Seriously, I’m Kidding By Ellen DeGeneres

Thinking of Labels in the Autobiography Seriously, I’m Kidding By Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is a widely-praised stand-up comedian who hosts her own award-winning syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show and is a bestselling author. In 2009, she was a judge on American Idol season 9. She came out as gay in 1997 on The Oprah Winfrey Show and has become an advocate of LGBT rights. In 2004, she married girlfriend Portia de Rossi (Ramin 2008).

She was born on January 26, 1958, in Metairie, Louisiana. As she was growing up, Ellen wanted to be a veterinarian, but she was “not book smart”, so she gave up. In the end she sold vacuum cleaners, waited tables and worked as a legal secretary. As an actress, she starred in Mr. Wrong, appeared in the Love Letter and EDtv among others. She has won thirteen Emmys and other numerous awards for her charitable efforts and her work (Ellen 2011).

Ellen was motivated by her fans when writing her autobiography: what they would love to hear about the highlights throughout her life and career. She targeted not only adults with her short stories, but also children with her coloring pages. She covered a wide-range of topics, from medical advice to what makes people tick.

This life story was worth being published, as her fans wanted to know more about her personal life and her opinions about life as she brings out her humor like her fans would expect. Ellen defines herself as a strong realist and a charismatic person with her own independent thoughts. She discusses her view on beauty with three sentiments. She believes that is from within, who you are as a human being, ethics and principles one follows that makes one beautiful (Ellen 2011).

Some people thought that the book would contain a tell-all autobiography like normal autobiographies, so they were disappointed. For the people who understood the title “Seriously, I’m Kidding” know what to expect.

Her chapter on ‘Labels’ really stands out. She talks about her Cover Girl endorsement, the musical theater and coming out as being gay. She dealt with people thinking that she is not gay enough and vice versa. “It didn’t occur to me that when I announced I was gay I would have to clarify just how gay I am. What does it matter? What does it mean? All I can say is I’m gay enough for me (Ellen 2011).”

Ellen became a successful gay activist and rights supporter. She became a Cover Girl spokeswoman and one that would ask how a lesbian would sell makeup (Ruh 2008). She broke many barriers that Western society has been holding up for ages.

From my point of view, Ellen DeGeneres’ book is inspirational. She is a woman who has accomplished much in life. This is a unique autobiography since it includes tips about health, nutrition and something for the kids. She brings out her humor, which is expected of her.

List of References:
1. DeGeneres, Betty (2000). Love, Ellen: A Mother/Daughter Journey. HarperCollins Publishers. pp. 22, 27. ISBN 0-688-17688-7.
2. Ellen DeGeneres, (2011). Seriously‚ I’m Kidding, HarperCollins Publishers.
3. Setoodeh, Ramin (September 6, 2008). “Ellen’s Big Gay Wedding.” Newsweek.
4. Roh, Ruh (September 30, 2008). “Ellen DeGeneres Fights Animal Cruelty But Plugs Cover Girl?” Ecorazzi.