History of Oprah Winfrey in Timeline
Oprah Winfrey is a highly influential American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, aired for 25 years and made her one of the most influential women globally. She was the richest African-American of the 20th century and the world's only black billionaire at one point. Known as the "Queen of All Media", Winfrey's career spans entertainment, business, and philanthropy.
April 15, 1900: Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee's Birth
April 15, 1900, marked the birth of Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee, Oprah Winfrey's maternal grandmother.
1933: Vernon Winfrey's birth
In 1933, Vernon Winfrey, Oprah's father, was born.
1935: Vernita Lee's birth
In 1935, Vernita Lee, Oprah Winfrey's mother, was born.
1937: Publication of Their Eyes Were Watching God
In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston's novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God' was published.
January 29, 1954: Oprah Winfrey's Birth
On January 29, 1954, Orpah Gail Winfrey, later known as Oprah, was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi. She is an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor.
1962: Move to Nashville
In 1962, Oprah Winfrey was temporarily sent to live with her father, Vernon, in Nashville, Tennessee, due to her mother's difficulty in raising both daughters.
February 27, 1963: Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee's Death
On February 27, 1963, Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee, Oprah Winfrey's maternal grandmother, passed away.
1971: Meets William "Bubba" Taylor
In 1971, Oprah Winfrey met William "Bubba" Taylor at Tennessee State University, starting what was described as her "first intense, to-die-for love affair".
June 1976: Moved to Baltimore
In June 1976, Oprah Winfrey moved to Baltimore to work at WJZ-TV, ending her relationship with William "Bubba" Taylor as he was unwilling to leave Nashville with her.
1976: Move to Baltimore's WJZ-TV
In 1976, Oprah Winfrey moved to Baltimore's WJZ-TV to co-anchor the six o'clock news.
1977: Shift in Role at WJZ-TV
In 1977, Oprah Winfrey was removed as co-anchor at WJZ-TV and worked in lower-profile positions at the station.
August 14, 1978: People Are Talking Premieres
On August 14, 1978, Oprah Winfrey co-hosted WJZ's local talk show People Are Talking, which premiered on August 14, 1978.
September 8, 1981: Wrote Suicide Note
On September 8, 1981, Oprah Winfrey wrote a suicide note to Gayle King due to depression from a relationship. She later reflected that she couldn't go through with it, fearing she'd miss out on something good.
January 2, 1984: First Episode of AM Chicago
On January 2, 1984, the first episode of AM Chicago aired with Oprah Winfrey as the host after she was hired by WLS-TV's general manager, Dennis Swanson.
1985: Relationship with Reginald Chevalier
In 1985, Haitian filmmaker Reginald Chevalier claimed he had a relationship with Oprah Winfrey after appearing on her show, which included romantic evenings and dinners with Michael Jordan and Danny Glover. The relationship reportedly ended when Winfrey met Stedman Graham.
1985: Co-starred in The Color Purple
In 1985, Oprah Winfrey co-starred in Steven Spielberg's 'The Color Purple' as Sofia, a distraught housewife. She was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance.
1985: Purchased Condominium in Chicago
In 1985, Oprah Winfrey first purchased a condominium in Chicago's Water Tower Place.
1985: Alleged Drug-Related Affair
In 1985, Oprah Winfrey was allegedly involved in a drug-related love affair with Randolph Cook, who claimed they lived together for several months and used drugs.
September 8, 1986: Nationwide Broadcast of The Oprah Winfrey Show
On September 8, 1986, the first episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show was broadcast nationwide.
1986: Began Relationship with Stedman Graham
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey began her long-term relationship with Stedman Graham.
1986: Announcement of Abuse
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey first announced on an episode of her TV show that she had been molested by her cousin, uncle, and a family friend, starting when she was nine years old.
1986: Oprah on her Father Saving Her
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey said, "'When my father took me, it changed the course of my life. He saved me. He simply knew what he wanted and expected. He would take nothing less'".
