The first female comedian invited over to the couch to chat with Johnny Carson.

Spoofed on "Mad TV" (1995) by comedian Nicole Parker.

Her last name is pronounced "duh-generous".

Spoke at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. Pointed out that many film plots and images in Hollywood are "heterosexist," meaning that the filmmakers allow heterosexual characters to dominate the screen. She would like to see actors and actresses portray more gay and lesbian couples. [1999]

Daughter of Betty DeGeneres.

Graduated from Atlanta High School in Atlanta, Texas, in 1976.

Has written two books, "My Point... And I Do Have One", a New York Times bestseller for six months, and "The Funny Thing Is...", also a New York Times bestseller.

In 1999, intended to marry Anne Heche if Vermont's plans to legalize gay marriages go through. By August 2000, she had split with Heche after being together for 3 1/2 years.

Voted "Funniest Person In America" in 1982.

Named "Entertainer of the Year" by Entertainment Weekly 26 December 1997/2 January 1998, issues 411/412.

Has two dogs named Bootsie and Muffin.

Was originally offered Sandra Bullock's role in Speed (1994/I).

Is of French (paternal grandfather), Irish, English, and German descent.

Best Female Club Standup, Comedy Awards 1991.

Ended her four-year relationship with photographer-director Alexandra Hedison. [December 2004]

Was the first female stand-up guest to be called to the "hot seat" on her first guest appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson" (1962).

Has been in a relationship with Portia de Rossi since 2004.

Used to sell vacuum cleaners before she was discovered.

Split with partner Anne Heche after being together for 3 1/2 years. [August 2000]

When Ellen came out as a lesbian on her show in April 1997, ABC's affiliate in Birmingham, Alabama, refused to air the landmark episode. Some of the show's sponsors, including Chrysler, withdrew their advertisements.

Is only the second woman to host the Oscars on her own. The first was Whoopi Goldberg.

She is a sweetheart of the fraternity Sigma Tau Gamma.

Worked as a paralegal before becoming a comedienne.

Is a vegetarian.

Was initially reluctant to do a love scene with Sharon Stone in If These Walls Could Talk 2 (2000) (TV), but Ellen's then-girlfriend Anne Heche, who was directing this particular segment of the film, encouraged her to do it. Ellen eventually gave in.