The Ellen Degeneres Show never fails to deliver hilarious and heartwarming moments, and in a recent episode, Ellen shared an amusing story that had the audience in stitches. In her new segment, “Tales from the Coupe,” Ellen recounted a memory from early in her career when she won the contest for the “Funniest Person in America” on Showtime.
The segment kicked off with Ellen addressing the “weird” perception that people have about her spending time with chickens. She assured everyone that spending time with her feathery companions is actually quite relaxing. But let’s get back to the story.
Ellen reminisced about winning the prestigious title of the “Funniest Person in America” in the early days of her career. She admitted that it was a nerve-wracking experience to have such high expectations placed upon her as a newcomer in the comedy scene. Nevertheless, she emerged victorious with her silly material and embarked on a nationwide tour in search of the next year’s funniest person America.
Picture Ellen and her team traveling across the Texas Panhandle in a Winnebago, complete with a comical nose and glasses at the front. Ellen humorously mentioned that the tour venues varied from a strip mall with establishments like a yogurt shop and dry cleaners to a Chuckle Hut (or something of the sort). It was during one of her performances in “someplace” that she had a memorable encounter with the iconic comedian, Phyllis Diller.
Phyllis Diller, who was in the front row, had trouble hearing, but that didn’t dampen the spirit of the show. As the audience laughed at Ellen’s jokes, Phyllis relied on the person next to her to relay the punchlines. The delayed reaction from Phyllis sparked a chain reaction of laughter among the crowd, creating an even more uproarious atmosphere. Ellen recalled that her set ended up lasting for a whopping three hours that night, thanks to the extended laughter and Phyllis Diller‘s presence.
Reflecting on her journey as the funniest person in America, Ellen shared some of her earliest jokes. One of them involved her grandmother’s dedication to fitness. Ellen quipped, “It’s important to keep in shape. My grandmother started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She’s 97 today, and we still don’t know where the hell she is!” This playful jab at her grandmother’s whereabouts surely brought a smile to everyone’s faces.
Another hilarious anecdote highlighted the playful cruelty Ellen’s parents bestowed upon her as a child. One Christmas, Ellen had expressed her desire for a dolly, only to unwrap a giant metal dolly meant for moving heavy items. Ellen humorously exclaimed, “That’s not what I meant, Dad!” Her parents’ unconventional fire drills, which involved everyone choosing what to save in case of a fire, further added to the comedic twist. And of course, it was little Ellen who was assigned the task of moving the washer and dryer using her trusty metal dolly.
As Ellen concluded her delightful “Tales from the Coupe” segment, it became evident why she has had such a successful career in comedy. Her ability to find humor in ordinary situations, coupled with her impeccable comic timing, made her the deserving winner of the funniest person in America title all those years ago.
So, the next time you find yourself in need of a good laugh, tune in to The Ellen Degeneres Show and experience the joy and laughter that Ellen delivers with her wit and charm. And remember, never underestimate the comedic potential of spending time with chickens!
