The legendary Ellen DeGeneres is back in the spotlight, but this time she’s dropping more than just jokes—she’s hinting at retirement! Last week, the 66-year-old comedy queen graced the stage for a three-night stand-up extravaganza in Santa Rosa, California. The venue? The illustrious Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. The occasion? The hilariously titled “Ellen’s Last Stand…Up” tour. Yeah, you heard that right—her last stand-up tour. Dun dun dunnnn!
During Monday night’s show (July 1), Ellen had the audience rolling in the aisles as she spilled the beans about her talk show getting the boot, her two-year Houdini act from the limelight, and the fact that she might just be ready to hang up her comedy hat for good.
“Let me fill you in on what I’ve been up to since you last saw me,” Ellen quipped. “I got chickens. Yes, chickens! And oh yeah, I got booted out of showbiz for being mean.” According to SFGate, the crowd roared with laughter. Chickens and scandal? Classic Ellen!
She continued, sharing how her life did a 180 after 19 years on air. “I used to say, ‘I don’t care what people say about me,'” Ellen confessed. “Now I realize I said that during the height of my popularity. Guess I should’ve said, ‘I don’t care,’ after being canceled. Whoopsie!”
Ellen didn’t stop there. “Next time, I’ll be kicked out for being old. Old, gay, and mean—the triple crown!” she joked. Who knew retirement could sound so fabulous?
In the midst of her comedy gold, Ellen tackled those pesky toxic workplace allegations head-on. “I can be demanding and impatient and tough,” she admitted. “I am a strong woman. I am many things, but I am not mean.” But she did add a cheeky twist, “Okay, maybe my chickens think I’m mean, but that’s only because I make them watch my old episodes.”
Reflecting on her rollercoaster ride of a career, Ellen declared she’s ready to say “Sayonara” to show business. “This is the last time you’re going to see me,” she said, dramatically pausing for effect. “After my Netflix special, I’m done.” Mic drop, anyone?
Ellen’s Last Stand…Up Tour, which kicked off in June, is set to run through mid-August. But in true Ellen fashion, she recently canceled a slew of shows with zero explanation. Keeping us on our toes until the very end, Ellen!
And fear not, fans—her latest Netflix special is slated to hit screens later this year. So, grab your popcorn and tissues (for those laughter-induced tears), because Ellen’s swan song is going to be one heck of a show.
