“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world” (“Anne Frank Quotes”). This quote by famed diarist Anne Frank conveys the message that anyone at any point in time can make an effort to better the lives of those around them, spreading their love and encouragement across the globe. Over and over, ordinary people have found success in various points in history where the odds have been considerably stacked against them, showing that nothing is impossible. On a daily basis, individuals have a profound influence on those that they come into contact with without even being aware of it. Simply spreading optimism and having an overall positive presence can leave a footprint that will live on in the minds …show more content…
Following the move, she worked a series of dead-end jobs. After struggling to find her way for quite some time, Ellen finally found her passion. She was encouraged by her friends to perform at New Orleans’ Clyde 's Comedy Club in 1981. Her performance went over well, and a year later she submitted her act to Showtime and won their “Funniest Person in America” contest. This victory resulted in a major confidence boost and kick-started her comedic career. In 1976, after going on tour all over America, she made her television debut on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Following this appearance, offers began rolling in and no longer was DeGeneres known as the small-town girl from Louisiana: she was a star …show more content…
She began to work on other shows and gained an army of supporters. Her bravery paved the way for producers to include gay characters in their own projects without the fear of being ridiculed or shut down (Cummings). She has never been shy in addressing society’s issues with members of the LGBT community on her self-titled daytime talk-show, “The Ellen Degeneres Show,” bringing on guests of all sexual orientations to share their stories (Bianco). Since living as an openly gay woman, she has received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, hosted the Emmys, and even been awarded with the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama. Ellen’s marriage to Australian actress Portia de Rossi on August 16, 2008 was another event that made major headlines. The wedding came only months after a ban on gay marriage was overturned by the California Supreme Court. All of her achievements proved to doubters that those who have made the decision to publicly embrace their homosexuality could be successful in show business