Oprah Winfrey, born Orpah Gail Winfrey, on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, is a renowned media mogul, actress, producer, and philanthropist. She rose from a difficult childhood to become one of the world’s most influential women and the first African-American billionaire. Her groundbreaking talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, revolutionized the genre and cemented her status as a cultural icon.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oprah Gail Winfrey |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1954 |
| Place of Birth | Kosciusko, Mississippi, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Partner | Stedman Graham (long-term relationship, not married) |
| Children | None |
| Occupations | Media executive, talk show host, actress, producer, author, philanthropist |
| Net Worth | $2.8 billion (as of 2025) |
Early Life and Education
Oprah was born to a teenage mother and a father serving in the military. She spent her early years in poverty on her grandmother’s farm, where she learned to read at a young age.
At six, she moved to Milwaukee but faced hardships, including abuse. At 13, she was sent to live with her father in Nashville, who emphasized education.
Oprah excelled academically and won a scholarship to Tennessee State University, where she studied Speech Communications and Performing Arts. She completed her degree in 1987 after leaving college early for a broadcasting job.
Career
Oprah began her broadcasting career at 17 as a radio newsreader. She became the youngest and first Black female news anchor at 19. After struggling in Baltimore, she found success hosting People Are Talking.
In 1984, she moved to Chicago to host AM Chicago, which became The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986. The show was a massive hit and earned numerous Emmy Awards.
Oprah also founded Harpo Productions, launched O, The Oprah Magazine, co-founded Oxygen Media, and created the OWN network. Her acting career includes an Oscar-nominated role in The Color Purple and producing films like Selma.
Personal Life
Oprah has been in a long-term relationship with Stedman Graham since the mid-1980s but has chosen not to marry or have children. Instead, she focuses on her philanthropic work, particularly with the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Oprah’s net worth is estimated at $2.8 billion, derived from her media empire, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, Harpo Productions, OWN network, book deals, acting roles, and investments.
Filmography
Some notable works include:
- Acting: The Color Purple (1985), Beloved (1998), A Wrinkle in Time (2018)
- Producing: Selma (2014), The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks (2017)
- Voice Work: The Princess and the Frog (2009)
Bibliography
Oprah has co-authored several books, including What I Know for Sure and The Path Made Clear. She also curated an influential book club that has significantly impacted authors’ careers.
Awards and Recognitions
Oprah has received numerous accolades:
- Multiple Daytime Emmy Awards for The Oprah Winfrey Show
- An Academy Award nomination for The Color Purple
- The Presidential Medal of Freedom (2013)
- Honorary degrees from Duke University and Harvard University
- Recognition by Time magazine as one of the most influential people multiple times
Her influence extends across media, philanthropy, education, and culture.
