Oprah Gail Winfrey
- Born:
- January 29, 1954, Kosciusko, Mississippi, USA
- Nationality:
- American
- Profession(s):
- Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Actress, Author, Philanthropist
Early Life and Education
- Born to Vernita Lee, a single teenage mother.
- Spent early years in poverty, raised primarily by her maternal grandmother.
- Experienced a difficult childhood marked by abuse.
- Excelled academically, winning a scholarship to Tennessee State University.
- Studied communication at Tennessee State University.
Career and Major Achievements
- Began her broadcasting career as a news anchor in Nashville, Tennessee.
- Moved to Baltimore, Maryland, in 1976 to co-anchor a local news program.
- Hosted the local talk show People Are Talking in Baltimore.
- Relocated to Chicago in 1983 to host AM Chicago, which was later renamed The Oprah Winfrey Show.
- The Oprah Winfrey Show became the highest-rated talk show in television history, running for 25 seasons.
- Founded Harpo Productions, Inc., a media production company.
- Launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) in 2011.
- Produced and starred in numerous films and television shows.
- Authored and co-authored several books, including What I Know for Sure.
Notable Works
Television Shows
| Title | Years | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Oprah Winfrey Show | 1986-2011 | Host, Producer |
| Oprah's Next Chapter | 2012-2013 | Host, Producer |
| Super Soul Sunday | 2011-2020 | Host, Producer |
Filmography
| Title | Year | Role |
|---|---|---|
| The Color Purple | 1985 | Sofia |
| Beloved | 1998 | Sethe |
| Selma | 2014 | Annie Lee Cooper |
| The Butler | 2013 | Gloria Gaines |
Philanthropy
- Established the Oprah Winfrey Charitable Foundation.
- Opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa in 2007.
- Donated millions of dollars to various educational and charitable causes.
Legacy and Impact
Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential figure in American culture, recognized for her success as a talk show host, media executive, actress, and philanthropist. Her impact extends beyond entertainment, influencing discussions on social issues, personal growth, and spirituality. Individuals curious about her professional history might search for "biography of oprah winfrey pdf converter" to access readily available biographical information in a convenient format.