History of Oprah Winfrey in Timeline
Oprah Winfrey, widely recognized as Oprah, is an influential American figure known for her multifaceted career as a talk show host, producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. Her renowned talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," aired for 25 years, establishing her as a prominent figure in American media. She earned the title "Queen of All Media" and became the wealthiest African-American of the 20th century, reaching billionaire status. Oprah's impact extends beyond entertainment, as she was frequently cited as one of the world's most influential women.
April 15, 1900: Birth of Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee
Oprah Winfrey's maternal grandmother, Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee, was born on April 15, 1900.
1933: Birth of Vernon Winfrey
Oprah Winfrey's father, Vernon Winfrey, was born in 1933.
1935: Birth of Vernita Lee
Oprah Winfrey's mother, Vernita Lee, was born in 1935.
January 29, 1954: Birth of Oprah Winfrey
Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi.
1962: Oprah Winfrey Moves to Nashville
Due to challenges in raising her daughters, Oprah Winfrey's mother sent her to live with her father, Vernon, in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1962.
February 27, 1963: Death of Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee
Oprah Winfrey's maternal grandmother, Hattie Mae (Presley) Lee, passed away on February 27, 1963.
1971: Oprah Begins Relationship with Bubba Taylor
Oprah met and began a relationship with William "Bubba" Taylor at Tennessee State University in 1971.
June 1976: Oprah Moves to Baltimore for Work, Ending Relationship with Bubba Taylor
In June 1976, Oprah moved to Baltimore for a job at WJZ-TV, leading to the end of her relationship with William "Bubba" Taylor.
1976: Move to Baltimore's WJZ-TV
In 1976, Oprah Winfrey relocated to Baltimore to work as a news co-anchor for WJZ-TV, expanding her career in television journalism.
1977: Shift in Role at WJZ-TV
In 1977, Oprah Winfrey's role at WJZ-TV changed, leading her to work in less prominent positions at the station. This shift ultimately opened doors for new opportunities in her career.
August 14, 1978: Premiere of "People Are Talking"
On August 14, 1978, Oprah Winfrey began co-hosting the local talk show "People Are Talking" on WJZ in Baltimore, marking a significant step in her journey towards becoming a talk show icon.
September 8, 1981: Oprah Writes Suicide Note Amidst Depression
Overwhelmed by a difficult relationship, Oprah wrote a suicide note on September 8, 1981, but later stated that the incident was "overplayed".
January 2, 1984: AM Chicago Debut
Oprah's journey in Chicago began on January 2, 1984, with the premiere of "AM Chicago." The show, initially struggling in ratings, was hosted by Oprah and quickly gained popularity.
1985: Purchases First Chicago Condo
As her talk show gained traction, Oprah purchased her first condominium in Chicago's Water Tower Place in 1985, marking the beginning of her real estate ventures.
1985: Alleged Relationship with Reginald Chevalier
Haitian filmmaker Reginald Chevalier claimed he started a relationship with Oprah in 1985 after appearing on her show, but it ended when she met Stedman Graham.
1985: Co-stars in "The Color Purple"
In 1985, Oprah co-starred in Steven Spielberg's "The Color Purple" as Sofia, receiving an Academy Award nomination for her performance.
1985: Alleged Relationship and Subsequent Lawsuit with Randolph Cook
Randolph Cook claimed he and Oprah lived together and used drugs in 1985. In 1997, he attempted to sue Oprah for blocking a tell-all book about their alleged relationship.
September 8, 1986: The Oprah Winfrey Show Premiere
On September 8, 1986, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" debuted, expanding to a full hour and broadcasting nationwide. The show's success led to it becoming the number one daytime talk show in America.
1986: Oprah Addresses Sexual Abuse on Her Show
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey bravely shared her personal experience of sexual abuse on an episode of "The Oprah Winfrey Show," breaking down societal barriers and raising awareness about this critical issue.
1986: Oprah Acknowledges Her Father's Impact
In 1986, Oprah Winfrey publicly acknowledged the profound impact her father, Vernon, had on her life, crediting him with providing structure, guidance, and prioritizing her education.
1986: The Oprah Winfrey Show Premiere
Oprah Winfrey's renowned talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," premiered in 1986 and ran for an impressive 25 years.
1986: Oprah and Stedman Graham's Relationship Begins
Oprah and Stedman Graham began their relationship in 1986.
1987: Oprah Receives College Degree
Despite achieving television success, Oprah Winfrey completed her studies and received her degree from Tennessee State University in 1987, demonstrating her commitment to education.
August 1988: Oprah vs. Donahue
By August 1988, Oprah's show had surpassed Phil Donahue's in popularity, making her the queen of daytime television. This sparked a much-publicized rivalry that captured public attention and was covered extensively by the media, including Time magazine.
