Ellen DeGeneres marks 25 years from her historic sitcom episode: “People warned me that it would ruin my career.”

Twenty-five years have passed since the historic coming out episode of Ellen DeGeneres’ sitcom “Ellen”.

Organizers will discuss the anniversary at the Ellen Degeneres Show on Thursday, reflecting on the impact and importance of the LGBTQ community, pop culture, and “puppy episodes” around the world.

DeGeneres admits: “When I came out, people warned me that it would ruin my career. They were right for a while, just three years I lost my career, but now Please look at me!”

Read more: Laura Dern recalls being part of the coming out episode of Ellen DeGeneres and the “profound cultural change” it created.

She adds that she wants the world to continue to “evolve” over the next 25 years and appreciates the continued support of the audience.

During the episode, DeGeneres will be joined by Lily Tomlin. Lily Tomlin remembers when she first appeared gay to a stranger at a college bar.

She says. “I was sitting in a bar and told someone,’I’m gay.’ I thought it was great to announce. It wasn’t that great at the time … late ’60s.”

Read more: The Ellen DeGeneres Show announces finale dates and all-star guest lineup

Tomlin reveals how she has been dating her partner Jane Wagner for over 50 years. The pair tied a knot in 2013.

In addition, celebrities such as Sarah Paulson, Brandi Carlile, Laverne Cox, and DeGeneres staff will watch the historic “Ellen” episode and discuss the impact the host has had on their lives. See the clip below for more details.