Ellen DeGeneres ‘Misses Hollywood,’ Was ‘Treated Like Royalty’ and ‘Wants a Comeback’ (Exclusive)

Ellen DeGeneres is itching to make a comeback.

The former talk show host, 67, “misses Hollywood” and the influence she once held over the entertainment industry, a friend tells the National Enquirer.

“During her talk show heyday, Ellen was treated like royalty,” says the source, adding that she and wife Portia de Rossi had “a real effect” on popular culture. “They used her show to make YouTubers they liked super-famous and the cultural feedback from them made them incredibly powerful.”

That is, until DeGeneres got caught up in a scandal. The daytime queen ended her long-running show in 2022 after staffers accused her of fostering a toxic workplace environment and moved to England with the Arrested Development actress, 52, in 2024.

“Ellen will never discount her skill as a talent scout. She loves finding a needle in a haystack,” the source says. “But is there really a platform that would ever let her do that again after [everything that’s happened?]”

So, DeGeneres looked to de Rossi instead.

“Ellen explored turning Portia into a celebrity chef sensation because she does have an affinity for cooking, but ultimately, it just became something they fought about,” the source reveals. “And the truth is, 90% of their meals get made by private chefs, not Portia.”

Still, the stand-up comedian remains determined to reclaim her place in the spotlight.

“Ellen wants a comeback. She can’t resist,” says the source. “But Portia likes her life in retirement way too much to want to go back into the Hollywood meat grinder.”