Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey, born as Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi, U.S., is an iconic American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. Best known for her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran in national syndication for 25 years, from 1986 to 2011, Winfrey broke barriers by becoming the richest African-American of the 20th century, and has earned multi-faceted recognization as the 'Queen of All Media.'

Born into poverty to a single teenage mother, Winfrey's journey to success is an inspirational one. Throughout her career, she has reinvented her show, focusing on literature, self-improvement, mindfulness, and spirituality, using her platform to overcome adversity and contribute to others. Notably, her endorsement of Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential primaries has been estimated to have been worth a million votes, signifying her influence. In the same year, she launched her network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

Winfrey's dedication stretches beyond her media career, making a significant impact in philanthropy. She has consistently shown her commitment to various charitable causes, particularly those that aim to uplift and empower individuals who are less fortunate. Acknowledging the immense impact she has had on millions of lives, she has been honored with numerous accolades and awards throughout her career, including being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2013.