Ellen DeGeneres has shared a heartfelt tribute after her former speak present visitor Tayt Andersen died on the age of 19.
Earlier than fleeing America for the quiet confines of the Cotswolds, the 67-year-old dominated america’ airwaves, treating daytime TV fanatics to a plethora of iconic superstar moments.
Who may overlook the Kristen Bell sloth meltdown, or Taylor Swift’s 2019 loopy cat girl skit? There was additionally the watershed ‘that is not true’ interview with actress Dakota Johnson, which continues to flow into in meme type.
In 2022, DeGeneres stepped away from her titular speak present, reportedly as a result of poisonous office allegations and a big decline in scores, according to The i Paper.
The star has since saved a comparatively low profile, however typically shares clips from her a few years on air in addition to intimate life moments through her Instagram Feed.
However on Friday (September 26), the comic uploaded a tribute video to former The Ellen DeGeneres Present visitor Tayt Andersen, whose household introduced he’d died from most cancers earlier that day.
Within the clip, the actor fought again tears to clarify that when Andersen had appeared on the programme, he believed she was his ‘girlfriend’.
“We had a really particular visitor on the present a number of instances, and his title is Tayt,” she started. “And he thought that I used to be his girlfriend, and so I informed him he was my boyfriend, which shocked my spouse.
“However he was a really particular little human being, and simply introduced pleasure and life and laughter into each room that he was in,” the retired host continued. “I’ll miss him.”
A montage of their on-screen moments was then proven, and within the clip’s caption, DeGeneres wrote: “I like you Tayt. I like you Chrissy. You touched so many lives.”
Andersen’s mom, Chrissy Becker, has since responded to the heartbreaking tribute, commenting: “We love you a lot thanks for being his girlfriend you gave him a lot energy.”
In line with a GoFundMe, Anderson was born with half a coronary heart, and was compelled to bear 12 surgical procedures by the point he was 9 years previous.
When he turned ten, the TV favorite acquired a coronary heart transplant, and in 2024, he was sadly recognized with bladder most cancers.
Becker wrote that final week, Andersen’s well being took a flip for the more serious as a result of contracting an unknown an infection.
“Tayt fought one final battle. He was so alert and responsive on Sunday, however by the night time, he was in ache,” the tribute learn. “After an extended night time, he lastly discovered peace and drifted off to sleep round 4:00 a.m. Monday. He remained asleep and unresponsive, resting comfortably, till he handed away peacefully early this morning.”
{The teenager} debuted on The Ellen DeGeneres Present in January 2013, earlier than returning a number of instances, together with to tell American viewers that he’d received his coronary heart transplant in 2015.
“I received myself a brand new coronary heart!,” he mentioned on the time.
Followers and celebrities alike have additionally been paying tribute to Andersen.
One Instagram person commented: “Our hearts ache for a boy we solely knew via your present. Tayt’s smile and braveness touched thousands and thousands. Ellen, you gave us the present of understanding him, and that’s one thing daytime TV has by no means been capable of give us once more. We miss these moments, and we’ll all the time keep in mind Tayt.”
Father of the Bride actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley mentioned: “Thanks for being such a cheerleader and good friend to him. And for introducing the world to this candy boy.”
And creator Nikki Husted wrote: “I’m so sorry, Ellen. Tayt was an exquisite human.”
You may donate to Tayt Andersen’s GoFundMe page right here.
