Laura Dern Reflects on Supporting Ellen DeGeneres' Groundbreaking Coming Out

The actress opens up about the personal and professional repercussions of appearing in the historic 'Ellen' episode.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Laura Dern is looking back on her role in the 1997 episode of the sitcom 'Ellen' in which series star Ellen DeGeneres came out as a lesbian, making her the first lead queer character in television history. Dern faced serious professional consequences for appearing in the episode, but she now calls it "one of the most incredible experiences" of her life, reflecting on the cultural impact and the personal toll it took on DeGeneres and the cast.

Why it matters

Dern's appearance in the groundbreaking 'Ellen' episode was a landmark moment for LGBTQ+ representation on television, paving the way for greater visibility and acceptance. However, the episode also highlighted the steep professional and personal costs that pioneers in the entertainment industry often face when challenging societal norms.

The details

In the two-part 'Ellen' episode, Dern played the role of Susan, a woman who asks the Ellen character if she is also a lesbian. Though the character initially rejects Susan's advances, she later embraces her identity. Dern said she "didn't think twice" about appearing in the episode, but both she and DeGeneres faced significant backlash, including bomb threats, loss of sponsors, and difficulty finding work.

  • The 'Ellen' episode aired in April 1997.
  • Dern and DeGeneres were invited back to 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in 2017 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the episode.

The players

Laura Dern

An acclaimed actress who played a supporting role in the historic 'Ellen' episode where the show's star, Ellen DeGeneres, came out as a lesbian.

Ellen DeGeneres

The star of the sitcom 'Ellen' who made television history by coming out as a lesbian in a groundbreaking two-part episode of the show.

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What they’re saying

“It was a massive moment. But the moment now reflected on seems like, 'Well of course, obvious, duh!' A million people must have done it before that, and people must have been going crazy, and celebrating, and it must have been such an emotional moment.”

— Laura Dern, Actress (Las Culturistas podcast)

“The privilege, the luxury of feeling it for someone in a moment was so beautiful. It was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.”

— Laura Dern, Actress (Las Culturistas podcast)

What’s next

Dern and DeGeneres continue to be celebrated for their trailblazing work, with Dern's status as a gay icon being honored at the 2020 Independent Spirit Awards.

The takeaway

Dern's experience highlights the personal sacrifices and professional risks that pioneers in the entertainment industry often face when challenging societal norms and pushing for greater LGBTQ+ representation. However, their bravery and commitment to telling authentic stories have paved the way for increased visibility and acceptance within the industry and beyond.