1986: The Oprah Winfrey Show Begins
In 1986, The Oprah Winfrey Show, a talk show broadcast from Chicago, began its national syndication run, which lasted for 25 years.
1987: Completion of College Degree
In 1987, Oprah Winfrey, by then a successful television personality, submitted her final paper and earned her degree from Tennessee State University.
August 1988: Time Magazine Article
In August 1988, Time magazine covered the much-publicized contest between The Oprah Winfrey Show and Donahue due to its enormous scrutiny.
November 1988: Observed Making Fat Sexy
The November 1988 Ms. observed that Oprah Winfrey made fat sexy, elegant, damned near gorgeous with her drop-dead wardrobe, easy body language, and cheerful sensuality, in a society where fat is taboo.
1988: Purchased Property in Rolling Prairie, Indiana
In 1988, Oprah Winfrey purchased a 164-acre property including main and guest residences, orchard, and stables in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, as her weekend refuge.
1989: Jeffrey's Death
In 1989, Jeffrey, Oprah Winfrey's half-brother, died of AIDS-related causes.
1989: The Women of Brewster Place Miniseries
In 1989, Oprah Winfrey produced and co-starred in the drama miniseries The Women of Brewster Place and its short-lived spin-off, Brewster Place.
1989: Accepted into NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame
In 1989, Oprah Winfrey was accepted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.
1990: Betrayal by Family Member
In 1990, Oprah Winfrey stated she felt betrayed by the family member who had sold the story of her son to the National Enquirer.
November 1992: Engagement to Stedman Graham
In November 1992, Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham were engaged to be married, but the ceremony never took place.
1992: Moderating ABC Afterschool Specials
From 1992 to 1994, Oprah Winfrey moderated three ABC Afterschool Specials.
1992: Purchased Compound in Telluride, Colorado
In 1992, Oprah Winfrey purchased an 80-acre compound in Telluride, Colorado.
1993: Interview with Michael Jackson
In 1993, Oprah Winfrey hosted a prime-time interview with Michael Jackson titled 'Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah'. It became the fourth most-watched event in American television history, with an audience of 36.5 million.
1993: Purchased Adjoining Condos in Chicago
In 1993, Oprah Winfrey purchased the condos adjoining and directly below her initial condo in Chicago's Water Tower Place.
1994: Moderating ABC Afterschool Specials
From 1992 to 1994, Oprah Winfrey moderated three ABC Afterschool Specials.
1994: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame
In 1994, Oprah Winfrey was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.
1994: Oprah Abandoned Traditional Talk-Show Fare for More Edifying Content
Since 1994, Oprah Winfrey abandoned traditional talk-show fare for more edifying content.
April 16, 1996: Mad Cow Disease Show
During a show about mad cow disease with Howard Lyman, aired on April 16, 1996, Oprah Winfrey said she was stopped cold from eating another burger, leading to a lawsuit from Texas cattlemen.
1996: Purchased Condos in Fisher Island, Florida
Between 1996 and 2000, Oprah Winfrey purchased a total of five condos in different development areas of Fisher Island, Florida.
1996: Introduced Oprah's Book Club
Late in 1996, Oprah Winfrey introduced the Oprah's Book Club segment to her television show, which significantly boosted book sales and brought obscure novels to popular attention, leading to "the Oprah Effect".
April 1997: Guest star on "Ellen"
In April 1997, Oprah Winfrey played the therapist in "The Puppy Episode" on the sitcom Ellen, in which the character (and the real-life Ellen DeGeneres) came out as a lesbian.
1997: Guest appearance on Ellen
In 1997, Oprah Winfrey appeared on an episode of Ellen, playing a therapist, after which she and Gayle King became targets of rumors that they were gay.
1997: Cook Attempted to Sue Winfrey
In 1997, Randolph Cook attempted to sue Oprah Winfrey for $20 million, alleging she blocked a tell-all book about their alleged relationship.
October 1998: Produced and Starred in Beloved
In October 1998, Oprah Winfrey produced and starred in the film 'Beloved,' based on Toni Morrison's novel. She prepared for her role by experiencing a 24-hour simulation of slavery.
