Ellen DeGeneres and wife Portia de Rossi have scooped up a $10 million horse ranch way outside Los Angeles in Westlake Village, California. The pair have long expressed interest in one day retiring from the hustle and bustle and just enjoying the simple life. “It’s our dream that we’ll end up in a sweet country town on a farm,” Portia said back in March. “I love horses and riding and love animals and Ellen loves animals. It would be lovely for us. It’s what we’re going to do when we’re not working anymore.”

The 26-acre ranch, which was used as the quarantine site for foreign horses during the 2000 Olympics, features numerous residences including a single story, 10-room Spanish hacienda style main house that measures 6,329 square feet and includes 5 bedrooms and 5 bathrooms.

According to ShelterPop, back in 2005, Ellen gave Portia a gray gelding named Jones and Portia gave Ellen a quarter horse named Puff, both of which are probably now housed in the deluxe stable complex of their new ranch. We’ve no doubt that this ranch is a dream retreat for the couple — though we wouldn’t be surprised if this latest purchase is just a stepping stone to even bigger things down the road. According to Berg Properties, Ellen “has bought and sold more southern California properties in the last 10 years than virtually any other Hollywood celebrity.” Who knew?

Satellite view of the property available here.

“I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer. I read books like “Diet for a New America” and saw documentaries like “Earthlings” and “Meet your Meat,” and it became an easy choice for me.

If you choose to educate yourself, it’ll be an easy choice for you, too. Click here to take a look at a variety of reasons for living a vegan life.”

- Ellen DeGeneres publicly discussing veganism on her official page. Seriously, there are no words to describe how utterly thrilled I am that Ellen is part of Team V. This just proves why she deserved the title of Ecorazzi’s Number 1 Celebrity Vegan of 2009. Here at the Razz, we support Ellen one hundred percent and look forward to her continued work in the movement. Keep rockin’ the good stuff, E!

Last week, Ellen brought on her personal chef – Roberto Martin — to teach viewers how to make a delicious vegan meal. On the menu was: mashed potatoes, field roast with a red wine reduction and grilled vegetables. Get.in.my.belly!

Ellen and her chef proved live on television just how simple, easy and scrumptious vegan food can be. And using only a fraction of the natural resources of animal foods, we’re happy to say this plant-based meal was Mother Earth approved.

Check out the video below to watch the goodness, and then visit Ellen.WarnerBros.com to get the recipe!

via: vegetarianstar.com

Wanna support a good cause and hang out with some of your favorite celebrities at an amazing party? Then look no further.

On Saturday, September 5th, you can join Honorary Gala Chair Ellen DeGeneres and many other kickass celebrities at the Animal Acres 2009 Gala celebration!

The event starts at 5:00 pm with the “Cowtail Party”, where celebrity hosts, award recipients, and Gala guests meet and mingle with the sanctuary’s “guests of honor” – over 150 rescued cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, sheep and goats. Then it’s some delicious dinner from Madeleine’s Bistro and a star-studded award ceremony.

All proceeds from the Gala will benefit the farm’s emergency rescue and shelter programs to provide feed, housing, and veterinary care for suffering farmed animals.

Gala tickets must be purchased by September 1st, so make sure you visit AnimalAcres.org and get yours today!

I’m not gonna lie — vegan celebrities are probably on my mind a bit more than the average person. It just sort of comes with the job. 

I often find myself turning to friends in movies and whispering, “Pssst…notice in that scene how (insert vegan celebrity) didn’t really eat that sandwich. Yeah, it’s totally cause he’s VEG.”  Or I’ll see a well-known vegan artist on the cover of a magazine and manically skim the article for any words that start with the letter “v.” The first step to recovery is admitting you have a problem.   

Yesterday while walking home from a swanky event, I found myself trying to come up with the Top 5 Vegan Celebrities of 2009. Within a few minutes I made my picks and had already asked my Facebook friends (ps. why aren’t we Facebook friends?) to weigh in. And so, for your reading enjoyment, here are Ecorazzi’s Top 5 Vegan Celebrities of 2009!

Counting down…

5. Ginnifer Goodwin

There’s nothing I love more than a fresh-faced vegan who’s new to the scene and excited about the cause. Never afraid to share her thoughts on the issue, Ginnifer is constantly bringing up her herbivore ways.  While on Late Night with Conan O’Brian, Goodwin proudly declared,  “It’s amazing! I’m like on a vegan high! I don’t need drugs. There’s a party in my body. Every thing’s working appropriately.”  For her outspokenness, wisdom and PR skills, I proudly salute Ginnifer and offer her spot number five on our countdown. 

4. John Salley

John Salley proves that you don’t need animal protein to be a serious athlete. The famous NBA star has no problem throwing the word “vegan” around and recently took to the cameras to share  his thoughts with PETA . For his plant-based power, I knight Sir John Salley number four on our list of vegan celebs. 

3. Alicia Silverstone

Ah yes, the venerable veteran vegan!  Alicia Silverstone is well-known for inspiring the masses with  her compassionate views and being a steadfast warrior for the cause. Look for her new book — The Kind Diet – coming out this fall. Veganism never looked so good and for that we bow our heads and offer Alicia spot number three. 

2.  Emily Deschanel

Emily Deschanel is one of those glamorous vegans that prove the power of plant-based foods. A vegan of over 16 years and a supporter of many great animal organizations, Emily is a rock in the movement and angel for the animals. For all of these reasons, we give her a high-five and spot number two.