November 1988: Ms. Magazine Observation on Oprah's Impact on Body Image
The November 1988 issue of Ms. magazine highlighted Oprah Winfrey's influence on societal perceptions of beauty, noting how she challenged conventions by making "fat sexy, elegant – damned near gorgeous."
1988: Purchases Indiana Property
Oprah acquired a 164-acre property in Rolling Prairie, Indiana, in 1988, featuring main and guest houses, an orchard, and stables, which she used as a weekend retreat.
1989: NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame
Oprah Winfrey was honored with induction into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame in 1989.
1989: Death of Jeffrey, Oprah's Half-Brother
Oprah Winfrey's half-brother, Jeffrey, died in 1989 from causes related to AIDS.
1989: The Women of Brewster Place
Oprah produced and starred in the miniseries "The Women of Brewster Place" in 1989.
1990: Story of Oprah's Son Leaked to the National Enquirer
In 1990, a family member sold the story of Oprah Winfrey's son, who had died prematurely, to the National Enquirer, causing significant emotional distress and highlighting the intrusions of media into personal life.
1991: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Achieves Peak Viewership
During the 1991-1992 season, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" reached its peak viewership, attracting an average of 13.1 million U.S. viewers daily.
November 1992: Oprah and Stedman Graham's Engagement
Oprah and Stedman Graham got engaged in November 1992, but never went through with the wedding ceremony.
1992: ABC Afterschool Specials
Oprah moderated three ABC Afterschool Specials between 1992 and 1994.
1992: Expands Chicago Condo Holdings
Oprah expanded her condo holdings by purchasing the units adjacent to and directly below her existing condo in Chicago's Water Tower Place in 1992.
1993: Acquires Another Condo in Chicago
Continuing to expand her real estate portfolio, Oprah purchased another condominium in Chicago's Water Tower Place in 1993.
1993: Michael Jackson Talks... to Oprah
Oprah conducted a prime-time interview with Michael Jackson in 1993. "Michael Jackson Talks... to Oprah" was a highly watched event, ranking as the fourth most-watched in American television history and the most-watched interview ever.
1994: Induction into National Women's Hall of Fame
In 1994, Oprah Winfrey was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, recognizing her achievements and impact as a woman in media.
1994: Purchases Fourth Condo in Chicago
In 1994, Oprah purchased her fourth condo unit in Chicago's Water Tower Place, solidifying her presence in the building.
1994: Shift to Edifying Content
In 1994, Winfrey's show abandoned traditional talk-show fare for more edifying content.
1994: ABC Afterschool Specials
Oprah moderated three ABC Afterschool Specials between 1992 and 1994.
April 16, 1996: Mad Cow Disease Episode and Lawsuit
During a show about mad cow disease that aired on April 16, 1996, Oprah Winfrey expressed concerns about eating burgers, leading to a lawsuit from Texas cattlemen.
1996: Launch of Oprah's Book Club
Oprah Winfrey introduced "Oprah's Book Club" to her television show in late 1996. The segment quickly became a cultural phenomenon, boosting book sales and introducing audiences to both new and classic works.
1996: Begins Acquiring Condos in Florida
Oprah began acquiring condominiums in different development areas of Fisher Island, Florida, between 1996 and 2000, demonstrating her interest in diverse real estate investments.
April 1997: Appearance on "The Puppy Episode" of Ellen
In a significant cultural moment, Oprah Winfrey appeared as the therapist in "The Puppy Episode" of the sitcom Ellen in April 1997. This episode marked Ellen DeGeneres's coming out as a lesbian both on-screen and in real life, with Winfrey playing a pivotal role in the narrative.
1997: Randolph Cook's Lawsuit Against Oprah
Randolph Cook attempted to sue Oprah in 1997 for $20 million, alleging she blocked the publication of a book detailing their alleged relationship.
1997: Speculation About Oprah and Gayle King's Relationship Arises
Rumors about Oprah and Gayle King's relationship began circulating in 1997, following Oprah's portrayal of a therapist in an episode of "Ellen" where Ellen DeGeneres came out as gay.
1997: Oprah Receives Honorary Membership from the American Library Association
In 1997, Oprah Winfrey received an Honorary Membership from the American Library Association, recognizing her significant contributions to literacy and the promotion of reading.
October 1998: Release of "Beloved"
In October 1998, Oprah Winfrey produced and starred in the film "Beloved," based on Toni Morrison's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Despite significant advertising efforts, the film did not perform well at the box office.