1998: Most Powerful Person in Entertainment
In 1998, Oprah Winfrey became the first woman and first African American to top Entertainment Weekly's list of the 101 most powerful people in the entertainment industry.
1998: Oprah's Conversation with Gary Zukav Begins
In 1998, Oprah Winfrey began an ongoing conversation with Gary Zukav, an American spiritual teacher, who appeared on her television show 35 times.
1998: Creation of Oprah's Angel Network
In 1998, Oprah Winfrey created Oprah's Angel Network, a charity that supported charitable projects and provided grants to nonprofit organizations around the world.
1998: Hosted Caribbean Cruise for Maya Angelou's 70th Birthday
In 1998, Oprah Winfrey hosted a week-long Caribbean cruise for Maya Angelou and 150 guests to celebrate Angelou's 70th birthday.
1998: Cattlemen Lawsuit
In early 1998, Texas cattlemen sued Oprah Winfrey and Howard Lyman for "false defamation of perishable food" and "business disparagement," claiming that Winfrey's remarks on mad cow disease sent cattle prices tumbling, costing beef producers $11 million.
1998: Oprah Began 'Change Your Life TV'
Since 1998, Oprah Winfrey began 'Change Your Life TV', solidifying her role as a spiritual leader for her audience.
2000: Richest African American of the 20th Century
By 2000, Oprah Winfrey, with a net worth of $800 million, was believed to be the richest African American of the 20th century.
2000: Purchased Estate for Gayle King
In 2000, Oprah Winfrey purchased an estate in Greenwich, Connecticut, for her friend Gayle King.
2000: Oprah Awarded Spingarn Medal
In 2000, Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP.
2001: Chatman found liable for fraud
In 2001, Lavern Chatman was found liable for her role in a scheme to defraud hundreds of District of Columbia nursing-home employees of at least $1.4 million in owed wages.
2001: Purchased Estate in Montecito, California
In 2001, Oprah Winfrey sold all five of her Fisher Island condos and purchased a 42-acre estate in Montecito, California, which she called "The Promised Land."
2001: Oprah Hosts Prayer for America Service
Twelve days after the September 11 attacks, in 2001, New York mayor Rudy Giuliani asked Oprah Winfrey to serve as host of a Prayer for America service at New York City's Yankee Stadium.
2002: Oprah After the Show on Oxygen
From 2002, Oprah Winfrey's Oprah After the Show program was initially broadcast on the women's cable television network Oxygen.
2002: Christianity Today Publishes "The Church of O"
In 2002, Christianity Today published an article called "The Church of O" in which they concluded that Oprah Winfrey had emerged as an influential spiritual leader.
2002: Fortune calls O, the Oprah Magazine the most successful start-up ever in the industry
In 2002, Fortune called O, the Oprah Magazine the most successful start-up ever in the industry.
2002: George W. Bush Invites Winfrey to Join Delegation to Afghanistan
In 2002, George W. Bush invited Oprah Winfrey to join a US delegation that included adviser Karen Hughes and Condoleezza Rice, planning to go to Afghanistan to celebrate the return of Afghan girls to school, but she refused to participate.
2002: Recipient of Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
In 2002, Oprah Winfrey received the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the Emmy Awards for services to television and film.
February 2003: Patricia's Death
In February 2003, Patricia, Oprah Winfrey's younger half-sister, died of causes related to cocaine addiction at age 43.
February 2003: Series Interrupted by War Press Conference
In February 2003, a series on Oprah's show, in which Winfrey showed clips from people all over the world asking America not to go to war, was interrupted in several East Coast markets by network broadcasts of a press conference in which President George W. Bush and Colin Powell summarized the case for war.
November 2003: Gallup Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
A November 2003 Gallup poll estimated that 73% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey.
2003: Listed Compound in Rolling Prairie, Indiana
In 2003, Oprah Winfrey listed her compound in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.
2003: First Black Woman Billionaire
In 2003, Oprah Winfrey was recognized as the first black woman billionaire in the world.
