Oprah: Her Life

‘You get a car! You get a car! You get a car!’

Hailed as the ‘most influential woman in the world’, over the past 35 years, Oprah Winfrey has revolutionized the world of television, and shaped the entertainment industry as we know it. So much more than a ‘rags-to-riches’ story – Oprah has lived her life in the public eye showing vulnerability, compassion and empathy in a notoriously tough industry. As a curvy, black woman, un-afraid to laugh, and cry, with her guests, Oprah’s journey into the hearts of the world was unexpected, yet meteoric. Dubbed the “Queen of All Media,” Oprah was the richest African American of the 20th century, and North America’s first black multi-billionaire, ever. Whilst she is best known for The Oprah Winfrey Show, Oprah has built a formidable media empire which has seen her take on the roles of actress, producer, philanthropist, and humanitarian. 

Having survived a poverty-stricken childhood, marred by physical and sexual abuse at the hands of family members, falling pregnant at 14 years old, and struggling to be taken seriously in her fledgling career, Oprah’s early life thrust upon her experiences that were way beyond her years. The honest, caring, empathetic and generous character that emerged from the turmoil turned out to be someone that millions welcomed into their hearts, and homes, through their television screens.