Anne Heche — Quick Facts about the Actress and Ellen Degeneres' Ex Who Was Eliminated from DWTS

Anne Heche has conquered the entertainment industry as an actor, director, and screenwriter, and her latest achievement is a former contestant on “Dancing with the Stars.”

Season 29 of ABC''s “Dancing with the Stars” brought along various stars to entertain fans and the renowned American actress, Anne Heche, was among them. Heche joined the show with determination to take home the Mirrorball Trophy.

The 51-year-old partnered with DWTS pro dancer, Keo Motsepe, but unfortunately got eliminated in the fourth week. However, much more than being a former contestant on the dancing competition show, Heche is a Hollywood powerhouse.

HECHE IS A TALENTED ACTOR

Heche is one of the few celebrities who have conquered the world of television and movies. She has starred in shows like “The Brave,” “Men in Trees,” and “Hung.” She currently stars in “Chicago P.D.” as Deputy Superintendent Katherine Brennan.

Her movie credits include “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” “Psycho,” and “Six Days, Seven Nights,” where she starred alongside Harrison Ford. She bagged a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Best Supporting Actress in the Lifetime Network movie, “Gracie’s Choice.”

HER CONTROVERSIAL RELATIONSHIP WITH ELLEN DEGENERES

Heche was in a relationship with comedian Ellen DeGeneres from 1997 to 2007. Due to the peculiarity of their relationship and the bigotry towards LGBTQ+ couple, the actress endured a career backlash.

In a candid interview with People Magazine, Heche reflected on her time with DeGeneres and recounted how she was chased out of the premiere party of her movie, “Volcano,” because she took the comedian as a date.

She explained that they were ushered out and told to attend a party of their own. However, the worst was yet to come. Explaining how their relationship dealt a significant blow on her career, she said:

“The stigma attached to that relationship was so bad that I was fired from my multi-million dollar picture deal, and I did not work in a studio picture for 10 years.”

SHE WAS AN LGBTQ+ PIONEER

Heche’s relationship with Degeneres was the foundation for the freedom and inclusion of LGBTQ+ in the industry. During an interview with Mr. Warburton Magazine, she spoke about how her maltreatment paved the way for others. In her words:

“I’m proud to have been part of a revolution that helped move equality forward, but there is still work to do."

She also credited actor Alec Baldwin and Harrison Ford for believing in her and not focusing on the controversial headlines but her talent. They gave Heche acting jobs after the scandal with DeGeneres.

HER SEXUAL ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH

The “Donnie Brasco” actress had a troubled childhood. Her father, a choir director, sexually abused her as a toddler, and this caused her to form another personality which she named Celestia.

In her book, “Call Me Crazy,” the actress explained that she battled mental illness all her life and always escaped to a fantasy world that made her believe she was from another planet. Away from the spotlight, Heche is a proud mother of two, Homer, 18, and Atlas, 11.