Portia de Rossi, born in 1973 in Horsham, Victoria, Australia, is a successful actress and philanthropist. She began her career with minor roles in Australian films and television before moving to California to pursue acting on a larger scale. Her major breakthrough came when she was cast as Nelle Porter on the popular legal dramedy Ally McBeal. The role earned her critical recognition and introduced her to a broader American audience.
While de Rossi gained significant acclaim for her acting, her personal life also became a topic of public interest, particularly after she came out as a lesbian. Her relationship and eventual marriage to American comedian and talk show host Ellen DeGeneres brought her even more attention. She publicly came out in 2005 and married DeGeneres in 2008. Following the marriage, she legally changed her name to Portia Lee James DeGeneres. Her openness about her sexual orientation and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights have made her a respected figure in the community.
Before her marriage to DeGeneres, de Rossi was married to filmmaker Mel Metcalfe from 1996 to 1999. The relationship remained largely private and unpublicized during its course. In later interviews, de Rossi revealed that the marriage was partly motivated by immigration considerations, a revelation that surprised many fans. Following that, she was in a relationship with singer Francesca Gregorini. The couple was seen publicly together around the year 2000, although certain personal photographs surfaced without their consent, raising concerns about media intrusion into celebrities' private lives.
Public speculation about de Rossi's sexual orientation circulated in the early 2000s, intensified by media coverage of tabloid photos. Initially private about her personal life, she eventually used the moment as an opportunity for self-acceptance and openness. She has stated in interviews that she once struggled with understanding her own sexual orientation. Her eventual relationship with Ellen DeGeneres marked a significant turning point, leading her to openly share her identity and become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights.
In 2010, de Rossi published her memoir, Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain, which candidly recounts her battle with eating disorders during her modeling and early acting career. The book offers an unflinching look at mental health, self-esteem, and the societal pressures faced by women in the entertainment industry. De Rossi describes her struggles with anorexia, body dysmorphia, and the harmful dieting habits she developed, including self-induced vomiting. She credits her recovery to therapy and self-reflection, and the memoir has been widely praised for its honesty and impact. It remains essential reading for those seeking insight into the darker side of fame and body image issues in modeling and Hollywood.
In recent interviews, de Rossi has shared her interest in returning to acting and exploring new creative ventures. Her wife, Ellen DeGeneres, remains one of America's most recognized comedians and television hosts, known for her long-running talk show and high-profile appearances, including hosting the Academy Awards. The couple continues to support various social causes and is actively involved in charitable initiatives.
| Birth Date: | 31 Jan, 1973 |
| Age: | 47 yrs |
| Citizenship: | Australia United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Horsham |
| Education: | University of Melbourne |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | Australian model, philanthropist, and actress |
| Spouse: | Ellen DeGeneres [M. 2008] Mel Metcalfe[1996-1999] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 50 million |
