Ellen DeGeneres says she's 'done' with fame after Netflix special: 'This is the last time you're going to see me'

Ellen DeGeneres said she's stepping out of the limelight after the release of her upcoming Netflix special. 

During her recent Ellen's Last Stand…Up tour event in Santa Rosa, California, the former talk show host surprised fans by opening up about her plans of leaving Hollywood soon. It came after she was asked if she's looking to try her hand at filmmaking or being in Broadway in the future.

"This is the last time you're going to see me. After my Netflix special, I'm done," she said.

Ellen then talked about her now-defunct talk show, which she said made her more aware of her sensitivity. (Ellen became a hot topic for ending her show that ran for 19 seasons following allegations that it was a torrid place to work. Former staffers claimed that it tolerated bullying, racial discrimination, and sexual harassment. Ellen later said her decision had nothing to do with the claims.)

"Thank you for still caring! Let me catch you up on what's been going on with me since you last saw me. I got chickens."

Ellen jokingly added, "Oh yeah, and I got kicked out of show business for being mean."

"Next time, I'll be kicked out for being old," she joked. "Old, gay and mean, the triple crown."

The 66-year-old took the opportunity to acknowledge and address the potential sources of the rumors surrounding her and her previous show.

"I can be demanding and impatient and tough," she explained. "I am a strong woman. I am many things, but I am not mean."

Ellen is making her Netflix comeback after her 2018 special Relatable.

The upcoming offering, produced by Ben Winston and Fulwell73, will highlight Ellen's exceptional comedic talent. It will cover diverse topics, including the conclusion of The Ellen DeGeneres Show following its highly successful 19-season run in 2022.

The new Netflix special is set to premiere later this year.