1998: Oprah Establishes Oprah's Angel Network
In 1998, Oprah Winfrey established Oprah's Angel Network, a charity dedicated to supporting charitable projects and providing grants to non-profit organizations worldwide. The network raised over $80 million, with Winfrey personally covering all administrative costs, ensuring that 100% of the funds went directly to charitable programs.
1998: Entertainment Weekly's Top 101
In 1998, Oprah made history by becoming the first woman and first African American to top Entertainment Weekly's list of the 101 most powerful people in the entertainment industry.
1998: "Change Your Life TV"
In 1998, Winfrey began "Change Your Life TV," which emphasized uplifting and inspirational topics and themes.
1998: Conversations with Gary Zukav
In 1998, Winfrey began an ongoing conversation with Gary Zukav, an American spiritual teacher, who appeared on her television show 35 times.
1998: Lawsuit by Texas Cattlemen
In early 1998, Oprah Winfrey faced a lawsuit from Texas cattlemen who claimed her comments about mad cow disease on her show had negatively impacted beef prices.
1998: Oprah Hosts Maya Angelou's 70th Birthday Cruise
Oprah celebrated Maya Angelou's 70th birthday in 1998 by hosting a week-long Caribbean cruise with 150 guests.
1998: Oprah Winfrey: America's Favorite Television Personality
According to the Harris poll, Oprah Winfrey was voted America's favorite television personality in 1998.
2000: Oprah Winfrey: America's Favorite Television Personality
According to the Harris poll, Oprah Winfrey was voted America's favorite television personality in 2000.
2000: Oprah's Estimated Net Worth Reaches $800 Million
By 2000, Oprah's estimated net worth reached $800 million, potentially making her the wealthiest African American of the 20th century.
2000: Spingarn Medal from NAACP
Oprah Winfrey received the Spingarn Medal from the NAACP in 2000.
2000: Sells Colorado Compound
Oprah sold her 80-acre compound in Telluride, Colorado, which she had purchased in 1992, around late 2000.
2001: "Islam 101"
In 2001, following the September 11 attacks, Winfrey aired a controversial show called "Islam 101" in which she portrayed Islam as a religion of peace.
2001: Sells Florida Condos and Purchases "The Promised Land"
Oprah sold all five of her Fisher Island condos in 2001. That same year, she acquired her "main home base," a 42-acre estate with stunning ocean and mountain views in Montecito, California, a property she affectionally dubbed "The Promised Land."
2002: Purchases Homes for Family and Friends
In 2002, Oprah purchased her father's home in Franklin, Tennessee, and a lakefront condo in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, extending her generosity to family and friends through real estate acquisitions.
2002: Oprah Winfrey Receives Bob Hope Humanitarian Award
Oprah Winfrey received the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2002 Emmy Awards, recognizing her outstanding contributions to television and film.
2002: Oprah After the Show
Oprah launched "Oprah After the Show" in 2002 on the Oxygen Network, which she co-founded.
2002: Invitation to Afghanistan
In 2002, George W. Bush invited Winfrey to join a US delegation planning to go to Afghanistan to celebrate the return of Afghan girls to school. Winfrey refused to participate, and the trip was postponed.
2002: "O, The Oprah Magazine" Deemed Most Successful Start-Up
In 2002, Fortune magazine recognized "O, The Oprah Magazine" as the most successful start-up in the magazine industry, highlighting its significant impact and achievement.
2002: "The Church of O"
In 2002, Christianity Today published an article called "The Church of O" that highlighted Winfrey's emergence as an influential spiritual leader.
2002: Oprah Winfrey: America's Favorite Television Personality
According to the Harris poll, Oprah Winfrey was voted America's favorite television personality in 2002.
February 2003: Death of Patricia, Oprah's Half-Sister
In February 2003, Oprah Winfrey's younger half-sister, Patricia, died at the age of 43 due to complications related to cocaine addiction.
February 2003: Oprah's Anti-War Segment Interrupted
In February 2003, a series on Oprah's show featuring global perspectives against the impending war in Iraq was interrupted in several East Coast markets. The interruption occurred due to network broadcasts of a press conference by President George W. Bush and Colin Powell, who presented the case for war.
November 2003: Gallup Poll on Oprah's Popularity
In November 2003, a Gallup poll showed that 73% of American adults had a favorable view of Oprah Winfrey, reflecting her widespread popularity.
2003: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Experiences Ratings Decline
By 2003, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" experienced a decline in ratings, with the average daily viewership dropping to 7.4 million.
2003: Oprah Becomes World's First Black Woman Billionaire
In 2003, Oprah achieved the distinction of becoming the world's first Black woman billionaire.
2003: Lists Indiana Property
Oprah listed her 164-acre compound in Rolling Prairie, Indiana for sale in 2003, initiating a change in her real estate holdings.
