Key events that influenced the career of Ellen DeGeneres include coming out as gay in the 1990s and the subsequent backlash she faced. This moment became a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ representation and opened discussions about sexuality in Hollywood. DeGeneres also faced challenges with her sitcom but eventually found success with her daytime talk show, which emphasized kindness and humor. Her ability to navigate her personal and professional life has made her a trailblazer and powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and positive representation.