Oprah Winfrey

Logo for the US television network Oprah Winfrey Network

Oprah Gail Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey in 2011
Born	Orpah Gail Winfrey Birth date -1st March 1966 Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S.
Occupation	Talk show host, television producer, actress, author, philanthropist
Years active	1971–present
Notable work	The Oprah Winfrey Show

Ophrah Winfrey

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Oprah Gail Winfrey (born Orpah Gail Winfrey; January 29, 1954) is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and philanthropist. She is best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which was the highest-rated television program of its kind in history. The show was broadcast from Chicago and ran in national syndication for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011. Often referred to as the "Queen of All Media," Winfrey was the richest African American of the 20th century and, at one point, the only Black billionaire in the world. She has been recognized as the greatest Black philanthropist in U.S. history and was frequently cited as the most influential woman in the world by 2007.

Early life and education

Oprah Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, and raised in a challenging environment. She overcame adversity in her youth, including being raised in poverty and facing teenage pregnancy, which ended in a miscarriage. Her broadcasting career began during her high school years when she was hired by a local radio station to read the news part-time. She attended Tennessee State University, where she studied communication.

Career

Television

Winfrey's career in media began with local newscaster roles before she transferred her skills to the talk show format. Her empathetic style and charisma quickly caught the public's eye, leading to the launch of The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986. The show covered a wide range of topics and introduced book clubs, celebrity confessions, and lifestyle discussions that transformed the format of the talk show industry.

Acting

In addition to her television work, Winfrey also pursued an acting career, receiving critical acclaim for her role as Sofia in Steven Spielberg's 1985 film The Color Purple, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

Production and other ventures

Oprah expanded her media reach by founding Harpo Productions, a production company that produced several films and shows. She also founded the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), a television network that features a mix of original programs, documentaries, and movies.

Philanthropy

Winfrey's philanthropic efforts have been equally impactful. She has donated millions to various causes, including education, disaster relief, and support for the arts. She is particularly noted for her commitment to education for underprivileged children. Her philanthropy extends globally; for instance, she founded the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.

Legacy and influence

Oprah Winfrey's influence extends beyond television and media. She is regarded as a powerful advocate for women and girls worldwide, a promoter of literacy and education, and a symbol of hope and resilience. Her endorsements and opinions have influenced public opinion and sales of products, books, and issues of national and international importance.

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External links

• Oprah's official website
• Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN)

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