2004: Oprah Recognized as One of the Most Influential People by TIME Magazine
Starting in 2004, TIME Magazine consistently recognized Oprah as one of the most influential people, a recognition that continued until 2011.
2004: Sells Indiana Property
Oprah successfully sold her Rolling Prairie, Indiana property in 2004, after listing it the previous year.
2004: "Oprah's Christmas Kindness" Airs
In 2004, Oprah Winfrey's show aired a special episode titled "Oprah's Christmas Kindness." During this episode, Winfrey traveled to South Africa to shed light on the challenges faced by children impacted by poverty and AIDS. This initiative resulted in significant donations to Oprah's Angel Network, contributing to the welfare of children in Africa.
2004: Launch of "O At Home" Magazine
Oprah published "O At Home" magazine from 2004 to 2008, expanding her presence in the print media landscape.
2004: Oprah Winfrey Among America's Most Generous Philanthropists
In 2004, Oprah Winfrey became the first black person to be ranked among the 50 most generous Americans, and she remained in that position until 2010.
2004: Oprah Listed as World's Only Black Billionaire by Forbes
Forbes listed Oprah as the world's only Black billionaire from 2004 to 2006.
December 1, 2005: Appearance on Late Show with David Letterman
Oprah appeared on the "Late Show with David Letterman" on December 1, 2005, for the first time in 16 years. The episode garnered significant attention, seen by some as the "television event of the decade."
2005: Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005.
2005: Acquires Properties in Hawaii and Georgia
From 2003 to 2005, Oprah actively acquired various properties, accumulating a total of 163 acres in Kula and Hana, Hawaii, as well as a penthouse apartment in Atlanta, Georgia.
2005: Production of "Their Eyes Were Watching God"
Harpo Productions, Oprah Winfrey's company, released a film adaptation of Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" in 2005. The film, based on a teleplay by Suzan-Lori Parks, starred Halle Berry.
2005: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Sees Temporary Ratings Rebound
In 2005, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" saw a temporary rebound in ratings, with viewership climbing back up to approximately 9 million.
2005: Publication of "Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America"
In 2005, Kathleen Rooney's book "Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America" examined the impact of Winfrey's book club, describing her as a pioneering intellectual who used media to promote reading and social engagement.
2005: The Greatest American Poll
In 2005, Oprah Winfrey was named the greatest woman in American history in a public poll conducted as part of "The Greatest American" initiative. She ranked ninth overall on the list.
2005: Co-authors Weight-Loss Book
Oprah co-authored a weight-loss book with her personal trainer, Bob Greene, in 2005. The undisclosed advance fee for the book reportedly set a new record, surpassing that of Bill Clinton's autobiography.
2005: Circulation Decline of "O, The Oprah Magazine"
The circulation of "O, The Oprah Magazine" experienced a decline of over 10%, dropping to 2.4 million from its 2005 figures. This decrease in readership marked a shift in the magazine's performance.
February 9, 2006: XM Satellite Radio Contract
On February 9, 2006, Oprah inked a three-year, $55 million contract with XM Satellite Radio, launching a new radio channel called "Oprah Radio." This channel featured notable contributors from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "O, The Oprah Magazine," including Nate Berkus, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and others.
August 2006: Oprah Addresses Rumors About Her Relationship with Gayle King
In August 2006, Oprah addressed persistent rumors about her relationship with Gayle King, stating she understood the speculation but emphasizing the depth of their bond.
September 25, 2006: Launch of "Oprah Radio"
Oprah launched "Oprah Radio" on September 25, 2006, at 11:00 am ET, broadcasting from a new studio at her Chicago headquarters. The channel, available on XM Radio Channel 156, operated 24/7, featuring personalities from "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and "O, The Oprah Magazine." Oprah's contract stipulated her presence on air for 30 minutes per week, 39 weeks per year.
2006: Oprah Remains World's Only Black Billionaire
Forbes continued to list Oprah as the world's only Black Billionaire in 2006.
2006: Purchases Chicago Co-op Apartment
Oprah purchased a co-op apartment along Lake Shore Drive in downtown Chicago in 2006, initially intending to permanently relocate from her Water Tower Place condos for the remainder of her show's run. However, she never resided in the property and eventually sold it in 2012.
2006: Confrontation with James Frey
Oprah Winfrey publicly confronted author James Frey on her show in 2006 after his memoir "A Million Little Pieces" was found to contain fabrications, sparking debate about truth and trust in literature.
2006: Oprah Takes Staff on Vacation to Hawaii
To celebrate two decades of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" and express gratitude to her employees, Oprah Winfrey treated her entire staff and their families (a total of 1,065 people) to a vacation in Hawaii in the summer of 2006.
