Series Finales To Endless Rumors: Inside Ellen And Portia’s Relationship

Things were very different for the LGBTQIA+ community in the early 2000s. While Ellen revealed her sexuality on the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1997, De Rossi waited until she achieved success before telling hers. When Ellen came out as gay, things weren’t so great.

Ruby had to deal with many critics who mocked her and her show Ellen. Although the character’s coming out as gay helped boost ratings for a time, ABC was forced to cancel the series. Ellen said she hit rock bottom and wasn’t sure if she’d be able to work again after recalling that she felt like suicide at one point.