2004: World's Only Black Billionaire
From 2004 to 2006, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as the world's only black billionaire.
2004: Published O At Home magazine
From 2004 to 2008 Oprah also published a magazine called O At Home.
2004: One of TIME's Most Influential People
From 2004 to 2011, Oprah Winfrey was consistently named as one of the most influential people by TIME magazine.
2004: Filmed 'Oprah's Christmas Kindness' in South Africa
In 2004, Oprah Winfrey and her team filmed an episode of her show, "Oprah's Christmas Kindness", in which Oprah travelled to South Africa to bring attention to the plight of young children affected by poverty and AIDS.
2004: Ranked Among Most Generous Americans
In 2004, Oprah Winfrey became the first Black person to rank among the 50 most generous Americans.
2004: Sold Compound in Rolling Prairie, Indiana
In 2004, Oprah Winfrey sold her compound in Rolling Prairie, Indiana.
December 1, 2005: Appeared on Late Show with David Letterman
On December 1, 2005, Oprah Winfrey appeared on the Late Show with David Letterman for the first time in 16 years to promote the Broadway musical, The Color Purple, which she produced. The episode was considered a major television event, attracting a large audience for Letterman.
2005: Circulation of O, the Oprah Magazine declined
Although its circulation had declined by more than 10 percent to 2.4 million from 2005 to 2008
2005: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.
2005: Harpo Productions released film adaptation of Their Eyes Were Watching God
In 2005, Harpo Productions released a film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 novel 'Their Eyes Were Watching God'.
2005: Publication of "Reading with Oprah"
In 2005, Kathleen Rooney published "Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America", describing Winfrey as a serious American intellectual who pioneered the use of electronic media to motivate millions to read.
2005: Weight-Loss Book Announcement
In 2005, Oprah Winfrey announced a weight-loss book co-authored with her personal trainer Bob Greene. Her undisclosed advance fee was said to have broken the record for the world's highest book advance fee.
2005: Greatest Woman in American History
In 2005, Oprah Winfrey was named the greatest woman in American history as part of a public poll as part of The Greatest American.
February 9, 2006: Signed Contract with XM Satellite Radio
On February 9, 2006, Oprah Winfrey signed a three-year, $55-million contract with XM Satellite Radio to establish a new radio channel.
August 2006: Addressed Gay Rumors
In the August 2006 issue of O, the Oprah Magazine, Oprah Winfrey addressed the persistent rumors that she and Gayle King were gay, explaining that their close bond is not sexual and she is not ashamed of her sexuality.
September 25, 2006: Oprah & Friends Began Broadcasting
On September 25, 2006, 'Oprah & Friends' began broadcasting from a new studio at Winfrey's Chicago headquarters on XM Radio Channel 156.
2006: Confronted James Frey
After James Frey's A Million Little Pieces was found to contain fabrications, Oprah Winfrey confronted him on her show over the breach of trust in 2006.
2006: Circulation of O, the Oprah Magazine declined
Although its circulation had declined by more than 10 percent to 2.4 million from 2005 to 2008
2006: World's Only Black Billionaire
From 2004 to 2006, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as the world's only black billionaire.
2006: Criticism from Rappers
In 2006, Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube criticized Oprah Winfrey for perceived anti-hip hop bias. Ludacris claimed Winfrey gave him a "hard time" about his lyrics during an appearance on her show. Winfrey responded that she opposed rap lyrics that "marginalize women."
2006: Maureen Dowd Interview in The Guardian
In 2006, Maureen Dowd told The Guardian that Oprah Winfrey is the top alpha female in this country, with more credibility than the president.
2006: Purchased Co-op Apartment in Chicago
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey purchased a co-op apartment along Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago, with plans to move there.
2006: Oprah Recalls Controversies Over Anti-War Show
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey recalled the controversies after airing a show titled "Is War the Only Answer?", mentioning she received hate mail and was accused of being un-American for even raising the question.
2006: Oprah After the Show moves to Oprah.com
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey sold her stake in the Oxygen network and moved Oprah After the Show to Oprah.com.
