Synopsis

Media giant Oprah Winfrey was born in the rural town of Kosciusko, Mississippi, on
January 29, 1954. In 1976, Winfrey moved to Baltimore, where she hosted a hit
television chat show, People Are Talking. Afterward, she was recruited by a Chicago
TV station to host her own morning show. She later became the host of her own,
wildly popular program, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired for 25 seasons, from
1986 to 2011. That same year, Winfrey launched her own TV network, the Oprah
Winfrey Network.
Oprah's Beginnings
American television host, actress, producer, philanthropist and entrepreneur Oprah
Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. After a
troubled adolescence in a small farming community, where she was sexually abused
by a number of male relatives and friends of her mother, Vernita, she moved to
Nashville to live with her father, Vernon, a barber and businessman. She entered
Tennessee State University in 1971 and began working in radio and television
broadcasting in Nashville.
In 1976, Oprah Winfrey moved to Baltimore, Maryland, where she hosted the TV
chat show People Are Talking. The show became a hit and Winfrey stayed with it for
eight years, after which she was recruited by a Chicago TV station to host her own
morning show, A.M. Chicago. Her major competitor in the time slot was Phil
Donahue. Within several months, Winfrey's open, warm-hearted personal style had
won her 100,000 more viewers than Donahue and had taken her show from last
place to first in the ratings. Her success led to nationwide fame and a role in Steven
Spielberg's 1985 filmThe Color Purple, for which she was nominated for an Academy
Award for Best Supporting Actress.
Winfrey launched the Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986 as a nationally syndicated
program. With its placement on 120 channels and an audience of 10 million people,
the show grossed $125 million by the end of its first year, of which Winfrey received
$30 million. She soon gained ownership of the program from ABC, drawing it under
the control of her new production company, Harpo Productions ('Oprah' spelled
backwards) and making more and more money from syndication.
Success and Fame
In 1994, with talk shows becoming increasingly trashy and exploitative, Winfrey
pledged to keep her show free of tabloid topics. Although ratings initially fell, she
earned the respect of her viewers and was soon rewarded with an upsurge in
popularity. Her projects with Harpo have included the highly rated 1989 TV
miniseries, The Women of Brewster Place, which she also starred in. Winfrey also
signed a multi-picture contract with Disney. The initial project, 1998's Beloved,
based on Pulitzer Prize-winning novel by Toni Morrison and starring Winfrey and
Danny Glover, got mixed reviews and generally failed to live up to expectations.
Winfrey, who became almost as well-known for her weight loss efforts as for her talk
show, lost an estimated 90 pounds (dropping to her ideal weight of around 150

pounds) and competed in the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C., in 1995.
In the wake of her highly publicized success, Winfrey's personal chef, Rosie Daley,
and trainer, Bob Greene, both published best-selling books.
The media giant contributed immensely to the publishing world by launching her
"Oprah's Book Club," as part of her talk show. The program propelled many
unknown authors to the top of the bestseller lists and gave pleasure reading a new
kind of popular prominence.
With the debut in 1999 of Oxygen Media, a company she co-founded that is
dedicated to producing cable and Internet programming for women, Winfrey
ensured her place in the forefront of the media industry and as one of the most
powerful and wealthy people in show business. In 2002, she concluded a deal with
the network to air a prime-time complement to her syndicated talk show. Her highly
successful monthly, O: The Oprah Magazine debuted in 2000, and in 2004, she
signed a new contract to continue The Oprah Winfrey Show through the 2010-11
season. Now syndicated, the show is seen on nearly 212 U.S. stations and in more
than 100 countries worldwide.
The Oprah Winfrey Network
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey announced that she would be ending her program when her
contract with ABC ended, in 2011. Soon after, she moved to her own network,
the Oprah Winfrey Network, a joint venture with Discovery Communications.
Despite a financially rocky start, the network made headlines in January 2013, when
it aired an interview between Winfrey and Lance Armstong, the American cyclist and
seven-time Tour de France winner who was stripped of his seven Tour titles in 2012
due to doping charges. During the interview, Armstrong admitted to using
performance-enhancing substances throughout his cycling career, including the
hormones cortisone, testosterone and erythropoietin (also known as EPO). "I am
deeply flawed ... and I'm paying the price for it, and I think that's okay. I deserve
this," he stated. The interview reportedly brought in millions of dollars in revenue for
OWN.
Of her interview with Armstrong, Winfrey said in a statement, "He did not come
clean in the manner I expected. It was surprising to me. I would say that, for myself,
my team, all of us in the room, we were mesmerized by some of his answers. I felt
he was thorough. He was serious. He certainly prepared himself for this moment. I
would say he met the moment. At the end of it, we both were pretty exhausted."
In March 2015, Winfrey announced that her Chicago-based Harpo Studios would
close at the end of the year to consolidate the companys production operations to
the Los Angeles-based OWN headquarters. Winfreys television empire was
launched at the studio and it had been home to her daily syndicated talk show
through its finale in 2011. "The time had come to downsize this part of the business
and to move forward. It will be sad to say goodbye," said Winfrey, "but I look ahead
with such a knowing that what the future holds is even more than I can see."
Activism and Charity