2006: Sales Success of "O, The Oprah Magazine"
The January 2009 issue of "O, The Oprah Magazine" became the best-selling issue since 2006, demonstrating the magazine's continued ability to attract a loyal readership and achieve strong sales figures.
2006: Oprah Winfrey Addresses Anti-War Controversy
In 2006, Oprah Winfrey addressed the controversies surrounding her show's alleged anti-war bias. She recalled receiving significant backlash, including hate mail, for an episode titled "Is War the Only Answer?" which explored perspectives on the U.S.-led invasion of Iraq. Filmmaker Michael Moore defended Winfrey, praising her for showcasing anti-war footage.
2006: Oprah After the Show Moves Online
Oprah moved "Oprah After the Show" online in 2006 after selling her stake in the Oxygen Network.
2006: Oprah Becomes Highest-Paid TV Entertainer in the US
Oprah became the highest-paid television entertainer in the United States in 2006, earning an estimated $260 million.
2006: Oprah Winfrey's Genetic Ancestry Revealed
In 2006, genetic testing revealed Oprah Winfrey's ancestry, tracing her matrilineal line to the Kpelle ethnic group in Liberia.
2006: Maureen Dowd's Assessment of Oprah's Influence
In 2006, columnist Maureen Dowd, in an interview with The Guardian, described Oprah Winfrey as the "top alpha female in this country," emphasizing her credibility and straight ahead success story.
2006: Criticism from Hip-Hop Artists
In 2006, Oprah faced criticism from rappers like Ludacris, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube for her perceived bias against hip-hop music and culture.
2006: Voice Acting in "Charlotte's Web"
Oprah lent her voice to the character of Gussie the goose in the 2006 animated film "Charlotte's Web."
January 2007: Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls Opens
In January 2007, the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, a school established by Oprah Winfrey, opened in Henley on Klip, South Africa. The school aimed to provide quality education for girls from disadvantaged backgrounds.
January 2007: Gallup Poll on Oprah's Popularity
Oprah Winfrey's popularity remained high in January 2007, with a Gallup poll estimating a 74% favorability rating among American adults.
September 8, 2007: Fundraiser for Obama
On September 8, 2007, Oprah Winfrey held a fundraiser for Barack Obama at her estate in Santa Barbara.
September 10, 2007: David Letterman on The Oprah Winfrey Show
David Letterman appeared on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on September 10, 2007, marking his first time on the show. This came after Oprah's appearance on his show two years prior.
October 2007: Gallup Poll on Oprah's Popularity
Oprah's favorability rating dipped slightly to 66% in a Gallup poll conducted in October 2007.
December 9, 2007: Obama rally in South Carolina
Oprah Winfrey joined Barack Obama for a rally in Columbia, South Carolina, on December 9, 2007. The event drew a crowd of nearly 30,000, the largest for any political event of 2007.
December 2007: Rallies in early primary states
Oprah Winfrey joined Obama for a series of rallies in the early primary states of Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina in December 2007.
December 2007: Fox News Poll on Oprah's Popularity
A Fox News poll in December 2007 showed a lower favorability rating for Oprah Winfrey, at 55%.
2007: Oprah Winfrey's Global Influence
By 2007, Oprah Winfrey was widely recognized as one of the most influential women in the world, solidifying her impact on media and culture.
2007: USA Today Recognition
In 2007, USA Today recognized Oprah Winfrey as the most influential woman and most influential Black person of the preceding quarter-century.
2007: Oprah Winfrey's Popularity in the Arab World
In 2007, The Wall Street Journal reported Oprah Winfrey's rising popularity in the Arab world. MBC 4, an Arab satellite channel, centered its programming around reruns of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" due to the show's record-breaking female viewership in Saudi Arabia.
2007: Voice Acting in "Bee Movie"
In 2007, Oprah provided the voice for Judge Bumbleton in the animated film "Bee Movie," which also featured the voices of Jerry Seinfeld and Renée Zellweger.
2007: Oprah Endorses "The Secret" and Faces Criticism
In 2007, Oprah Winfrey began endorsing "The Secret," a self-help program claiming that positive thoughts attract positive outcomes. This endorsement drew criticism from individuals like Peter Birkenhead of Salon magazine, who labeled the concept as pseudoscience. Skeptic James Randi also accused Winfrey of being uncritical of paranormal claims.
January 15, 2008: OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network Announcement
On January 15, 2008, Oprah and Discovery Communications announced their plan to launch OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, initially set for 2009.
September 2008: Sarah Palin Controversy
Oprah faced backlash in September 2008 when reports emerged that she refused to host Sarah Palin on her show due to her support for Barack Obama. Oprah denied these claims, stating her decision not to use her platform for any political candidate during the election.
