Portia de

Portia Lee James DeGeneres, known professionally by her pseudonym Portia de Rossi, is a well-known model from the United States acting, actress and philanthropist. When she was 15 years old, she officially changed her name to an Italian title "de Rossi" which was glamorous. She adopted the name "Portia" to reference Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. The Merchant of Venice. Portia is convinced that it's the most outrageous thing she's ever done. It was said by her that an private struggle with sexuality prompted her to choose the name. Portia's career began in Hollywood by appearing in the romantic drama 'Sirens. It was a film in which she starred with Hugh Grant. The actress also appeared on several American film and TV series such as Too Something, Nick Freno, Licensed Teacher, Arrested Development, and, Better Off Ted. She became famous for her role as a Boston-based attorney who was named Nelle Porter in the TV comedy series called, Ally McBeal. Her character was the main comic relief.