Ellen DeGeneres: The Voice Behind Dory in Finding Nemo

Introduction

Ever wondered who gave the endearing and memorable voice to the sea turtle Dory in the beloved animated film ‘Finding Nemo’? The answer to that question is none other than the talented and versatile actress and comedian, Ellen DeGeneres. This article delves into Ellen's journey before and after this iconic role, the challenges she faced, and the impact this role had on her career.

Ellen DeGeneres: Before Finding Nemo

1. Early Life and Career

Ellen DeGeneres was born on January 26, 1958, in Birmingham, Alabama. She began her career as a stand-up comedian in Los Angeles during the 1980s. Her distinctive comedic style and ability to connect with audiences quickly earned her a strong fan base. In 1990, she debuted her stand-up comedy special titled “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” which was a hit. Ellen then went on to star in her own sitcom, ‘Ellen’, which ran from 1994 to 1998. However, the series faced some controversy, leading to its cancellation.

2. The Career Low

After ‘Ellen’ was canceled, Ellen DeGeneres faced a significant career low. Despite her talent as a comedian and actress, the cancellation of her show and the backlash from funders and advertisers due to her coming out as a lesbian in 1997 took a toll on her career. However, she did not give up and continued to pursue her passion in comedy and acting.

The Making of Finding Nemo

3. Meeting Pixar and Disney

In the mid-1990s, Ellen was introduced to Pixar and Disney through her friend, Will Smith, who was scheduled to voice the character Jim inside a lamp in a Pixar short film. Ellen jokingly told Will that the “thickest character” in the film should be her, given that her accent would be mistaken for a British one, and the idea stuck.

4. The Role of Dory

Despite her initial hesitation, Ellen took on the role of Dory with immense enthusiasm, later saying, "I mean, it's not like I couldn't cry because I have to,” describing her emotional preparation for the role. The character of Dory was a perfect fit for Ellen's comedic style and her ability to bring warmth and humor to the screen.

Dory's Character and Impact

5. The Character of Dory

6. Popular Memes and Parodies

The role of Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ is one of Ellen's most memorable roles. Dory is a forgetful sea turtle who finds herself continually answering the question, "What's your name, Dory?" with “my name is Dory.” Her character is beloved for her casual catchphrases and childlike innocence, making her one of the most recognizable and beloved characters in the film. The film premiered in 2003 and grossed over $870 million worldwide, solidifying the success of the role.

Dory's character inspired a plethora of memes and parodies both on and offline. Fans created their own memes featuring Dory and her catchphrases, which became a significant part of internet culture. Her catchphrase “Just keep swimming” also gained a life of its own, often used to inspire people to keep moving forward in the face of adversity.

7. The Impact on Ellen's Career

8. A Comeback

The role of Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ marked a significant comeback for Ellen DeGeneres. Following the success of the film, Ellen's career took off once again. In 2007, she developed a new talk show, which was the most-watched talk show in history, and she also hosted the 2010 Academy Awards, where she received a lengthy standing ovation. Her IMDb data shows that after the release of ‘Finding Nemo’, her career skyrocketed, with numerous award nominations and wins.

Conclusion

From a comedian and actress who faced a career low to becoming the voice of one of the most beloved characters in animated history, Ellen DeGeneres' journey with Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ is a testament to her talent and resilience. The role undoubtedly changed the course of her career and made her a household name not just in the United States, but also around the world. Ellen DeGeneres continues to be a legendary figure in both comedy and voice acting, and the legacy of her role as Dory in ‘Finding Nemo’ will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.