2006: Voiced Gussie in Charlotte's Web
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey voiced Gussie the goose in 'Charlotte's Web'.
2006: Highest-Paid TV Entertainer
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey was the highest-paid television entertainer in the United States, earning an estimated $260 million during the year.
2006: Genetic Test Results
In 2006, a genetic test determined that Oprah Winfrey's matrilineal line originated among the Kpelle ethnic group from the area that became Liberia. Her genetic makeup was found to be 89% Sub-Saharan African, 8% Native American, and 3% East Asian.
2006: Vacation to Hawaii with Staff
In the summer of 2006, Oprah Winfrey took her staff and their families (1,065 people in total) on vacation to Hawaii to celebrate two decades on national TV and to thank her employees.
January 2007: Gallup Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
Another Gallup poll in January 2007 estimated the figure at 74% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey.
January 2007: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Opens
In January 2007, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls opened in Henley on Klip, south of Johannesburg, South Africa, with an enrollment of 150 pupils.
September 8, 2007: Oprah Holds Fundraiser for Obama
On September 8, 2007, Oprah Winfrey held a fundraiser for Barack Obama at her Santa Barbara estate during his presidential campaign.
September 10, 2007: First Appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show
On September 10, 2007, David Letterman made his first appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show as its season premiere was filmed in New York City.
October 2007: Gallup Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
Another Gallup poll in October 2007 estimated the figure at 66% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey.
December 9, 2007: Oprah Joins Obama for Rallies in South Carolina
On December 9, 2007, Oprah Winfrey joined Barack Obama for a rally in Columbia, South Carolina, which drew a crowd of nearly 30,000 people, the largest for any political event of 2007.
December 2007: Fox News Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
A December 2007 Fox News poll put the figure at 55% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey.
December 2007: Oprah Joins Obama for Rallies
In December 2007, Oprah Winfrey joined Barack Obama for a series of rallies in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina to support his presidential campaign.
2007: Most Influential Woman
By 2007, Oprah Winfrey was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world.
2007: Oprah Endorses 'The Secret'
In 2007, Oprah Winfrey began to endorse the self-help program 'The Secret'.
2007: Voiced Judge Bumbleton in Bee Movie
In 2007, Oprah Winfrey voiced Judge Bumbleton in 'Bee Movie', co-starring Jerry Seinfeld and Renée Zellweger.
January 15, 2008: Announcement of OWN
On January 15, 2008, Oprah Winfrey and Discovery Communications announced plans to change Discovery Health Channel into a new channel called OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.
September 2008: Sarah Palin Controversy
In September 2008, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism after reports that she refused to have Sarah Palin on her show due to her support for Barack Obama. Winfrey denied the report, stating there was no discussion about Palin's appearance and that she had decided not to use her show as a platform for any candidates after publicly supporting Obama.
2008: Increased Yearly Income
By 2008, Oprah Winfrey's yearly income had increased to $275 million.
2008: Ratings Decline to 7.3 Million Viewers
By 2008, the ratings for The Oprah Winfrey Show declined again to around 7.3 million viewers, though it remained the highest-rated talk show.
2008: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.
2008: O At Home magazine was no longer published
From 2004 to 2008 Oprah also published a magazine called O At Home.
2008: Political Force and Launch of OWN
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey emerged as a political force with her endorsement of Barack Obama. In the same year, she formed her own network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
2008: Oprah Endorses Barack Obama
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Barack Obama for president. It was estimated that her endorsement was worth over a million votes in the Democratic primary race.
2008: Oprah Endorses Eckhart Tolle's "A New Earth"
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey endorsed author and spiritual teacher Eckhart Tolle and his book, A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose, which sold several million extra copies after being selected for her book club.
2008: Sold Atlanta Penthouse and Purchased Penthouse for Gayle King
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey sold her penthouse apartment in Atlanta. That year, she also listed Gayle King's estate and purchased her (through her second LLC Sophie's Penthouse) a penthouse apartment in midtown Manhattan, New York City.
