Ellen DeGeneres

http://www.dosomething.org/blog/celebsgonegood/ellen-degeneres%E2%80%99-purrfect-passion (http://www.dosomething.org)

     Even at a young age, Ellen had a great deal of compassion for others, applying her gift of humor to comfort those closest to her. But while growing up, she had suffered an emotionally traumatizing event as her parents had undergone a tragic divorce. Devastated, Ellen had begun to build a facade that had shunned others from her genuine personality. No one, not even her parents could have anticipated much from her. But by believing in herself when no one else did and following her dreams, she quickly rose to fame and success, with the highly revered sitcom "The Ellen DeGeneres Show". Born in Metairie, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans on January 26, 1958, DeGeneres had graduated from Atlanta High School as the class of 1976. Ellen had attended The University of New Orleans majoring in communication, but soon dropped out after 1 semester, realizing she had no passion in what she had originally pursued. DeGeneres had soon found herself transitioning from one job to another, until she had began her career in standup comedy, performing in local cafes during the late 70s, working her way up to the late 80s as she was commended for her humor and was rewarded the funniest person in America by "Showtime". In 1994, Ellen launch to superstardom with the hit show "Ellen" reaching rates on top of the charts. But sadly, success is like a double edge sword as it also comes with its share of pain. In 1997 Ellen Lee DeGeneres had announced that she was a lesbian on the Oprah Winfrey Show. The world over was stricken with awe, Ellen had now been a woman that had became an outcast. This was only the beginning, Ellen had now found a new motive that assists those who are less fortunate, and were not given the same opportunities in life. Her selflessness and dedication to do her best, carved a new path for others to follow. A woman who had began life confused and indecisive faced discrimination throughout her young life, persevering through her hardships, as her selflessness and passion to help the needy captivated the eyes of everyone that surrounded her. 

     Heroes cannot be hypocrites. They cannot tell others to persevere though difficult trials, when they themselves haven't experienced any obstacles that life throws. Heroes must lead an example. They must be the ones who lead the path for others to follow, by turning words into actions. "In April 1997 actor and comedian Ellen DeGeneres revealed she was a lesbian on the Oprah Winfrey Show" (American Decades) Consumed with the burden that she had kept dormant for so long had resulted for the worst, as her hit show "Ellen" had been cancelled due to declining ratings. Ellen states that. "Looking back I wouldn't change a thing, it was important for me to lose everything because as a result I discovered that the most important thing is to be true to yourself." (Ellen DeGeneres) After many years of being out of the spotlight, had empowered Ellen to once again peruse her career in entertaining others. In 2001, Ellen had the opportunity to host her own daytime show on CBS entitled "The Ellen Show" but was once again pulled due to rating after the 1^st season. The world still could not accept Ellen for who she was. This minor setback did not stop Ellen's reinforced view on life, because what broke her only made her stronger, making a significant comeback in 2003 launching her new sitcom "The Ellen DeGeneres Show." After a great deal of pain and depression, Ellen today shares her sexuality to her viewers comfortably with a sense of pride. Early October of 2010 she had brought awareness to anti bullying, where she had created the "be kind organization" which goal was to raise money and to capture the attention to this growing epidemic. Not only is she involved in her own causes but she persuades others to become involved in order to make a positive impact to society. Ellen DeGeneres leads an example and inspires others to help those in need through her own actions. She stands as a commendable role model to follow.