According to Forbes magazine, Oprah was the richest African American of the 20th
century and the world's only Black billionaire for three years running.Life magazine
hailed her as the most influential woman of her generation. In 2005, Business Week
named her the greatest Black philanthropist in American history. Oprah's Angel
Network has raised more than $51,000,000 for charitable programs, including girls'
education in South Africa and relief to the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
Winfrey is a dedicated activist for children's rights; in 1994, President Clinton signed
a bill into law that Winfrey had proposed to Congress, creating a nationwide
database of convicted child abusers. She founded the Family for Better Lives
foundation and also contributes to her alma mater, Tennessee State University. In
September 2002, Oprah was named the first recipient of the Academy of Television
Arts & Sciences' Bob Hope Humanitarian Award.
Winfrey campaigned for Democratic presidential hopeful Barack Obama in
December 2007, attracting the largest crowds of the primary season to that point.
Winfrey joined Obama for a series of rallies in the early primary/caucus states of
Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina. It was the first time Winfrey had ever
campaigned for a political candidate.
The biggest event was at the University of South Carolina football stadium, where
29,000 supporters attended a rally that had been switched from an 18,000-seat
basketball arena to satisfy public demand.
"Dr. (Martin Luther) King dreamed the dream. But we don't have to just dream the
dream any more," Oprah told the crowd. "We get to vote that dream into reality by
supporting a man who knows not just who we are, but who we can be." The power
of Winfrey's political endorsement was unclear (Obama won Iowa and South
Carolina, but lost New Hampshire). But she has a clear track record of turning
unknown authors into blockbuster best-sellers when she mentions their books on
her program.
After The Oprah Winfrey Show ended on September 9, 2011, Oprah has remained in
the rapidly shifting and converging media field through The Oprah Winfrey Network
(OWN), which launched on January 1, 2011.
In her final season of her talk show, Oprah made ratings soar when she revealed a
family secret: she has a half-sister named Patricia. Oprah's mother gave birth to a
baby girl in 1963. At the time, Oprah was 9 years old, and living with her father. Lee
put the child up for adoption because she believed that she wouldn't be able to get
off public assistance if she had another child to care for. Patricia lived in a series of
foster homes until she was 7 years old.
Patricia tried to connect with her birth mother through her adoption agency after
she became an adult, but Lee did not want to meet her. After doing some research,
she approached a niece of Winfrey's, and the two had DNA tests done, which proved
they were related.

Winfrey only learned of her sister's existence a few months before she made the
decision to publicize the knowledge. "It was one of the greatest surprises of my life,"
Winfrey said on her show.
In November 2013, Winfrey received the nation's highest civilian honor, the
Presidental Medal of Freedom. President Barack Obama gave her this award for her
contributions to her country.
Since 1992, Winfrey has been engaged to Stedman Graham, a public relations
executive. The couple lives in Chicago, and Winfrey also has homes in Montecito,
California, Rolling Prairie, Indiana, and Telluride, Colorado.

Oprah Winfrey
Media proprietor
Oprah Gail Winfrey, born January 29, 1954, is an American media proprietor, talk
show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Wikipedia
Born: January 29, 1954 (age 62), Kosciusko, Mississippi, United States
Partner: Stedman Graham (1986)
Net worth: 3 billion USD (2015) Forbes
Movies and TV shows: The Oprah Winfrey Show, more

Quick Facts
ALSO LISTED IN
TV Presenters, TV Anchors
ALSO KNOWN AS
Oprah, Oprah Gail Winfrey, O, Deepak Oprah, Lady O, Orpah Gail Winfrey, The Preacher, The
Little Speaker
FAMOUS AS
Media proprietor
NATIONALITY
American

