Earlier that year in 1997, Ellen DeGeneres, came out as being homosexual and then had her character on her show “Ellen” came out as well. For those who don’t remember, that was one of the first examples in the US, certainly one of the most notable/huge.
I do remember. The episode was hysterical, and was was surprised / disappointed that some of my friends abruptly stopped watching the show.
I guess it’s hard to know somebody…
I don’t remember…how many stations cancelled her show after the coming-out episode? I know there were stations who would no longer carry the show. Homophobia runs deep. :(
I enjoyed the shows up to that show where she kept teasing it. In one episode, she had just bought a house, and her friends were looking for her, and she came out of a closet (ostensibly seeing how roomy it was). Another scene had her brushing her teeth while singing, “I Feel Pretty,” She had gotten as far as, “I feel pretty and witty and…” when she looked down at the sink and saw it wasn’t draining (or some other problem) and said an annoyed, “Hey…” instead of gay.
I’ve always admired Ellen’s delivery.