1. Ellen DeGeneres

If I could, I’d write a book called Why Ellen DeGeneres Is Cooler Than PB&J.  You see, Ellen has perhaps the most attractive trait any celebrity could posses: the ability to speak-up for the causes she believes in without turning people off. As a fresh-off-the-boat vegan, Ellen has embraced the lifestyle with pride and gusto and helped promote some of the greatest leaders in the movement.  To thank her for all your compassion and coolness, we offer Ellen the biggest slice of vegan cake we can find and the title of our NUMBER ONE Vegan Celebrity of 2009. 

Well there you have it — our effing list of awesomeness. Of course, there are plenty of other vegan celebrities out there who we think are super rad and we sincerely thank them for their activist skills. 

Who are your Top 5 Vegan Celebrities of 2009? Chime in and let us know!!

Attention ladies: If you plan on attending Universal Studio’s “Eco-Fair” this coming Sunday and feel a little flushed, don’t blame it on Global Warming. Chances are, Dancing with the Stars’ front runner Gilles Marini is the culprit. The actor will will sign autographs, greet fans and maybe shake it a bit when he makes a special guest appearance at Universal Studios Hollywood’s free Eco-Fair on Sunday, April 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Besides drooling over Marini, guests can also take rides on electric bicycles, discover how an engine-less SUV can zoom to astonishing speeds and see just how quickly cookies bake in a solar powered oven.

Ellen DeGeneres is cleaning our her closet and throwing the stuff up on eBay — with all the money raised going towards the Humane Society of the United States. “I’m auctioning off a bunch of clothes on eBay that I’ve worn on my show or to awards shows,” she writes. “Twenty-five items each week. If you’re the winning bidder, you could actually have the shirt that I wore when Chris Matthews groped me. Or, the outfit I wore when I won an Emmy. I’m even gonna ask celebrity guests to donate things too. I want you to have the shirt off my back…and it’s all for a great cause.” [Read more...]

The youth division of PETA has honored Miley Cyrus with a Compassionate Citizen Award for adopting one of the birds that featured in her new film Hannah Montana: The Movie, and making sure the other poultry co-stars found good homes as well. “Miley’s heart is as big as her smile,” said PETA’s Dan Shannon. “We hope that her act of compassion will inspire her fans to be kind to animals too.”[Read more...]

The usual suspects were out in full force and included Razz faves Constance Marie, who having recently given birth to a baby girl, couldn’t help but extol the virtues of veganism; the oh-so-beautiful Emily Deschanel; James Cromwell, Wendie Malick; Jennifer Coolidge; Esai Morales; Corey Feldman; and Jillian Reynolds, who reminded us to get our dogs from shelters and not pet stores. Other celebs lending their support included Gabrielle Anwar, Matt Grant, Joe Mantegna, and Victoria Stilwell.

Gorgeous ANTM judge, Nigel Barker, made hearts flutter as he strolled the red carpet, but was all business when it came to ending the Canadian Seal Hunt. “I’ve always been interested in marine biology so the Humane Society approached me last year to take over the Save the Seals Campaign from Sir Paul McCartney, and I’m very happy to do that.” And by the way, he LOVES the Razz!

Oakland Raiders star, Jarrod Cooper, was emphatic about animal shelters and volunteering. When asked if he was going to become a spokesman, Jarrod replied, “Well I’m thinking about just beating people up who don’t spay and neuter their dogs!” And that he would also be the first to whoop Michael Vick’s behind when he got out of jail! He was joking, of course!

Michael Vartan is also an impassioned supporter, especially against the atrocities committed in China. “In 2009 it absolutely shocks me that we haven’t gone to that next level in human consciousness. Events like this really help.” Heather Mills (who despite recent media reports is not the spokesperson for a new vegetarian menu at Burger King) has actively used her celebrity to campaign against the skinning of dogs and cats in China, and has just had the ban supported and passed by 27 countries. Way to go, Heather — and Burger King, if you’re listening, she’s open to the idea!

Obviously, there’s a great deal of graphic visuals showing animals suffering — something that’s deterred many from taking a look. It’s the unfortunate reality for some that ignorance is bliss — and Earthlings does an amazing job of pulling back the curtain on day-to-day practices that some people would rather not know about.

In an effort to reach out to those who might want to hear the message, but not necessarily see the images, the producers have released a new audiobook of the film adapted from the original feature-length film. It’s once more narrated by Joaquin Phoenix and features music by Moby. “Releasing Earthlings as an audiobook allows us to present this sensitive issue in a way that educates its audience without alienating or overwhelming them,” said Earthlings executive producer Babak Cyrus Razi. “We understand that the film’s shocking images are not suited for all viewers, so the audiobook is ideal for anyone who has been hesitant to see the film, or as a way for animal activists or pet owners to introduce their friends and family to animal rights, vegan lifestyles and the exploitation of animals for profit.”

Want to grab it? The audiobook is available for immediate download at the official site for $13.97 or preorder a two-CD set for $19.99. Alternatively, check out our recent interview with Earthlings director Shaun Monson here.

Like other celebrities before them, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have dreams to leave the hustle and bustle of LA and retire to a quiet farm life.

In a recent interview, de Rossi was asked what she and her wife might do once the camera stop rolling. “It’s our dream that we’ll end up in a sweet country town on a farm,” she said. “I love horses and riding and love animals and Ellen loves animals,” she says. “It would be lovely for us. It’s what we’re going to do when we’re not working anymore.”

“I’d rank my career as a good, healthy third of my life,” she added. “It’s important, and without this third, I wouldn’t feel whole. But it’s not important for me to be engaged in it 12 months of the year. I need to find my projects and I need to feel like I’m being challenged and I need to feel creative. But when this is over, I’ll be just as happy to ride my horses and paint.”

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