From best-selling books to rich endorsements to a lucrative talk show, a peek inside DeGeneres’ multiplatform empire
MOVIES
Onscreen: Finding Nemo‘s Dory was written with DeGeneres in mind. She is in negotiations to join the sequel.
Offscreen: She has optioned film rights to Jodi Picoult’s Sing You Home. Also of interest: making documentaries.
ENDORSEMENTS
JCPenney: In early 2012, JCPenney — where DeGeneres once worked in women’s apparel — signed her as a spokesperson, a decision that drew fire from One Million Moms group.
CoverGirl: In 2004, the unconventional choice was made to sign DeGeneres, who didn’t wear makeup at the time, as a CoverGirl. “I said: ‘Are you trying to reach Ellen Barkin? You have the wrong Ellen,’ ” she quips of her initial surprise.
TELEVISION
The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The crown jewel enters its 10th season Sept. 10. To date, the most frequent guest is Howie Mandel (16 visits), with Justin Timberlake and David Spade (both 14) not far behind.
Bethenny: The DeGeneres-produced talk show bowed to impressive numbers during its trial run this summer.
A Very Good Production’s Projects: Focused on comedies and reality projects, the shingle recently sold a comedy based on the Couple Time web series to Fox.
BOOKS & MUSIC
Seriously … I’m Kidding: The 2011 comedic release, in which she sounds off on her life, follows earlier books The Funny Thing Is … (2003) and My Point and I Do Have One (1995).
Eleveneleven: Her record label, launched in 2010, has signed musicians Greyson Chance, Savannah Robinson and Tom Andrews.