2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
Oprah Winfrey endorsed Barack Obama in the 2008 presidential election.
2008: Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrity
Winfrey was once again named the world's most powerful celebrity by Forbes in 2008.
2008: End of "O At Home" Publication
Oprah's magazine "O At Home" ceased publication in 2008 after running for four years.
2008: Oprah's Annual Income Increases to $275 Million
Oprah's annual income increased to $275 million in 2008.
2008: Oprah Throws 80th Birthday Party for Maya Angelou
Oprah organized a lavish 80th birthday celebration for Maya Angelou at Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago club in 2008.
2008: Sells Atlanta Penthouse and Purchases Manhattan Penthouse for Gayle King
In 2008, Oprah sold her penthouse apartment in Atlanta and, through her company Sophie's Penthouse, purchased a penthouse apartment in Midtown Manhattan for Gayle King. This penthouse would later be sold in 2012.
2008: Exclusive Output Pact with HBO
In late 2008, Harpo Films signed an exclusive output pact with HBO, committing to develop and produce scripted series, documentaries, and movies specifically for the network.
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." During a webinar promoting the book, Winfrey shared her perspective that experiencing God is about feeling rather than believing. This statement sparked criticism, particularly from Christian leaders like Frank Pastore who found her views incompatible with Christianity.
2008: Oprah's Show Broadcast in Arabic
In 2008, The New York Times reported that "The Oprah Winfrey Show" was being broadcast with Arabic subtitles twice each weekday on MBC 4, signifying Oprah's growing influence in the Arab world. Winfrey's modest dress and her story of overcoming adversity resonated with many women in Saudi Arabia.
2008: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Reaches Global Audience
In 2008, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" aired in 140 countries internationally and garnered an estimated weekly viewership of 46 million in the U.S.
2008: "The Oprah Winfrey Show" Ratings Decline Again
By 2008, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" experienced another decline in ratings, with an average of around 7.3 million viewers. Despite the decline, the show remained the highest-rated talk show.
2008: Oprah's Political Influence and the Launch of OWN
In 2008, Oprah Winfrey's endorsement of Barack Obama during the presidential race significantly impacted the election. This year also saw the launch of her own network, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network).
2008: Oprah Named PETA's Person of the Year
In 2008, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) recognized Oprah Winfrey as their Person of the Year. This recognition stemmed from Winfrey's dedication to using her platform to aid those in need, including animals. PETA applauded her efforts in raising awareness about animal cruelty in puppy mills and factory farms, as well as her promotion of a cruelty-free vegan diet.
2008: The Hollywood Reporter Recognition
In 2008, The Hollywood Reporter named Oprah Winfrey the most powerful woman in entertainment, solidifying her position as a media mogul.
January 2009: Best-Selling Issue of "O, The Oprah Magazine"
The January 2009 issue of "O, The Oprah Magazine" achieved the highest sales since 2006, despite a decline in overall circulation. This particular issue marked a high point in the magazine's performance.
November 18, 2009: Sarah Palin on The Oprah Winfrey Show
Following the 2008 election, Oprah hosted Sarah Palin on her show on November 18, 2009, after previously stating her intention to have Palin as a guest post-election.
2009: Oprah Winfrey: America's Favorite Television Personality
According to the Harris poll, Oprah Winfrey was voted America's favorite television personality in 2009.
2009: Apology to James Frey
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey offered a public apology to author James Frey for the 2006 confrontation regarding his fabricated memoir.
2009: Suzanne Somers Controversy and Criticism for Interview Style
In 2009, Oprah received criticism for allowing actress Suzanne Somers to discuss unverified hormone treatments on her show. Additional criticism targeted Oprah's interview style, deemed by some as too lenient with certain guests.
2009: OWN Launch Delayed
OWN's launch, initially planned for 2009, was delayed.
2009: Voice Acting in "The Princess and the Frog"
Oprah lent her voice to the character of Eudora, Princess Tiana's mother, in the 2009 Disney animated film "The Princess and the Frog."
2009: Oprah's Show on Denmark's Happiness
In 2009, Oprah Winfrey filmed a series of interviews in Denmark, highlighting the country's reputation for having the happiest citizens in the world.
May 2010: Oprah's Angel Network Ceases Operations
With the conclusion of "The Oprah Winfrey Show" approaching, Oprah's Angel Network, a charity founded by Winfrey in 1998, stopped accepting donations and ceased operations in May 2010.
September 2010: New Statesman's List of Influential Figures
Oprah Winfrey secured the 38th spot on the British magazine New Statesman's list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010."
