In an interview with Australia’s A Current Affair, the talk show host said she didn’t receive any job offers for three years after sitcom Ellen was axed.
“I was so mad that I lost my show, and not just my show but for three years I didn’t have any offers,” the 55-year-old told reporter Tracy Grimshaw.
“I mean literally, the phone did not ring for three years and I had no money.”
“All of a sudden just because of one revelation, I was the joke.”
DeGeneres, who is now married to Arrested Development actress Portia de Rossi, said though Hollywood lashed out at her during the tough time, the experience only strengthened her as a person.
“I was the punchline of every late night talk show. I was made fun of in a magazine, and it felt horrible at the time,” she said. “Now, I look back on it and I am thankful because it gave me a chance to examine myself and say who [you are] without fame.”
As the tears went by, DeGeneres was the one who had the last laugh. Her popular talk show is now in its 10th season.
In 2012, Forbes named DeGeneres as the 27th most powerful celebrity in Hollywood with an estimate net worth is at $53 million. She was also listed as the 47th most powerful woman in the world in the same year.
Despite her success, the comedienne said fight for acceptance isn’t over just yet.
“I think there are a lot of people who don’t approve of who I am and who don’t understand, and I can’t really do anything about that,” DeGeneres told Grimshaw. “I wish I could make people see there is nothing wrong with being who you are.”
“I used to want people to like me — and I still want them to like me — but I know I have no control over it,” she continued. “I can just be myself. I am a good person. I’m a kind person. I live my life in a kind way.
“I go to sleep at night and know I’ve done the best I can. That’s all I can do.”
DeGeneres is an outspoken supporter of the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network and The Trevor Project, a non-profit organization that aids to prevent suicide among gay and questioning teens.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ptEiMMElVw]
– Celebuzz
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