33. ELLEN DEGENERES
The relatability of her rambling, observational humor was key to the hubbub that surrounded Ellen DeGeneres' coming-out in April 1997. When her sitcom counterpart accidentally let 'er rip over an airport speaker system in Ellen's Emmy-winning ''Puppy Episode,'' the affable comedian emerged a heroine to the gay-rights community — and found herself in the crosshairs of the moral majority. Beaten — but also buoyed — by the experience, DeGeneres forged a remarkable comeback and became the new queen of daytime TV.

Get This! Ellen, season 4