Name: Ellen Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Her 'Coming Out' Episode
Uploaded: 2017-05-29T23:35:28.000Z
Duration: 6 min 34 s
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I said that it was a much bigger deal then.

Today we're celebrating the 20th anniversary of the coming out episode of

Ellen Morgan, came out as a lesbian on national television.

And I, Ellen DeGeneres, came out at the same time.

So if you wanted to announce something, it was the only way.

It was the first time a lead character on TV had come out.

This was before Will and Grace, and Cayman Mitchell, and Holman and Kathie Lee.

it was called the puppy episode because we wanted to keep it a secret until it aired.

And because Ellen throws her career away seemed to on the nose.

the real reason we called it the puppy episode was.

Cuz when the writers told the executives that they wanted me to come out because my

character needed to be in a relationship after four years of not being in

Some in the studio said well get her a puppy she's not coming out.

I can't describe to you how challenging it was to get this episode made.

Which is why I thought this was important to celebrate the anniversary and

to remember what it was like back then and appreciate how far we have come.

>> Ellen, you're gonna be late for your dinner date with your old college friend,

>> It's like she's been in there forever.

>> Yeah, Ellen, quit jerking us around and come out already.

Imagine the most difficult and personal decision you've ever had to make in your

life becoming the hot topic of debate in newspapers, magazines, and television.

>> Television history as we know it [CROSSTALK]

Tell me, what's gonna happen with Ellen Morgen.

>> We do find out that the character is Lebanese?

>> Has there ever been anyone you felt you clicked with?

>> The TV sitcom character Ellen is set to announce she's a lesbian.

>> The audience could be there in record numbers.

>> I think people are interested in this, sitcom history.

>> Why was it necessary for you to come out, tell the public?

Why was it necessary for the character to do so?

>> [APPLAUSE] >> Why do I have to be so ashamed?

I'm 35 years old, I'm so afraid to tell people.

>> Did you expect it to turn into all of this?

>> No, no, I mean, I knew that it would be big, but

The announcements have sent off a huge debate.

>> It's unfortunate that the sitcom Ellen portrayed their homosexual lifestyle

As normal and acknowledges their behavior.

>> We've seen the fallout that Ellen DeGeneres has had to face since she

>> I am concerned that we are flaunting sex.

>> God says it's wrong, it's in God's word.

>> I just feel like we're being stuffed with this right now.

Why? All of a >> Well, because you don't have to fight for anyone to embrace you.

And say how wonderful, you have a family and children and.

I'm not out on the cover saying, yup, I'm straight.

>> Time has been asking how to get in touch with you.

I got to be stripped down of everything and start all over again.

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Ellen Celebrates the 20th Anniversary of Her 'Coming Out' Episode

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