Ellen named 'No 1 Gay Woman'
2008-04-08 14:17
Los Angeles - Ellen DeGeneres has been named the most "Influential Gay Woman in America".
The talk show host topped Out magazine's list of the most "Influential Gay Men and Women in America" in their Power 50 issue.
Before finding success as an interviewer, Ellen starred in two TV sitcoms The Ellen Show and Ellen.
She has hosted the Oscars and Emmys, while The Ellen DeGeneres Show has won 15 Emmy Awards.
Ellen, who is dating former Ally McBeal star Portia de Rossi, publicly "came out" as a lesbian in 1997 in an appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show and has always been outspoken about her sexuality.
The 50-year-old star recently took a break from the comedy side of her series to give a tearful tribute to 15-year-old Lawrence King, who was shot and killed because he was gay.
Jodie Foster, Perez Hilton
Out magazine's list also includes The Silence of the Lambs actress Jodie Foster and gossip blogger Perez Hilton.
On learning he had been placed 16th, Perez - real name Mario Lavandeira - said: "Thanks to everyone at Out magazine for this great honour!
"If any young kids are reading this - gay or not, those that are different, those that aren't stick-thin, those that aren't conventionally 'beautiful'.
"To them, we say - be yourselves! Be yourself and be brilliant! You can be successful just as you are." - Bang Showbiz.com