Laura Dern has expressed her gratitude and surprise at being recognized as an LGBTQ+ icon, particularly in light of her pivotal role in a groundbreaking television moment nearly three decades ago. The actress, who celebrated her 59th birthday on February 10, reflected on her experience during a recent appearance on the podcast Las Culturistas, hosted by Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang.
Recounting the cultural moment from 2020 when members of the queer community collectively expressed their admiration for her, Dern described the feeling as “insane” and “surreal.” This recognition was highlighted by a performance at the Independent Spirit Awards, where the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles celebrated her contributions through a song that emphasized her impactful scenes from the 2019 film Marriage Story, which won her an Oscar.
Dern connected her recent recognition to the significant cultural shifts witnessed since her appearance in Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom in 1997. During the famed “Puppy Episode,” DeGeneres’ character came out as gay, making history as the first lead character of a U.S. network television show to do so. Dern portrayed Susan, a love interest of DeGeneres’ character, and shared how the experience was deeply emotional and transformative. She recalled the challenges they faced, including bomb threats and lost advertisers, underscoring how daring that moment was despite the backlash.
Reflecting on the event, Dern noted that it seemed obvious in retrospect, but at the time, they encountered significant resistance from society. “The assumption is you’re gonna do this thing and, thank god, people will wake up… but instead, [DeGeneres] lost her show,” Dern stated, conveying the complex reality of being part of such a pivotal cultural moment.
She articulated the privilege she felt in supporting DeGeneres as she bravely declared her truth, noting it as one of the most incredible experiences of her life. Dern now often hears personal stories from individuals about how that episode impacted their own queer journeys, which she considers a beautiful testament to the importance of representation and courage in media.
Beyond her on-screen roles, Dern emphasized her aspiration to create a safe space for those who resonate with her story, acknowledging the deep, emotional connections fostered through her participation in such historical moments. With a heartfelt commitment to embrace her role as a supportive presence, Dern hopes to continue uplifting the voices within the LGBTQ+ community and beyond.