Celebrity Genealogy      Research - My Family

How I’m Related to Ellen DeGeneres – A Shared Family History Discovered

For years, I had suspected that Ellen DeGeneres and I shared a distant family connection. We both have several famous cousins and even share King Edward I of England as a 22nd great-grandfather. This royal connection sparked my curiosity—was King Edward I our closest shared ancestor, or could there be a closer familial link?

After spending considerable time on genealogy research (which can be a lengthy process), I confirmed that King Edward I and his second wife, Marguerite de France, are indeed our most recent shared ancestors. My lineage comes through their son Edmund of Woodstock, 1st Earl of Kent, while Ellen’s family line descends through Thomas of Brotherton, 1st Earl of Norfolk, Edmund’s older half-brother from Edward I’s first marriage to Eleanor of Castile. Interestingly, I also descend from Eleanor, making her my 22nd great-grandmother and Edward II my 21st great-grandfather.

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My First Encounter with Ellen DeGeneres – From Sitcom Star to Talk Show Legend

I first discovered Ellen DeGeneres in 1994 while living in Williamsville, New York, a suburb of Buffalo. After a long day at work, I turned on a new sitcom called These Friends of Mine, which would later be renamed simply Ellen. The show starred a quirky, relatable blonde woman - Ellen - navigating life with her equally quirky group of friends.

One memorable scene still makes me laugh today: Ellen, placed on hold during a phone call, begins singing along to the hold music. It was a perfect, everyday moment that showcased Ellen’s unique comedic style.

Ellen started her career in stand-up comedy, performing in small clubs before becoming the emcee at Clyde’s Comedy Club in New Orleans, her hometown. She soon began touring nationally and transitioned to television, impressing producers and landing her own sitcom.

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Ellen's Groundbreaking TV Moment and Legacy

The Ellen sitcom ran for five seasons and made television history in 1997 when the lead character, Ellen Morgan, came out as gay - mirroring Ellen DeGeneres’s own public coming out. The episode was groundbreaking and sparked national conversation. While controversial at the time, the overwhelming public support made Ellen a symbol of courage and authenticity for the LGBTQ+ community.

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The Ellen DeGeneres Show: A Daytime TV Success Story

In 2003, Ellen transitioned from sitcoms to daytime television with the launch of The Ellen DeGeneres Show. The show quickly became a household favorite, known for its humor, celebrity interviews, and heartwarming surprises. Ellen's genuine, friendly demeanor and effortless humor helped her connect with guests and audiences alike.

She also hosted major events like the Academy Awards, Primetime Emmys, and the Grammys, further cementing her status as a versatile entertainer. As a voice actor, she is best known for playing Dory in Pixar’s Finding Nemo and its sequel Finding Dory.

In 2017, she expanded into game shows with Ellen’s Game of Games, where contestants would compete in hilariously outrageous challenges for cash prizes. I’ve watched this show a few times - though I’m not sure I’d endure those challenges myself!

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Ellen DeGeneres and Her Humanitarian Efforts

Ellen is also a dedicated philanthropist. She supports causes ranging from animal rights and AIDS awareness to mental health and wildlife conservation. She established the Ellen DeGeneres Wildlife Fund, which focuses on global conservation efforts.

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Navigating Controversy: Ellen in the Spotlight

Despite her many achievements, Ellen has faced public criticism. In 2019, she received backlash for a friendly interaction with former President George W. Bush during a football game - despite the fact that they may be distant cousins. In my opinion, the outrage seemed misplaced. Civil conversation shouldn’t be controversial.

In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, allegations of a toxic work environment behind the scenes of The Ellen DeGeneres Show surfaced. Although Ellen wasn’t personally accused, she bore the brunt of the criticism. As someone who has managed teams, I know how easily workplace issues can go unnoticed at the top if concerns aren’t communicated directly. Some called on Ellen to be more involved with day-to-day staff relations - but as with any large production, there’s usually a clear chain of command to be followed, and going above your immediate supervisor's head can have career limiting consequences.

Another controversy came when Ellen, while quarantined in her luxurious home, expressed feelings of being “trapped.” Some critics viewed her comments as tone-deaf. However, I believe emotional strain during lockdown wasn’t exclusive to people in small apartments. Everyone faced challenges, regardless of their circumstances, and I can understand her comments about feeling "trapped"; even a gilded cage is still a prison.

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A Personal Note on Ellen DeGeneres – My Distant Cousin

As with the other famous relatives I feature on my website, I do not personally know Ellen DeGeneres. Our shared ancestry makes her a distant cousin, and my thoughts about her are based on my own research and perspective.

Though I may never meet Ellen in person - unless fate brings us together like it has done with several other celebrities - I’d like to say thank you to Ellen for the laughter, the groundbreaking moments, and for using her platform to uplift others.

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Final Thoughts

Whether you're a fan of Ellen's comedy, her television work, or her activism, there's no denying her cultural impact. From royal ancestry to Hollywood success, Ellen DeGeneres is both a trailblazer and a distant relative I’m proud to be connected to, even if our connection is only through the pages of a family tree.