Ellen DeGeneres & Ben Affleck (http://www.hollywoodlife.com/2010/11/30/ben-affleck-holiday-christmas-shopping-jennifer-garner-ellen-degeneres-show/ (www.hollywoodlife.com))

     Selflessness, a trait that most people lack, is making sacrifices for others while expecting nothing in return. It is putting aside one's own interests for the greater good. In today's often rapacious and selfish society, Ellen stands out for her selflessness. "DeGeneres and celebrity Ben Affleck had collaborated to launch their "Small Change Campaign" which all the proceeds would go to the organization "Feeding America." (Ellen DeGeneres "charity") Better known as "Second Harvest", this program distributes food and many supermarket products nationwide, feeding countless individuals, while at the same time raising public awareness of domestic hunger. Additionally, they have also focused on working with Congress as well as state officials to strengthen and expand their programs to cease America's growing hunger crisis. She willingly donates her time and effort so that someone else would have a better future. She does not have any personal gains doing things, but does it knowing that she has changed others lives for the better. As a humanitarian, she has well used her stature in the media to stress the importance of cancer awareness. DeGeneres utilizes her world renowned talk show "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to share her concerns. She also uses comedy through her show hoping that the people with cancer could know, without a sense of uncertainty for their lives, they are not alone because, in that moment of time, Ellen believes that laughter is the best medicine. During the October breast cancer segment in 2007, she strongly urged views to support "The Susan G. Koman for The Cure." She herself both support and donates to this exceptional cause. She works tirelessly to extinguish this disease. DeGeneres selflessly commits her time, sacrificing a large portion of her life to help others. She has indeed made an immense impact to the lives of a vast number of people.

Ellen DeGeneres U.S. Postal Service (http://vegetarianstar.com/2011/01/07/ellen-degeneres-pet-food-halo-feeds-one-million-shelter-animals/ (Vegetarian Star))

     Being passionate requires a immense amount of devotion into what is believed to be right and just. DeGeneres on and off the stage takes action for what she believes in, Thus becoming one of the most influential people of this decade. "Ellen has also been heavily involved in causes that protect animal's rights." (Scott. T) On March 17 2010, Ellen and teamed up with the U.S. Postal Service on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" to promote a campaign that aimed at increasing animal adoption from local shelters. But she doesn't just stop there. On the same day she had announced that she had also partnered up with "Halo," a dog food company which promised to deliver one million meals to animals in shelters. Despite her love for animals, she is even more concerned for the well being of humans.

"In awe of the devastation of hurricane Katrina, Ellen quickly took action as her hometown of New Orleans lay in ruins." (Ellen DeGeneres: Heroic Comedian and Underdog Advocate) DeGeneres demonstrates her efforts by supporting the hurricane relief fund through The Red Cross, which aided those in need. In addition, her inspirational attitude influenced her viewers to raise over 10 million dollars to improve the lives of the New Orleans residents. Ellen shows unmatched passion in everything she does, this reflects to how people view her as a woman that is unbelievably devoted to her perspectives and her values.

     As strong willed as Ellen DeGeneres is, she does not succumb to obstacles that prolong her from reaching new heights. Her actions are not simply to satisfy the public eye, but instead are from the bottom of her heart. Not only has she persevered though one of the darkest moments in her life, but as a result came out a stronger individual. She has selflessly both donated and support numerous amounts of charities, passionately devoting time and love to others without it. Her selflessness is what stands out to inspire me. Even with her high status, she doesn't allow her luxuries and material positions to cloud her view of reality and to see how the world really is. Being generous is truly an understatement, she has set the example for others to follow; all they need to do is to heed her words and to take initiative of their own lives to make a difference towards the right direction benefiting both themselves and the world. Although under the eye of the media, she doesn't view her gracious deeds as an obligation but as she states herself "enjoyable" while seeking no recognition. A once low standard girl is now a independent thinker that stands out among the rest, acting without hesitation and with no regrets. Though perseverance, selflessness, and passion, Ellen Lee DeGeneres has pushed herself to the ranks of a hero.

Works Cited

Hopwood, Jon C. "Biography for Ellen DeGeneres." IMDb. IMDb.com. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.  

            Producer/Staff. "Ellen DeGeneres Bio." The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The Place for Ellen Tickets,     

Celebrity Photos, Videos, Games, Giveaways and More. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.   

Scott T. Allison and George R. Goethals. "Heroes: What They Do and Why We Need

             Them."Ellen DeGeneres: Heroic Comedienne and Underdog Advocate at. Web. 28 Mar. 2012.