Ellen DeGeneres Embraces U.K. Country Life, Debuts New Hairstyle Post-Talk Show Era
Ellen DeGeneres, the comedian and former daytime talk show host, is offering fans a glimpse into her life across the pond, showcasing her adaptation to the U.K. countryside alongside her wife, actress Portia de Rossi. In recent social media posts, DeGeneres has not only shared snippets of her newfound rural activities but has also unveiled a significant change in her appearance, specifically a departure from her signature blonde hairstyle.
The once-ubiquitous bright blonde look, which became synonymous with her image during her tenure on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," appears to have been traded in for a more natural, grayer, brunette shade. This transformation was first subtly hinted at in a May 1st Instagram post, where DeGeneres shared a video of a rowing outing with de Rossi. While an orange hat largely concealed her hair, glimpses of a darker hue were visible.
The full reveal came on May 4th, with a video of DeGeneres taking on lawn mowing duties at her U.K. residence. "Portia thought it would be fun to film my first time on the mower. She was right," the caption humorously stated, accompanying the video showcasing her darker, less heavily styled hair. The change in hair color signals a potential shift in DeGeneres’ personal brand, moving away from the polished, perpetually youthful image she maintained during her years in the spotlight. The new look reflects a more relaxed and perhaps authentic version of herself, aligning with the slower pace of life she seems to be embracing in the U.K.
These glimpses into DeGeneres’ U.K. life follow reports from last year indicating her relocation with de Rossi after the controversy surrounding her talk show in 2020. The move suggests a desire for a fresh start, a quieter existence away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. The seemingly idyllic scenery of the U.K. countryside provides a stark contrast to the high-pressure environment of daytime television. The rowing and lawn mowing activities further emphasize this shift towards a simpler, more grounded lifestyle.
The 2020 scandal, stemming from allegations of a toxic workplace environment on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," cast a shadow over DeGeneres’ previously unblemished public image. BuzzFeed News published reports detailing firsthand accounts from former and current employees alleging experiences of racism, fear, and intimidation while working on the show. These allegations painted a picture of a workplace culture that contradicted the show’s message of kindness and positivity, leading to significant backlash and calls for accountability.
DeGeneres addressed the allegations at the time, acknowledging that "things happened here that never should have happened" and apologizing to those affected. However, the controversy continued to impact her career and public perception. In 2022, she made the decision to end her talk show, effectively stepping away from the public eye, at least temporarily.
Her return to the stage came with the release of her standup special, "Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval," on Netflix in September. In the special, DeGeneres addressed the scandal head-on, using her signature comedic style to navigate the sensitive subject matter. She joked, "I got kicked out of show business because I’m mean. Yeah, you can’t be mean and be in show business." She later framed the controversy as the "second time I’ve been kicked out of show business," referencing the backlash she faced after publicly coming out as gay in the 1990s.
The special served as a platform for DeGeneres to offer her perspective on the events, acknowledge the impact on her career, and attempt to reclaim her narrative. She also touched upon the personal toll the scandal took, revealing that she sought therapy to "deal with all the hatred." In a self-deprecating manner, she shared a humorous anecdote about her therapist questioning her belief that everyone hated her, referencing negative coverage in prominent media outlets.
DeGeneres’ willingness to address the controversy in her standup special indicates a desire to move forward and reconnect with her audience, even if the shadow of the past remains. By acknowledging her mistakes and using humor to process the experience, she attempts to humanize herself and rebuild trust. The move to the U.K. and the adoption of a more natural appearance can be interpreted as further steps in this process of reinvention. She is, in effect, showcasing a more authentic version of herself, perhaps hoping to distance herself from the persona that was associated with the talk show and the subsequent scandal. The U.K. countryside offers a backdrop of tranquility and anonymity, allowing her to pursue her interests and redefine her image away from the intense scrutiny of Hollywood. Whether this signifies a complete departure from public life or a strategic repositioning for a future comeback remains to be seen. However, the current glimpses into her life suggest a conscious effort to embrace a quieter, more grounded existence. The lawn mower video, in particular, symbolizes this shift, presenting a relatable image of DeGeneres engaging in everyday activities, far removed from the glitz and glamour of her former life. The new hair, the rowing dates, the lawn mowing – all contribute to a narrative of a woman finding peace and contentment in a new environment, potentially signaling a new chapter in her life.
