Ellen DeGeneres has announced her retirement from stand-up comedy. During a show in Santa Rosa, California, she told fans that her current tour, Ellen’s Last Stand…Up, will be her final one. “This is the last time you’re going to see me. After my Netflix special, I’m done,” she said, referring to her upcoming special set for release at the end of 2024.
The crowd reacted with surprise and support. The news followed the quiet cancellation of several shows in major cities, though no official reason was given. Ellen opened her set with trademark humor, joking about her chickens and the backlash that ended The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2022. “I am many things, but I am not mean,” she told the audience, earning applause.
Her performance balanced laughter and honesty, reflecting on aging, fame, and the ups and downs of her career. Ellen rose to fame as a groundbreaking comedian and TV host, becoming one of the first openly gay stars in mainstream entertainment. Her show’s “Be kind” message defined her brand, even as later controversies challenged it.
Despite the setbacks, Ellen’s career remains remarkable: she hosted the Oscars, won numerous awards, and gave millions to charity. Her decision to retire feels peaceful, not bitter. She told fans she’s happy to live quietly, joking again, “I got chickens.”
Ellen’s Netflix special will likely serve as a final reflection on her legacy—funny, self-aware, and deeply human. After decades of laughter and impact, she leaves behind a powerful legacy as a trailblazer who found grace in both humor and honesty.