Famous American Women

BORN ON
29 January 1954 AD
BIRTHDAY
29th January

Famous 29th January Birthdays

AGE
62 Years
SUN SIGN
Aquarius

Aquarius Women

BORN IN
Kosciusko
FATHER
Vernon Winfrey
MOTHER
Vernita Lee
SIBLINGS
Patricia Lloyd, Jeffrey Lee, Patricia Lee
SPOUSE:
Stedman Graham
EDUCATION
Tennessee State University
East Literature Magnet School
Nicolet High School
FOUNDER/CO-FOUNDER
Oprah's Angel Network, Family for Better Lives, Harpo Productions, Oprah Winfrey Network,
Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, Oxygen, Oprah Winfrey Foundation
NET WORTH
3 billion USD (2015)
HOBBIES
She likes to spend time with her dogs and likes to travel. Oprah loves to read and take
pictures she enjoys the colors of pictures and she loves capturing every moment
HUMANITARIAN WORK
Creator of Oprahs Angel Network
AWARDS
Kennedy Center Honors - 2010
Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award - 2011
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Special Class Series - 2014
More Awards
People's Choice Award for Favorite Talk Show Host - 2004-1988
peabody award - 1996
NAACP Image Award for Entertainer of the Year - 1989
Bob Hope Humanitarian Award - 2002
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show Host - 1998-1995-1994
People's Choice Award for Favorite Female TV Performer - 1998-1997
Anisfield-Wolf Book Award - 2010
spingarn medal - 2000

Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Talk Show - 1997-1996-1995

Producers Guild of America Award - Stanley Kramer Award - 2008
TCA Career Achievement Award - 2011
NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame Award - 2005
International Emmy Award for Founders - 2005
Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Television Movie - 2000
Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Children/Youth/Family Special - 1993
Producers Guild of America Award - David L. Wolper Producer of the Year Award in Long-Form
Television - 2000
Medal of Distingui
hed Contribution to American Letters - 1999
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Oprah Winfrey is an internationally influential self-made billionaire African-American woman.

Born to an unwed mother who had a short relationship with a soldier stationed nearby,
Oprah grew up in dire poverty, and was primarily raised by her grandmother. Sexually
abused and mistreated as a child, Winfrey rose above adversity to focus on her primary and
high school education. After developing a close relationship with a young man and winning a
local beauty pageant got her a chance to shine at a local radio station, Winfrey knew that
she wanted to work in the broadcast industry. Despite failing one key interview, she
persevered and moved across the country to secure a job as a television reporter. Although
she never quite adapted to the job, and was later fired, she gained enough experience to be
given her own morning talk show. After Winfrey delivered solid ratings, she moved across the
country to host a new talk show. After the ratings exploded, she was given control over her
own show, which soon became a wildly popular national phenomenon. Winfrey rapidly
expanded her media network, launching a magazine, television channel and radio network,
and is now considered to be one of the most influential and powerful women on the planet

Childhood & Early Life

Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her mother was
Vernita Lee, who lived on a small family farm. Oprah's biological father, Vernon Winfrey, was
a soldier temporarily stationed at a nearby base. Oprah was raised by her grandmother,
Hattie Mae Lee.
Oprah stated that as a child her "only friends" were the animals on her family farm. She
gave her first public recital at a local church when she was just 3 years old.
She shuttled between different caregivers throughout her childhood, and attended Nashville
East High School in Nashville, Tennessee. In her senior year, Oprah was chosen to read the
news on a local radio station. In the same year, she won the Miss Black Tennessee contest.

Read more at http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/oprah-winfrey2484.php#W20xsW4vfxZXQ3wx.99

Career
When she was still a teenager, the local CBS television station in Nashville, Tennessee
offered her a job as a co-anchor. She turned it down three times. At age 19, Oprah Winfrey
said yes after the fourth offer.
She failed the interview, but instead was offered a job as a full-time reporter for a Baltimore
television news channel. She did poorly as a reporter, and by age 22 she was fired from the
news division.
The director of the station gave Winfrey a boost by selecting her to anchor a morning talk
show entitled People are Talking. For the next seven years, her talk show enjoyed excellent
ratings.
In 1981, she moved to Chicago to host a talk show entitled A.M. Chicago. Four years later,
after a tremendous boost in the ratings, the producers changed the name to The Oprah
Winfrey Show.
In 1985, Winfrey performed as an actress in the movie 'The Color Purple'.
On September 8, 1986, The Oprah Winfrey Show was broadcast nationally. In the same
year, she founded Harpo Studios.
In June of 1987, her show won three Daytime Emmy Awards. The following year, it won an
additional Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show.
In 1989, she produced and co-starred in the miniseries 'The Women of Brewster Place' and
'Brewster Place'. In the same year, her company Harpo Productions began producing The
Oprah Winfrey Show.
In 1993, she conducted an interview with Michael Jackson. The episode became the most
watched interview ever, and fourth most watched event in American television.
In 1996, she launched Oprah's Book Club, a talk show meant for book discussions. Books
recommended by Winfrey sold millions of additional copies.
In 1997, she played the role of a therapist in an episode of the sitcom 'Ellen'.
In 1998, she produced and starred in the movie 'Beloved'. In the same year, she was sued
by Texas cattlemen for allegedly making defamatory remarks about hamburgers.
The same year this talk show host started Oprahs Angel Network which provided funds to
charitable and non-profit organizations.
In 2002, she launched O, the Oprah Magazine. It was later confirmed as the most
successful start-up ever in the magazine industry.
On December 1, 2005, she was a guest on the 'Late Show with David Letterman', which
some critics proclaimed was the 'television event of the decade'.
In 2006, she provided the voice for the animated film 'Charlotte's Web'. In the same year,
she launched Oprah Radio, a channel on XM Satellite Radio.

