Ellen DeGeneres: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) [Hardcover]

Lisa Iannucci (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0313353700 | ISBN-13: 978-0313353703 | Publication Date: November 30, 2008

In 1997 Ellen DeGeneres made television history when she came out to the American public on her nationally syndicated sitcom. In spite of the controversy stirred by this personal revelation, Ellen DeGeneres has gone on to become on one the most popular personalities in Hollywood. With her own highly rated daily talk show, a lucrative ad campaign with American Express, and a successful turn as Oscar host to her credit, she has become one of America's leading female comedians and won her has place a household name. High profile romances with actresses Anne Heche and fiance Portia de Rossi, have also made a her an unassuming champion for gay and lesbian rights. Ellen Degeneres' monumental success, however, belies a painful childhood and uncertain career beginnings. This comprehensive and intriguing biography explores the life events that shaped the hilarious public figure we know today.

Complete with a chronology of significant events, illustrations, and a bibliography of print and electronic resources, this detailed biography is ideal for general readers looking to learn more about their favorite star or for those seeking information on groundbreaking members of the gay and lesbian community.

Editorial Reviews

Book Description

This latest volume in the Greenwood Biographies series explores the many faces of Ellen DeGeneres as groundbreaking gay icon, child abuse survivor, and Hollywood's leading funny lady.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Greenwood (November 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0313353700
• ISBN-13: 978-0313353703
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,083,972 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #66 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Biographies & Memoirs > Lesbian

More About the Author

In addition to the books that are on Amazon.com, Lisa Iannucci is an award-winning 20-year veteran of magazine and book publishing, having written articles for USA Weekend, Shape, Parenting, Frequent Flyer, Los Angeles Times Travel Section, The Cooperator, BobVila.com and many more. She writes on many topics, including health, travel, real estate and celebrities. She is also the founder of a celebrity-do-gooders blog (http://celebrity-do-gooders.blogspot.com/) and has written young adult biographies on Ellen DeGeneres and Will Smith.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Unauthorised and unnecessary, November 14, 2010

By 

Anna Viola - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Ellen DeGeneres: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) (Hardcover)

I've long been a fan of Ellen and in my attempt to sate some curiosity about her back story I stumbled on this biography. I wish I hadn't however. It reads like a badly written high school research project on a "famous person". The author confuses tense as well as narrative structure but unforgivably, she cites wikis and other writers' dubious research for her "facts". Pointless and cringe worthy statistical survey data sits crudely within a wholly awkward and labored narrative.
I would have tried to look past these if it weren't for the revolting qualification of "Ellen says she was molested by her stepfather" of Ellen's abuse. If you borrow someone else's life without seeking their permission you can at least take her word for what has happened to her in it especially when you seem so content with the accuracy of wikis and tabloid journals for information. A truly terrible waste of my time and money.

5 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An informed and informative introduction to the life and accomplishments of Ellen DeGeneres, February 7, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ellen DeGeneres: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies) (Hardcover)

Inviting people to be a part of our lives through their images on our television screens has made us feel curious about and somehow involved in the lives of celebrities. "Ellen DeGeneres: A Biography" by independent scholar Lisa Iannucci is an informed and informative introduction to the life and accomplishments of Ellen DeGeneres who is one of America's best known (and liked) female comedians. In 1997 Ellen made dramatic (and comedic) history when she announced to the world that she was a lesbian. Although initially it cost her a very successful weekly sitcom, she went on to become successful as an entertainer in films, daily talk shows, advertising campaign spokesperson. Her personal life is the stuff of tabloids. All this adult success arising from a troubled childhood. "Ellen DeGeneres: A Biography" is enhanced with a list of her awards and a bibliography for further study, making it an ideal addition to community library Biography collections and a 'must read' for her legions of enthusiastic fans.