2008: Threw Extravagant Birthday Celebration for Maya Angelou
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey threw an extravagant 80th birthday celebration for Maya Angelou at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
2008: Oprah Named PETA's Person of the Year
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey was named as the Person of the Year by animal-rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for using her fame and listening audience to help the less fortunate, including animals.
2008: Show Airing in 140 Countries
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey's show was airing in 140 countries internationally and seen by an estimated 46 million people in the US weekly.
2008: Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment
In 2008, The Hollywood Reporter named Oprah Winfrey, as chairman of Harpo Inc., the most powerful woman in entertainment.
2008: Oprah Popular in the Arab World
In 2008, The New York Times reported that The Oprah Winfrey Show, with Arabic subtitles, was broadcast twice each weekday on MBC 4.
2008: Exclusive Pact with HBO
In late 2008, Oprah Winfrey's company, Harpo Films, signed an exclusive output pact to develop and produce scripted series, documentaries, and movies exclusively for HBO.
January 2009: Best-Selling Issue of O, The Oprah Magazine
In January 2009, 'O, the Oprah Magazine' had its best-selling issue since 2006.
November 18, 2009: Sarah Palin appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show
On November 18, 2009, Sarah Palin appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
2009: Apologized to James Frey
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey apologized to James Frey for the public confrontation regarding the fabrications in his book A Million Little Pieces.
2009: Criticism for Show Content
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey faced criticism for allowing Suzanne Somers to discuss hormone treatments not accepted by mainstream medicine on her show. Critics also suggested that Winfrey was not tough enough on celebrity guests or politicians she liked. Lisa de Moraes criticized Winfrey's lack of follow-up questions, especially after the James Frey controversy.
2009: Oprah Films Interviews in Denmark
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey filmed a series of interviews in Denmark highlighting its citizens as the happiest people in the world.
2009: Voiced Eudora in The Princess and the Frog
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey provided the voice for the character of Eudora, the mother of Princess Tiana, in Disney's 'The Princess and the Frog'.
2009: Delayed Launch of OWN
In 2009, the planned launch of the Oprah Winfrey Network was delayed.
May 2010: Oprah's Angel Network Shuts Down
In May 2010, with Oprah's show ending, Oprah's Angel Network stopped accepting donations and was shut down.
September 2010: Voted one of The World's 50 Most Influential Figures
In a list compiled by the British magazine New Statesman in September 2010, Oprah Winfrey was voted 38th in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010".
2010: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.
2010: Bill O'Reilly Criticizes Oprah's Denmark Shows
In 2010, Bill O'Reilly of Fox News criticized Oprah Winfrey's shows filmed in Denmark for promoting a left-wing society.
2010: One of the 100 People Who Changed the World
In 2010, Life magazine named Oprah Winfrey one of the 100 people who changed the world.
2010: Discovery of Second Half-Sister
In 2010, Oprah Winfrey learned that she had a second half-sister named Patricia.
2010: Narrated Life for Discovery
In 2010, Oprah Winfrey narrated the US version of the BBC nature program 'Life' for Discovery.
2010: Remained Among Top 50 Most Generous Americans
Oprah Winfrey remained among the top 50 most generous Americans until 2010.
January 1, 2011: Launch of OWN
On January 1, 2011, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN) was officially launched after delays.
May 25, 2011: Series Finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show
The series finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show aired on May 25, 2011.
2011: One of TIME's Most Influential People
From 2004 to 2011, Oprah Winfrey was consistently named as one of the most influential people by TIME magazine.
2011: Gifted Home in Douglasville, Georgia
In 2011, Oprah Winfrey gifted the home in Douglasville, Georgia, to a family member.
2011: The Oprah Winfrey Show Ends
In 2011, The Oprah Winfrey Show concluded its 25-year run in national syndication.
2012: Scholarships to Morehouse College
As of 2012, Oprah Winfrey had given over 400 scholarships to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia.
2012: Donated to Educational Causes
By 2012, Oprah Winfrey had given away approximately $400 million to educational causes.