In 2007, she provided the voice for Judge Bumbleden in the film 'Bee Movie'.
In 2008, the talented artist endorsed Barack Obama in the presidential election. Her public
support was considered a key factor in Obama's ultimate victory.
In 2009, she provided the voice for Eudora in the film 'The Princess and the Frog'.

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Major Works

Oprah Winfrey is the richest self-made woman in America and one of the most
influential and powerful women in the world.

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Awards & Achievements

In 2000, this talented artist was honored with the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.
In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom. She has also won dozens of
awards and recognitions for her broadcasting and acting career.

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Personal Life & Legacy

Winfrey has publicly disclosed that she was raped by a family relative when she was
9 years old. She also disclosed that she gave birth at age 14, and that her child died
in infancy. Winfrey has used her personal experience to campaign for support groups
to help survivors of sexual abuse.

She lives on a property named The Promised Land in California. She has dated
several celebrities, including John Tesh and Roger Ebert, but has never married. She
has officially been in a relationship with her long-time boyfriend Stedman Graham
since 1986.

The philanthropic talk show host has given over 400 scholarships to Morehouse
College. She has also been ranked as among the 50 most generous Americans.

Read more at http://www.thefamouspeople.com/profiles/oprah-winfrey2484.php#W20xsW4vfxZXQ3wx.99

What I Know For Sure

Book by Oprah Winfrey
4.7/5Barnes & Noble
Organised by theme, these essays offer a rare and powerful glimpse into the mind of Oprah Winfrey, one
of the world's most extraordinary women. ... Google Books
Originally published: September 2014
Author: Oprah Winfrey

The uncommon wisdom of Oprah Winfrey

Book by Oprah Winfrey
3/5Google Books
The moving story of America''s best-loved sta r is told in her own words. Oprah evokes her impoverished
ch ildhood in the Deep South, her rise as America''s most succes sful talk show host, her movie ... Google
Books
The moving story of America''s best-loved sta r is told in her own words. Oprah evokes her impoverished
ch ildhood in the Deep South, her rise as America''s most succes sful talk show host, her movie career
and her success in a w hite, male-dominated world. '
Originally published: January 1, 1996
Author: Oprah Winfrey
Editors: Bill Adler
Genres: Biography, Autobiography

Oprah: The Soul and Spirit of a Superstar

Book by Oprah Winfrey
Oprah's book highlights her many accomplishments and takes a look at the special ways she
has touched millions of lives. It gives an inside look at the personal, professional, and
spiritual life of this Emmy winning superstar. Google Books
Originally published: September 1, 1993
Author: Oprah Winfrey

Journey to Beloved
Novel by Oprah Winfrey

Of all the events in Oprah Winfrey's life, none has affected her powerfully as playing the part
of Sethe, the former slave who must come to terms with a haunting past, in Jonathan
Demme's film of Toni ...Google Books
in Jonathan Demme's film of Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel -- coming from
Touchstone Pictures in Fall 1998. Oprah fell in love with the book when it was first published
in 1988, and instantly became determined to deliver this powerful story to film herself.
Originally published: October 16, 1998
Author: Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey
Talk show host
1954Oprah Winfrey was born in 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi. As a child, Oprah was
known as "The little speaker." Once in church, she was paid $500 to make a speech.
When her parents separated, Oprah was sent to live with her grandmother. Finally
Oprah's mom sent her to live with her father in Nashville, Tennessee. Oprah's father
wanted her to do well in school. When Oprah was 16 she won a full scholarship to
Tennessee State University. At 19 she was offered a job at CBS. She was Nashville's
first black female on the evening news. In 1984 Oprah became the host of A.M.
Chicago. By the next year the show had been made an hour long and was renamed
"The Oprah Winfrey Show." Altogether the show has won 8 Emmy Awards! Oprah
became famous. Oprah won an Academy Award for her acting in the movie "The
Color Purple." Oprah was so successful that she made her own production company
and bought her show. Oprah became the first woman to own her own talk show. Oprah
has a great show and is a great woman!

Billionaire Oprah Winfrey is best known for hosting her

own internationally popular talk show from 1986 to 2011.
She is also an actress, philanthropist, publisher and
producer.