Portia de

Portia Lee James DeGeneres, known professionally by her pseudonym Portia de Rossi, is a famous Australian-American model acting, actress and philanthropist. She legally changed her name when she was 15and adopted the title 'Portia', derived from the Shakespearean production 'The Merchant of Venice'. Then she adopted the Italian name 'de Rossi', which she thought was glamorous. Portia believes that it was the most daring thing she's done in her life and stated that the urgency for her to change her name was due to her struggle with her sexuality. Her career in the film industry began with the romantic drama film 'Sirens. She was in the film with Hugh Grant. In addition, she appeared in a variety of American films and television shows including Too Something, Nick Freno, licensed Teacher, Arrested Development, as well as, Better Off Ted. She became famous for her role in the role of a Boston-based lawyer called Nelle Porter in the popular comedy on television called Ally McBeal. Her character was the main comic relief.