2010: Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrity
Oprah continued her reign as the world's most powerful celebrity, according to Forbes, in 2010.
2010: Narration of "Life"
Oprah narrated the US version of the BBC nature program "Life" for Discovery in 2010.
2010: Discovery of a Second Half-Sister
Oprah Winfrey learned about the existence of her second half-sister, also named Patricia, in 2010, marking a significant revelation in her family history.
2010: Oprah Winfrey Remains Among America's Most Generous Philanthropists
By 2010, Oprah Winfrey had maintained her position among the top 50 most generous Americans, highlighting her sustained commitment to philanthropy.
2010: Life Magazine's 100 People Who Changed the World
In 2010, Life magazine recognized Oprah as one of the 100 people who changed the world. She was the only living woman on the list, highlighting her extraordinary impact.
2010: Bill O'Reilly Criticizes Oprah's Show
In 2010, Bill O'Reilly of Fox News criticized Oprah's shows on Denmark for promoting a left-wing society.
January 1, 2011: OWN Launch
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network finally launched on January 1, 2011.
May 25, 2011: The Oprah Winfrey Show Finale
On May 25, 2011, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" aired its final episode.
2011: Conclusion of The Oprah Winfrey Show
After a successful run of 25 years, "The Oprah Winfrey Show" concluded in 2011, marking the end of an era.
2011: Oprah Remains on TIME's Most Influential People List for Seventh Consecutive Year
In 2011, Oprah appeared on TIME Magazine's list of the most influential people for the seventh consecutive year.
2011: Gifts Georgia Home to Family Member
In a gesture of generosity, Oprah gifted a house she had purchased in Douglasville, Georgia, in 2005 to a family member in 2011.
2012: Oprah Winfrey's Scholarships to Morehouse College
As of 2012, Oprah Winfrey had awarded over 400 scholarships to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, demonstrating her commitment to supporting higher education opportunities for students.
2012: Oprah Winfrey's Substantial Donation to Educational Causes
By 2012, Oprah Winfrey had donated approximately $400 million to educational causes, underscoring her dedication to improving access to education.
2012: Sells Chicago Co-op and Manhattan Penthouse
In 2012, Oprah sold two properties: her unused co-op apartment in Chicago and the Manhattan penthouse she had purchased for Gayle King in 2008 through her company Sophie's Penthouse.
2013: Presidential Medal of Freedom
Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2013, a testament to her contributions to American society.
2013: Stars in "The Butler"
In 2013, Oprah starred in "The Butler," directed by Lee Daniels. While her performance generated considerable Oscar buzz, she did not receive a nomination.
2013: Forbes' Most Powerful Celebrity
For the fifth time, Oprah earned the title of the world's most powerful celebrity by Forbes in 2013.
2013: Oprah Winfrey Donates to Smithsonian Museum, Receives Presidential Medal of Freedom
In 2013, Oprah Winfrey made a significant donation of $12 million to the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture. In the same year, President Barack Obama bestowed upon her the Presidential Medal of Freedom, recognizing her exceptional contributions to American society.
April 2014: Fundraiser for Lavern Chatman
In April 2014, Winfrey spoke for more than 20 minutes at a fundraiser in Arlington, Virginia, for Lavern Chatman, a candidate in a primary to nominate a Democratic Party candidate for election to the U.S. House of Representatives.
2014: Oprah Surpasses Meg Whitman as Richest Self-Made Woman in America
By 2014, Oprah's net worth exceeded $2.9 billion, making her the richest self-made woman in America, surpassing former eBay CEO Meg Whitman.
2014: Oprah's Real Estate Moves and Legal Dispute
In 2014, Oprah listed her Chicago duplex, bought a 60-acre lot in Telluride, Colorado, and faced a lawsuit regarding trail access rights, which was later dismissed.
2014: Forbes' 100 Most Powerful Women
Oprah Winfrey was included in Forbes' list of the 100 most powerful women in the world, ranking 14th in 2014.
2015: Oprah's Real Estate Expansion and Sales
In 2015, Oprah acquired more properties in Telluride and Montecito, while selling her homes in downtown Chicago.
2015: Memoir Announcement
Oprah's memoir, "The Life You Want," was announced in 2015, following her tour of the same name, and initially scheduled for a 2017 release. However, the publication was "indefinitely postponed" in 2016.
2016: Oprah Creates SuperSoul 100 List
In 2016, following the launch of "Super Soul Sunday" and "SuperSoul Sessions" on Harpo Productions' SuperSoul TV, Oprah Winfrey curated the SuperSoul 100 list, which featured "innovators and visionaries who are aligned on a mission to move humanity forward."
