If you are a fan of the Netflix series Orange Is the New Black, you may have noticed a familiar face among the inmates. Lori Petty, who plays Lolly Whitehill, a paranoid and lovable journalist-turned-prisoner, bears a striking resemblance to the popular talk show host Ellen DeGeneres. But are they related by blood or just by looks? Here is the truth behind their surprising connection.
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Lori Petty: A Versatile Actress with a Cult Following
Lori Petty is an American actress, director, and screenwriter who has been in the entertainment industry since 1984. She is best known for her roles in the films Point Break, A League of Their Own, Free Willy, and Tank Girl, as well as the animated series Superman: The Animated Series and The New Batman Adventures. She has also appeared in several TV shows, such as Booker, Lush Life, Brimstone, Prison Break, and Gotham
Petty has a distinctive style and personality that make her stand out from the crowd. She is often described as feisty, quirky, offbeat, and misfit. She has a short crop of blonde hair and a tomboyish charm that appeal to many fans. She is also an outspoken advocate for animal rights, environmental issues, and LGBTQ+ rights
Ellen DeGeneres: A Trailblazing Comedian and TV Host
Ellen DeGeneres is an American comedian, television host, actress, writer, and producer who has been in the spotlight since 1978. She is the host of the syndicated talk show The Ellen DeGeneres Show, which ran from 2003 to 2022 and won 33 Daytime Emmy Awards. She is also known for her roles in the sitcoms Ellen and The Ellen Show, as well as the voice of Dory in the Disney/Pixar films Finding Nemo and Finding Dory. She has also hosted the Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, and Primetime Emmys
DeGeneres is widely admired for her humor, kindness, generosity, and courage. She came out as a lesbian in 1997 on The Oprah Winfrey Show and on her sitcom Ellen, becoming one of the first openly gay celebrities in Hollywood. She faced backlash and discrimination for her decision but later regained her popularity and respect. She married her longtime girlfriend Portia de Rossi in 2008. She has received numerous awards and honors for her work and philanthropy, including the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Carol Burnett Award
The Connection: Friendship and Collaboration
Despite their physical resemblance, Lori Petty and Ellen DeGeneres are not related by blood or by marriage. They are, however, good friends who have worked together on several occasions. According to IMDb, they first met on the set of Booker in 1989, where Petty starred as Richard Grieco’s secretary and DeGeneres guest-starred as a receptionist. They later reunited on The Ellen Show in 2001, where Petty played DeGeneres’ old friend who was arrested for protesting against animal testing. They also appeared together on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in 2015, where they discussed their roles on Orange Is the New Black and joked about their look-alike status.
Petty and DeGeneres share more than just their appearance. They also share a passion for comedy, acting, animal welfare, and social justice. They have both used their platforms to raise awareness and funds for various causes, such as PETA, The Trevor Project, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and The Ellen Fund. They have also supported each other’s careers and personal lives through mutual admiration and respect.
The Conclusion: Not Related but Still Connected
Lori Petty and Ellen DeGeneres are not related by blood or by marriage but they are connected by friendship and collaboration. They have a lot in common in terms of their looks, style, personality, interests, values, and achievements. They have also worked together on several projects and supported each other’s endeavors. They are both inspiring women who have made their mark in the entertainment industry and beyond.
So next time you see Lori Petty on Orange Is the New Black or Ellen DeGeneres on your TV screen or social media feed, remember that they are not related but still connected by a bond that goes beyond family ties.
