Though DeGeneres hasn’t shared an official statement about these cancellations, she did take a moment to thank her fans for their continued support. “Let me catch you up on what’s been going on with me since you last saw me. I got chickens,” she humorously informed the crowd, according to SFGATE.

The 66-year-old didn’t shy away from addressing the controversy surrounding her. “Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean,” she said, before joking that she’ll eventually be “kicked out for being old.”

“Old, gay and mean—the triple crown,” she quipped, poking fun at the situation.

DeGeneres has faced public scrutiny in recent years, particularly accusations of fostering a toxic work environment on her daytime talk show. These allegations surfaced from both former staff members and some celebrity guests.

However, she took the opportunity on stage to challenge these claims. “I am many things, but I am not mean,” insisted DeGeneres.

Reflecting on her past attitude towards public perception, she admitted, “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.”

DeGeneres’ candor about her experiences and her humor have always been her trademarks. Despite the ups and downs of her career, she remains a beloved figure to many fans who appreciate her contributions to comedy and television.

As she prepares for her final curtain call, there’s no doubt that Ellen DeGeneres has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her forthcoming Netflix special will be the culmination of a career spanning decades, filled with laughter, controversies, and resilience.

Source: SFGATE, WMAQ