An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi

Posted on Nov 5, 2009 8:27 AM

Last spring, Ellen DeGeneres launched a relentless campaign to be on the cover of O magazine with Oprah, and today they reveal an exclusive first look at their most illuminating cover! Then, Ellen and her wife, actress Portia de Rossi, sit down for their first TV interview together.
Replies: 140
1. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 6, 2009 11:09 AM   |   In response to: harpobear


I love Ellen Degeneres -- no one is comparable to her natural comedic talent, BUT I think the way she went about trying to get on the cover of O Magazine was overstepping her boundaries.

Constant on-air begging and pleading to a national audience on her talk show to have Oprah put her on the cover of her magazine was literally backing Oprah into a corner... what was Oprah going to say after all that, "No"? .... then be labeled and ridiculed by the world as Anti-Gay for not allowing Ellen on the cover?

Ellen uses this O cover as an example that no dream is too big -- well, tell that to the 99.999% of the population who don't have their own national talk show to beg for their dreams to come true like she did.

Ellen provides a lot of laughter to the world when it needs it most, and yes the constant campaigning Ellen did on her show to be on the cover was funny at times, but just because you are a celebrity with your own talk show does not warrant you deserving to be on Oprah's magazine cover. Michelle O'bama I understood, but Ellen is not the First Lady of the USA. First Lady of Comedy, yes.

If I were Oprah, I would have been disgusted how Ellen backed her into a corner which pretty much obligated her to say yes to her.

2. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 6, 2009 5:40 PM   |   In response to: peepsman23

wow, I have got to say, I don't usually read much posts here or any where, because I have noticed that while everyone is entitle to say what they think, at time some people go way overboard. I have in the past thought to myself, it would be nice is Oprah had someone else on the cover, that is a part of her magazine that month. I love Ellen's show, I record both her's and Oprah's and watch them when I find time. Is nice they are doing a cover together, is possible both were in agreement to do this, I don't think Oprah would ever do something because she feels pushed into it. come on, leave it alone, is a nice change and maybe the beginning of something that might happen whenever Oprah feels like sharing the cover with either a person or a pet or whatever she wishes.

3. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 6, 2009 6:18 PM   |   In response to: chuy27


It's ok, I knew I was taking a path less traveled by speaking out against the way Ellen got on the cover of O. If it was Oprah's idea or both were in prior agreement to do it, then why does the description by Harpobear say " Ellen DeGeneres launched a relentless campaign to be on the cover of O magazine with Oprah"? The word "relentless" alone is a pretty good word choice.

As I said, if Oprah would have said "no" the entire world would have rained down a storm of "anti-gay" accusations.

In the end, I could really care less... but I just don't think Ellen chose the most dignified way to get onto the cover of O Magazine. That's all. That's my opinion, and I don't consider it going way "overboard" either.

Personally, I would have rather seen Tina Turner on the cover.

4. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 6, 2009 9:20 PM   |   In response to: harpobear


I don't think Oprah was "harassed" into putting Ellen on the cover ... I think she was highly amused by Ellen's "campaign" and thought it might be fun! I saw a couple of Ellen's shows with her "campaign" and I thought the segments were hilarious. I think Ellen was as surprised as anyone to share the cover!

I can't wait to get the December issue!

5. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 6:55 AM   |   In response to: peepsman23


Don't you think perhaps you are overstepping your boundaries assuming how Oprah feels about Ellen's desire to be in her Magazine? You are saying that Ellen backed Oprah into a corner obligating her to say yes to her request. Give Oprah the credit she deserves. I believe she is a strong enough lady that can say no when she feels no is the answer.

I think you are getting too emotional about a decision that Oprah already made and that obviously has worked for her program/magazine. Just enjoy reading the magazine and watch the show on Monday. Warrant and deserving are strong words used to place a value on a person. Perhaps you should also dream big about the things that are important to you and someday they could come true.

Have a great day

6. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 7:48 AM   |   In response to: harpobear

Nobody backs Oprah into a corner.

7. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 8:23 AM   |   In response to: harpobear


Personally, I really just think that some people should wait until Monday to make any judgments about Ellen or Oprah. I know that after you watch the Monday episode, you will feel that Ellen is really just a down-to-earth, funny, real woman and by no means forced herself onto the cover. The entire interview was really a beautiful exchange; very personal with a hint of comedy. Ms Winfrey has a naturally pleasant presence and Ellen absorbed that energy and they just talked.

Let me just say, I love Oprah and I love Ellen and if there is anything I have taken away from their interview, it was that they are both real people. When someone talks very candidly about their life, it absolutely humanizes them and that is exactly what was at the heart of the interview. Oprah and Ellen are 2 woman, in a tv world... yeah, they're competitors, but they are also very kind, very humble women. Please, do not judge, for bad or for good, before you see this interview. Really open up all of your hearts to these women, not as daytime tv personalities, but as women with feelings and real lives outside of the studio.

P.S. I laughed myself out of my chair. :)

8. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 9:00 AM   |   In response to: rarriola07


I'm getting too emotional? lol. I have better things to devote my emotions to other than who or what is on the cover of Oprah's magazine. I think Ellen fans are getting too emotional reading my thoughts -- nobody wants to hear people speak badly towards America's sweetheart

But while I'm at it, lol, I have another bone to pick with Ellen.... In her Covergirl commercials, she says the following line: "Inner beauty is important, but not nearly as important as outer beauty." .... Knowing Ellen from her show, I was kinda' shocked that she allowed herself to say those lines. All our childhood lives, we are taught that it's what's on the inside that counts the most. What does Ellen's commercial teach a little 8 year old girl who is perhaps overweight and made fun of at school? I just think that commercial was a bad choice of words, and considering Ellen's message is usually expecting one's inner beauty for who they are I was definitely confused why she allowed herself to say those words... I guess the paycheck.