2012: Sold Chicago Co-op and Gayle King's Penthouse
In 2012, Oprah Winfrey sold her unused co-op apartment in Chicago and Gayle King's penthouse apartment in New York City.
2013: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.
2013: Donation to Smithsonian Museum
In 2013, Oprah Winfrey donated $12 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture.
2013: Starred in The Butler
In 2013, Oprah Winfrey starred in the film 'The Butler' directed by Lee Daniels. Her performance garnered Oscar buzz but she was not nominated.
2013: Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2013, Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.
April 2014: Oprah Speaks at Fundraiser for Lavern Chatman
In April 2014, Oprah Winfrey spoke at a fundraiser in Arlington, Virginia, for Lavern Chatman, who was a candidate in a primary to nominate a Democratic Party candidate for election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
2014: Richest Self-Made Woman in America
As of 2014, Oprah Winfrey had a net worth exceeding $2.9 billion and had surpassed Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America.
2014: Forbes Ranking
In 2014, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as one of the world's 100 most powerful women, ranking her 14th.
2014: Listed Chicago Duplex and Purchased Land in Telluride
In early 2014, Oprah Winfrey listed her combined-unit Chicago duplex on the market. Later that year, she came back to Telluride, Colorado, to purchase a 60-acre lot with plans to build on the property. A lawsuit filed against her regarding trail access rights was dismissed.
2015: Purchased Property in Telluride and Expanded Montecito Compound
In 2015, Oprah Winfrey purchased another property in Telluride and expanded her Montecito compound with another 23-acre estate and a 44-acre dedicated crop and equestrian preserve. She also sold both of her downtown Chicago homes.
2015: Memoir Announcement
In 2015, Oprah Winfrey's memoir, 'The Life You Want', was announced, following her tour of the same name.
2016: Oprah selects SuperSoul 100 list of innovators
Following the launch of the Super Soul Sunday and SuperSoul Sessions programs on Harpo Productions' SuperSoul TV, in 2016 Oprah Winfrey selected 100 people for the SuperSoul 100 list of "innovators and visionaries who are aligned on a mission to move humanity forward".
2016: Oprah Endorses Hillary Clinton
In 2016, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Hillary Clinton in the presidential election, and referred to Republican candidate Donald Trump as a "demagogue".
2016: Memoir Postponed
In 2016, the publication of Oprah Winfrey's memoir, 'The Life You Want', was "indefinitely postponed".
January 2017: Joining 60 Minutes
In January 2017, CBS announced that Oprah Winfrey would join 60 Minutes as a special contributor.
September 2017: Debut on 60 Minutes
In September 2017, Oprah Winfrey started as a special contributor on 60 Minutes.
2017: Discussed Decision Not to Have Children
In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, Oprah Winfrey explained that she did not want more children after the loss of her infant child at age 14, stating she wouldn't have been a good mom for babies due to a lack of patience.
2017: Original Publication Date
Oprah Winfrey's memoir, 'The Life You Want' was originally scheduled for publication in 2017.
June 2018: Content Partnership with Apple
In June 2018, Apple announced a multi-year content partnership with Oprah Winfrey.
2018: Oprah Canvasses and Donates to Political Causes
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey canvassed door-to-door for Georgia gubernatorial Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams and donated $500,000 to the March for Our Lives student demonstration in favor of gun control in the United States.
2018: Leaving 60 Minutes
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey left 60 Minutes. The National Museum of African American History and Culture also opened a special exhibit on Winfrey's cultural influence through television in 2018.
2018: Oprah Meets with Mohammad bin Salman
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey met with Mohammad bin Salman, the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, when he visited the United States.
2018: Obtained Land on Orcas Island and Sold Chicago Home
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey obtained two adjoining parcels of land totaling 23 acres including the Madroneagle compound on Orcas Island, Washington and sold her last home property in the Chicago area from Elmwood Park.
2018: Starred in A Wrinkle in Time
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey starred as Mrs. Which in the film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's novel 'A Wrinkle in Time'. She also lent her voice to 'Crow: The Legend'.
