When you win a Presidential Medal of Freedom it means you have done something moderately brilliant in your career. Ellen DeGeneres, recipient of the 2016 Presidential Medial of Freedom that was awarded by President Obama, is an inspiration to millions every day thanks to her television show “Ellen” and her engaging social media presence.

Her philanthropic endeavors include donating millions of dollars to help fight hunger, fight cancer and ending bullying. She launched the Small Change Campaign with Ben Affleck that contributes to fighting hunger throughout the United States.

Here are other charities Ellen gives to:

What makes Ellen DeGeneres an especially memorable celebrity hero and more than just a star giving to charity is the personal sacrifices she made to stay true to herself. When she came out as a lesbian over twenty years ago she paid a terrible price in her career. Her television show was cancelled and she could not get any work in the so-called “tolerant” confines of Hollywood. She was cast aside and suffered a terrible depression that she often speaks about. She has since bounced back to forgive those he shut her aside. Today Ellen’s show is one of the top talk shows on television and her star power could not be brighter. Thanks to her many philanthropic endeavors and the wonderful, funny and intelligent presence she embodies every day on her show and on social media, Ellen DeGeneres represents the gold standard of celebrity role models!

2016 Presidential Medal of Freedom Ceremony

Here are nine of Ellen’s tips on living a happier life. They include the golden rules: “Just be nice” and “Stay true to yourself.” They are a great read and they include quotes about how each has come from personal experience in her life.

And then there’s her comic touch! Ellen DeGeneres is that rare bread of comedienne and celebrity who never stoops to the lowest common denominator and always takes the high ground. But what makes her even more special is her ability to be funny without making fun of others or resorting to meanness! Just watch this clip of a make believe perfume commercial she starts in with Keith Urban. It’s priceless!

 

Ellen DeGeneres is an inspiration to us all. She is a leader and a hero in a world that seems to get darker and meaner every day. We have much to thank her for!