Oprah Winfrey
Timeline of Oprah Winfrey, a renowned American media executive, talk show host, actress, and philanthropist known for her influential talk show "The Oprah Winfrey Show." Through her platform, she has become one of the most influential and respected figures in the entertainment industry, empowering millions with her messages of self-improvement and social awareness.
1954
29 January 1954
Birth of Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to an unmarried teenage mother. She overcame a difficult childhood to become one of the most influential media personalities.
1976
14 August 1976
Co-Host of the Local Evening News on WJZ-TV
Winfrey moved to Baltimore's WJZ-TV in August 1976 to co-anchor the six o'clock news in Nashville, Tennessee. She was removed as co-anchor within the first year but stayed at the station as a reporter and later became the host of a local talk show, 'People Are Talking'.
1985
18 December 1985
The Color Purple Film Release
Oprah Winfrey's film debut occurred with the release of 'The Color Purple,' directed by Steven Spielberg, in which she played a significant supporting role as Sofia. The film was an adaptation of Alice Walker's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name.
1986
24 March 1986
Oscar Nomination
Oprah Winfrey received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her role in 'The Color Purple' at the 58th Academy Awards. This nomination underscored her powerful performance in her first film role.
1986
8 September 1986
The Oprah Winfrey Show Launch
The Oprah Winfrey Show launched nationally on September 8, 1986, and ran for 25 seasons until May 25, 2011. It became one of the most-watched and influential talk shows on American television.
1988
15 January 1988
Founding of Harpo Productions
Oprah Winfrey established Harpo Productions, a media production company, to produce the content for her media ventures, eventually expanding into film production and magazine publishing.
1993
10 February 1993
Interviewed Michael Jackson
Winfrey conducted a televised interview with Michael Jackson on February 10, 1993. This interview became the fourth most-watched event in American television history and the most-watched interview ever, with an audience of 36.5 million.
2007
2 January 2007
Oprah's Leadership Academy for Girls
Oprah Winfrey opened the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa on January 2, 2007. The school was founded to provide educational and leadership opportunities for underprivileged girls in South Africa.
2011
1 January 2011
Launch of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
After The Oprah Winfrey Show ended, Winfrey shifted focus to her cable channel, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), which launched on January 1, 2011. She took on a role as chief executive officer and chief creative officer in October of that year.
2011
25 May 2011
End of The Oprah Winfrey Show
The Oprah Winfrey Show aired its final episode on May 25, 2011, after 25 years of broadcast. The show's conclusion marked the end of its influential run and a significant moment in television history.
2013
20 November 2013
Awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama on November 20, 2013. This honor is the United States' highest civilian honor and was presented for her contributions to her country.
2018
7 January 2018
Receiving the Golden Globes Cecil B. DeMille Award
Oprah Winfrey received the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 75th Golden Globe Awards on January 7, 2018, for her outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment. Her acceptance speech, addressing the #MeToo movement and racial inequality, was widely praised.