Friday, August 10, 2007

Out in Film: Ellen DeGeneres

"Yep, I'm gay." With those three little words, the life of Ellen DeGeneres changed forever. And they changed our lives too.

Not for nothing is there a whole website named "After Ellen", for it truly was after Ellen that so much has changed in the world for gays and lesbians, particularly concerning their representation in the media (especially television). Granted, this progress may not have occurred directly because of Ellen, but she certainly opened a lot of doors ... and minds.

Television is Ellen's first love, as is so obvious by the enthusiasm she displays on her multi-award winning talk show that followed her groundbreaking sitcom. And sure, most of her film work (Mr. Wrong, EdTV) is forgettable.

But two roles in particular have endeared her to movie fans. First, her role of a lifetime as Dory the forgetful fish in Finding Nemo is, well, unforgettable, one of the finest vocal characterizations ever. And second, her recent hosting gig for the Academy Awards, her own personal role of a lifetime.

Links via Imdb.com and AfterEllen.com.

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