Ellen DeGeneres' childhood was a dynamic and adventurous one, marked by frequent moves to various locations across the United States. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, she spent her early years in the city, but her parents' business ventures soon took the family on a journey to Vermont, Colorado, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and finally, Los Angeles.
Growing up on a farm, Ellen developed a passion for competitive horse riding, but a serious injury forced her to reevaluate her priorities. This turning point led her to pursue a career in Hollywood, rather than attending UCLA for theater as initially planned. With the understanding that education would always be available, she took a chance on the real world, only to return to school later in life with a clearer sense of what she hoped to achieve.
In addition to her biological brother, who is currently a student at the University of Southern California, Ellen has three step-siblings. Her brother, with whom she shares a close age and bond, is not only a sibling but also one of her best friends and biggest fans. When Ellen first arrived in Los Angeles, she found herself missing her beloved animals back home and so, to alleviate the loneliness, she acquired a puppy, which she named Norma, to keep her company in the bustling city.