There's nothing wrong with the comedian Ellen DeGeneres...she's a masterful artist at her craft.... but the O cover and the Covergirl commercial kinda lowered her a point in my book. What more do you want from me, I think she'll do great on American Idol!

9. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 9:00 AM   |   In response to: nine2ten


My two favorite women together on Monday's show!! I can't wait!! I watch both Oprah and Ellen everyday!

I have preordered 2 copies of the new Issue! I think I would have died and gone to heaven to have been lucky enough to have been in the audience for the taping of this show. I'm thrilled that Portia will be on as well. yeah!!

I'm doing the happy dance waiting for Monday!

Ellen is a comedian and I loved watching all the fun she had with the O covers and the Halloween costume wearing the giant magazine. Getting put on hold at Harpo for 11 minutes was a hoot! This magazine will be the biggest selling copy ever!

I think the new cover is so beautiful and my favorite word across the cover! JOY!

I love you Oprah & Ellen! Thank you for all the joy you bring to so many people!

P.S. I love the karaoke challenge!

My bucket list includes: being in the audience of both Oprah and Ellen someday! :x

What I know for sure? Monday's Oprah is NOT to be missed!!

~glenda

10. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 9:38 AM   |   In response to: harpobear


I am not anti-Gay nor am I against Gay marriage, and I think Ellen is a wonderful person. I do, however, have difficulty with the use of the the term "wife" in a Gay marriage. I think this is inappropriate as the word, 'wife' is understood by all to the be female partner in a traditional heterosexual marriage. Until we come up with a better term, 'spouse' or 'partner' would be more appropriate and would clearly indicate that the individuals are in a non-traditional marriage relationship. They have 'come out' , they are not ' husband and wife' and therefore don't need to pretend to be.

11. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 12:56 PM   |   In response to: peepsman23

If that had been Monique or Wendy Williams, African American Women who has their own talk, she would have disagreed!

12. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 1:29 PM   |   In response to: jonedski


Jonedski,

I don't know where you get the idea that "everyone" understands the word "wife" to be a hetereosexual wife. Words like "spouse" or "marriage partner" are used for people of any sex or orientation and the word "wife" is esaily understood to mean a female spouse. If a woman speaks of her wife, it is not at all confusing that they are a same-sex couple.

Your comment is a lot like saying "Women did not traditionally vote, so until we find a better term, women should not say that they vote. They can say they "cast a ballot" so that we won't get confused."

I am very excited about seeing Ellen and her wife, spouse, beloved and partner in life Portia on Oprah's show! This interview will bring together two of my favourite women and having Portia there will be the topping on the cake!

13. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 2:02 PM   |   In response to: peepsman23


I really don't get this facination with Ellen G. First American Idol signs her to a multi year million dollar contract and now Oprah who never has another person on the cover of her mag,, except for the first Black First Lady of the US. On both accounts, Ellen DOES NOT deserve either. Ellen G. bugged the hell out of Oprah until she got that cover. I believe Oprah was backed into a corner. Ellen has no business being on American Idol and for sure her tail doesn't belong on the cover of Oprah.

I am sick of the world bowing to the no talent idiot. If not for the fact that she's gay no one would pay her any attention let alone the cover of Oprah. I will not buy this magazine with her mug on the cover nor will I watch AI. Even though I don't like Sarah Pallin, I would have preferred her on the cover because at least she made history by almost becoming the first female VP of the US. All in all Oprah should have stuck to her original idea, only Oprah on the cover and no one else.

14. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 7, 2009 2:52 PM   |   In response to: harpobear

I look forward to seeing this show for a number of reasons entertainment, voyerism, happy relationships and for the probable discussion on the right to wed. I am mostly drawn to watch this show because of the promo ads stating "Ellen DeGeneres and Her WIFE Portia de Rossi." I am so proud that you say the word wife therefore acknowledging and honoring their marriage, I feel bound to watch the Oprah Winfrey Show for that statement alone. I am not gay but I can't imagine being denied the right to marry or any other right every other human being is afforded. As a Canadian I was floored to hear there was even an issue about gay couples not having the right to visit each other in the hospital. Such injustice is based on differing religious conjecture and has northing to do with basic human rights and what is best for the patient. Oprah, I have repeatedly heard you say that you live in the greatest country in the world but I think you need to come visit other countries where church and state do not mix and as such continue to change with the times and honor and care for all their citizens. While we do need further improvement, in Canada gay people have the right to marry and be acknowledged as your family for company or government medical, dental and pension benefits. Men or woman are entitled to a year paternity leave with differing levels of financial support. Being a person that just underwent major spine surgery in which my entire lower spine was rebuilt including a 5 week hospital stay, I am not burdened with any financial costs - not a penny. After living a positive, responsible financial life I will not be financially ruined. I often see a country where big business and religion interfere with governing the peoples country. I watch US war movies in which you frequently hear the statement "no man will be left behind". Yet, critically ill people are cut off by their medical plans and a litany of other medical horror stores in which US citizens are left behind to die on your own soil. As such, some policies are archaic and a sad reflection on human rights in your own country.

15. Re: An Oprah Exclusive Event: Ellen DeGeneres and Her Wife Portia de Rossi
Nov 8, 2009 7:09 AM   |   In response to: pizie245


Reply to pizie245,

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