In an interview with Ann Curry on NBC’s "Today," syndicated talk show star Ellen DeGeneres said that coming out as a lesbian in 1997 was the right decision, reports UPI.com.

DeGeneres, the Emmy Award-winning star of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show," told Curry, "It’s the best — because I’m free. I’m completely able to be exactly who I am. Everybody knows who’s gay in this business. Let’s face it. I mean, we could sit here, if the cameras weren’t rolling, and name all the people that we know are gay in this business. So if it wasn’t public knowledge, and I was sitting here having this interview because I’m selling my book, I would be scared to death that you were gonna catch me in something.

"I’d be scared to death that you’re gonna ask me and I’d be figuring out how I’m gonna dodge that, and what I’m gonna say. And just, it’s so ridiculous. And so to have to hide anything is just a horrible way to live. And I think you’re selling your soul to the devil just to have fame and have money and have, you know, whatever."

DeGeneres was on the show to promote her new book, "Seriously … I’m Kidding."