Most Famous Ellens in the World

The name Ellen has traveled widely across screens and stages, attached to performers who shaped television, film, theater, comedy, and music. From headline-making talk shows to award-winning dramas and pop-culture touchstones, these Ellens have left substantial footprints that audiences keep rediscovering across decades and genres.

Below is a curated look at notable public figures named Ellen whose careers span acting, stand-up, hosting, voice work, singing, and more. Each profile highlights the roles, releases, awards, or industry milestones that have defined their reach and kept their names in regular conversation around the world.

Ellen DeGeneres

Ellen DeGeneres is a stand-up comic and television host best known for the ABC sitcom ‘Ellen’ and the syndicated daytime juggernaut ‘The Ellen DeGeneres Show’. Her sitcom made television history when her character came out in the widely watched ‘The Puppy Episode’, and her talk show collected dozens of Daytime Emmy Awards during its long run. She has also been a prominent producer through A Very Good Production and hosted major live broadcasts, including the Academy Awards.

DeGeneres is a significant voice actor, most famously as Dory in Disney–Pixar’s ‘Finding Nemo’ and ‘Finding Dory’. Her philanthropic efforts have included wildlife conservation initiatives and high-profile charitable giveaways on her talk show, and she received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of her contributions to entertainment and advocacy.

Ellen Pompeo

Ellen Pompeo is an American actress and producer recognized globally for leading the long-running medical drama ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ as Dr. Meredith Grey. Her tenure helped anchor the series through cast changes and international syndication, turning it into one of television’s most enduring network dramas.

Pompeo has expanded into producing episodes of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and developing projects through her company Calamity Jane. She has also been involved in podcasting and limited-series work, adding behind-the-camera credits to a career built on one of TV’s most recognizable roles.

Ellen Burstyn

Ellen Burstyn is an acclaimed film and stage actress whose body of work includes ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore’, ‘The Exorcist’, and ‘Requiem for a Dream’. She has earned major awards recognition across film, television, and theater, making her part of the small group often referred to as achieving the Triple Crown of Acting.

Beyond screen roles, Burstyn has served in leadership at the Actors Studio and authored books detailing her craft and life. Her continued appearances in prestige television and film have kept her active in contemporary projects while maintaining a legacy tied to landmark performances.

Ellen Barkin

Ellen Barkin broke out in films such as ‘Diner’, ‘The Big Easy’, and ‘Sea of Love’, later joining the ensemble of ‘Ocean’s Thirteen’. Known for dynamic, character-forward roles across crime, drama, and comedy, she has worked with directors spanning studio and independent productions.

On stage, Barkin earned critical recognition for ‘The Normal Heart’, and on television she headlined the crime family drama ‘Animal Kingdom’. She has also produced for film and television, adding additional credits that underline a career extending beyond on-screen performances.

Ellen Greene

Ellen Greene is a singer and actress celebrated for originating Audrey on stage and bringing the role to the screen in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’. Her interpretation of the musical’s songs became definitive for generations of theater fans and film viewers alike.

Greene’s television work includes the stylized mystery series ‘Pushing Daisies’, where her musical background blended with screen acting. She has released solo recordings, appeared in concert settings, and continued stage work that showcases her distinctive vocal presence.

Ellen Muth

Ellen Muth is best known for the darkly comic fantasy series ‘Dead Like Me’, where she played Georgia “George” Lass. The show developed a devoted following for its mix of workplace satire and metaphysical storytelling, and she reprised the role in the follow-up film ‘Dead Like Me: Life After Death’.

Muth’s career includes additional television guest roles and voice work, as well as appearances at fan conventions tied to her signature series. Her performance as George remains a reference point for shows balancing offbeat humor with themes about mortality and second chances.

Ellen Wong

Ellen Wong earned international attention playing Knives Chau in ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. the World’, a role she revisited in later cast reunions and related projects. The film’s visual style and soundtrack turned it into a modern cult favorite, keeping its ensemble in the spotlight.

Wong expanded her profile with the ensemble of ‘GLOW’, set in the world of women’s professional wrestling, and has credits across drama, comedy, and genre fare. She has also supported Asian diaspora storytelling through indie projects and festival appearances.

Ellen Hollman

Ellen Hollman is an actress and martial-arts practitioner known for action-oriented roles, including Saxa in ‘Spartacus: War of the Damned’. She has performed extensive fight choreography on screen, bringing athleticism and combat training to characters in period and contemporary settings.

Hollman appeared in ‘The Matrix Resurrections’, adding a major science-fiction franchise to her resume, and she has headlined action thrillers on television and streaming. She also participates in charity events and training programs that align with her athletic background.

Ellen Foley

Ellen Foley is a singer and actress whose vocals power the rock classic ‘Paradise by the Dashboard Light’ alongside Meat Loaf. She has released solo albums, collaborated with notable rock artists, and moved between studio recordings and live performance.

On television, Foley joined the cast of ‘Night Court’ as public defender Billie Young, adding sitcom exposure to a music-first career. Stage credits include musical theater, and her discography spans rock and pop, marking a long-running presence both on records and onstage.

Ellen Cleghorne

Ellen Cleghorne is a comedian and actress who rose to prominence as a cast member on ‘Saturday Night Live’. Her sketches and recurring characters placed her among the notable alumni who transitioned from stand-up into network television.

Cleghorne later starred in the sitcom ‘Cleghorne!’ and appeared in films and guest spots that extended her comedy brand to broader audiences. She has also taught and mentored in comedy and performance, contributing to the development of new voices in sketch and stand-up.

Share your favorites or suggest other Ellens we should include in the comments!