2018: Oprah States She Would Not Run for President
In 2018, Oprah Winfrey stated that she "would not be able to" run for president, noting that "it's not a clean business. It would kill me."
2018: Vernita Lee's death
In 2018, Vernita Lee, Oprah Winfrey's mother, passed away.
2019: Expanded Montecito Home-Base Compound
In late 2019, Oprah Winfrey expanded her Montecito home-base compound to 70 contiguous acres with the purchase of a four-acre complex from actor Jeff Bridges.
March 21, 2020: Debut of Oprah Talks COVID-19
On March 21, 2020, Oprah Talks COVID-19 debuted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: End of O Magazine's Regular Print Publications Announced
In July 2020, it was announced that 'O Magazine' would end its regular print publications after the December 2020 issue.
July 30, 2020: Debut of The Oprah Conversation
On July 30, 2020, The Oprah Conversation debuted, with Oprah Winfrey continuing to explore impactful topics with thought leaders.
December 2020: Final Monthly Print Edition of O Magazine
The December 2020 issue was 'O Magazine's' final monthly print edition, with Winfrey thanking readers.
2020: Oprah Denies Presidential Run
In 2020, leading up to the election, there was media speculation that Oprah Winfrey might run for president. However, Winfrey ultimately denied any plans to run, though she later campaigned for Joe Biden during the general election.
2020: Criticism of Dr. Oz's Comments on Coronavirus
In 2020, there were calls for Oprah Winfrey to denounce Dr. Oz in reaction to his comments about coronavirus and his promotion of a poorly vetted drug as a cure.
2021: Interview with Meghan and Harry
In 2021, Oprah Winfrey conducted an interview with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry, which was broadcast globally and received international media attention.
2021: Sold Orcas Island Compound and Purchased Another in Montecito
In 2021, Oprah Winfrey sold her Orcas Island compound as she was too busy to use it and purchased another compound in Montecito further away from her home-base compound.
2021: Election to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
In 2021, Oprah Winfrey was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
2022: Current Residence
As of 2022, Oprah Winfrey lives in her "main home base" she has also called "The Promised Land" (where she currently lives as of 2022), a (then) 42-acre (17 ha) estate with ocean and mountain views in Montecito, California.
2022: Real Estate Investments Estimated
As of 2022, Oprah Winfrey's real estate investments are estimated to total approximately $127 million.
2022: Oprah Endorses John Fetterman and Wes Moore
In 2022, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Democrat John Fetterman in the Pennsylvania Senate election and Baltimore author Wes Moore in the Maryland gubernatorial election, also co-hosting a virtual fundraiser for him in June.
2022: Flipped Montecito Compound
In 2022, Oprah Winfrey flipped the Montecito compound she purchased in 2021, splitting properties, one of which was sold to her property manager and longtime personal trainer Bob Greene, and the other to actress Jennifer Aniston.
2022: Oprah Sets Up OWN Your Vote
In 2022, Oprah Winfrey set up OWN Your Vote, a nonpartisan group dedicated to voter registration and a get-out-the-vote campaign focused on providing Black women with tools and resources to vote in the November election.
2022: Vernon Winfrey's Death
In 2022, Vernon Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey's father, passed away.
January 18, 2023: Oprah Speaks at Wes Moore's Gubernatorial Inauguration
On January 18, 2023, Oprah Winfrey attended and spoke at Wes Moore's gubernatorial inauguration in Maryland after endorsing him in the Democratic primary in 2022.
2023: Forbes Ranking
In 2023, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as one of the world's 100 most powerful women, ranking her 31st.
2023: Purchased Land in Maui
In 2023, Oprah Winfrey also purchased 870 acres of land in Maui for $6.6 million.
August 21, 2024: Oprah Endorses Kamala Harris
On August 21, 2024, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
2024: AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special
In 2024, ABC aired “AI and the Future of Us: An Oprah Winfrey Special”, a one-hour show hosted by Oprah Winfrey that delves into the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on daily life, featuring interviews with tech industry figures like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Bill Gates.
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