The kiss seen ’round the world
Gay.com - Ten years after they kissed on the “Ellen” show, Ellen DeGeneres and Laura Dern reunited Monday on DeGeneres’s syndicated talk show to reflect on the smooch and its aftermath. DeGeneres, now 49, made pop-culture history in 1997 by coming out of the closet in real life while her sitcom character did likewise. In her character’s coming-out episode, Dern shared a smooch with the comedian during a guest stint on the ABC series as a lesbian love interest. READ MORE
Here’s a snippet of Laura Dern and Ellen discussing the famous “kiss” episode:
By taking a risk and putting her career on the line, Ellen basically paved the way for future gay-themed sitcoms and television shows like Will & Grace, Queer Eye and Work Out. Thanks to Ellen, gay television is alive and well (and quite popular I might add).
Tune in to watch Ellen, who has become the lesbian hostess with the mostess, host a special episode of American Idol tonight! For the latest news on Idol, check out Reed’s blog.
ellen degeneres, laura dern, the ellen show, gay, lesbian, glbt television, will & grace, work out, queer eye
April 25th, 2007 at 9:06 am
That’s right, that was 10 years ago. Wow time flies.
April 25th, 2007 at 9:20 am
I read a fantastic article the other day talking about how Ellen’s sitcom failed because all of her humor after that episode revolved around being gay. They went on to say she is successful now because she and her producers now understand that just because she’s gay, doesn’t mean her jokes have to always be about that. It was an interesting article talking about how TV has come a long way - letting sexuality be a characteristic, and not a plot point.
I wish I could find the link to give you - but it was excellent - it went on to say that Ellen is awesome - which - you know - is true.
April 25th, 2007 at 9:28 am
Dammit. Stupid auto-fill function. That comment above is from ME. “Zoot” is my blog name and it auto filled it and I wasn’t paying attention. I usually try to use my real name on the 451Press sites.
For future reference: Zoot = Kim.
And also? Kim = Moron.
April 25th, 2007 at 2:32 pm
I had forgotten all about Laura Dern being in that episode. But I’ll never forget Ellen.
April 25th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Damn, ten years ago. I remember being glued to the TV that whole season and watching that episode with a big group of lesbians. I also remember a local church (I lived in a small town then) putting a message (in response to the media hype)out on their sign that said “Remember when gay just meant happy?” To this day I regret that I didn’t put up a sign next to it that said “Guess what? It still does.”
April 25th, 2007 at 3:17 pm
Well said Lori.
gay=happy
April 26th, 2007 at 3:07 am
Here in Holland they decided to do a rerun of the entire show and my partner finally got to see that kiss. What a moment for her! Now we have Will and Grace here but sadly we don’t have some of the other great shows I was watching back in America. Ah well. Its nice however that in Holland this sort of thing isnt seen as taboo or a no no and is shown on television shows and in the streets.
April 26th, 2007 at 6:42 pm
Yes, I remember that too, but can’t believe it was 10 years ago. About the time my then girlfriend’s parents were kicking me out of her apartment…
June 20th, 2007 at 8:25 am
i’am really impressed!!
November 12th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
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