2016: Endorsement of Hillary Clinton
Oprah Winfrey endorsed Hillary Clinton in the 2016 election.
2016: Memoir Postponement
The publication of Oprah's memoir, "The Life You Want," was "indefinitely postponed" in 2016, after being initially scheduled for release in 2017.
January 2017: 60 Minutes Contributor Announcement
CBS announced in January 2017 that Oprah would join "60 Minutes" as a special contributor starting in September.
September 2017: 60 Minutes Debut
Oprah debuted as a special contributor on "60 Minutes" in September 2017.
2017: Planned Memoir Publication
Oprah's memoir, "The Life You Want," was initially planned for publication in 2017, but it was ultimately "indefinitely postponed" in 2016.
2017: Oprah Explains Decision Not to Have More Children
In a 2017 interview, Oprah explained that she chose not to have more children after the loss of her infant child at age 14, believing she wouldn't have been a good mother to babies.
June 2018: Apple Partnership Announcement
In June 2018, Apple announced a multi-year content partnership with Oprah to create new original programming exclusively for Apple TV+.
2018: Oprah Acquires Land in Washington and Sells Chicago Property
In 2018, Oprah purchased land on Orcas Island, Washington, and sold her last property in Chicago.
2018: Stars in "A Wrinkle in Time"
In 2018, Oprah starred as Mrs. Which in the film adaptation of Madeleine L'Engle's "A Wrinkle in Time."
2018: Support for Stacey Abrams and March for Our Lives
In 2018, Winfrey canvassed for Georgia gubernatorial Democratic nominee Stacey Abrams and donated $500,000 to the March for Our Lives student demonstration in favor of gun control.
2018: Denial of Presidential Run
In 2018, Winfrey denied any plans to run for president, stating that she "would not be able to do it."
2018: Departure from 60 Minutes
Oprah left "60 Minutes" at the end of 2018.
2018: Oprah Winfrey Exhibit at NMAAHC
The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a special exhibit in 2018 dedicated to Oprah's influence on television and culture.
2018: Death of Vernita Lee
Vernita Lee, Oprah Winfrey's mother, passed away in 2018.
2018: Meeting with Mohammad bin Salman
Winfrey met with Mohammad bin Salman, the crown prince and de facto ruler of Saudi Arabia, when he visited the United States in early 2018.
November 1, 2019: Oprah's Book Club Premiere
Oprah's first show as part of her Apple partnership, "Oprah's Book Club," premiered on November 1, 2019.
2019: Oprah Expands Montecito Compound
Oprah further expanded her Montecito compound in late 2019 by purchasing a four-acre complex from actor Jeff Bridges.
March 21, 2020: Oprah Talks COVID-19 Premiere
Oprah launched "Oprah Talks COVID-19," her second Apple TV+ show, on March 21, 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
July 2020: Announcement of "O Magazine" Print Publication End
In July 2020, Oprah announced that "O Magazine" would cease its regular print publications following the December 2020 issue.
July 30, 2020: The Oprah Conversation Premiere
On July 30, 2020, "The Oprah Conversation" premiered on Apple TV+, featuring Oprah's discussions with thought leaders on various topics.
December 2020: Final Monthly Print Edition of "O Magazine"
The December 2020 issue of "O Magazine" marked the conclusion of its regular monthly print publications. In this final issue, Oprah expressed gratitude to readers and acknowledged the significance of the moment.
2020: Speculation about Presidential Run
Winfrey was subject to media speculation that she might run for president in the lead-up to the 2020 election.
2020: Criticism for Promoting Junk Science
In 2020, Oprah faced criticism for promoting guests on her show who had made medical commentaries lacking scientific evidence, such as Dr. Oz and Jenny McCarthy. Calls for her to denounce these statements continued long after her show had ended.
2021: Interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle
In 2021, Oprah conducted an internationally broadcast interview with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry. The interview garnered significant media attention and public interest worldwide.
2021: Oprah Sells Orcas Island Property and Buys Another in Montecito
In 2021, Oprah sold her Orcas Island property and purchased another compound in Montecito.
2021: Elected to American Academy of Arts and Sciences
Oprah Winfrey was elected as a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2021, highlighting her contributions to the arts and sciences.
2022: Resides at "The Promised Land"
As of 2022, Oprah continues to reside at her Montecito, California estate known as "The Promised Land," a testament to her enduring connection to this property.
2022: Real Estate Portfolio Estimated at $127 Million
By 2022, Oprah Winfrey's extensive and evolving real-estate portfolio was estimated to be worth around $127 million, earning her the title of real-estate "tycoon" by prominent industry outlets.
2022: Endorsement of John Fetterman and Wes Moore
In 2022, Oprah Winfrey endorsed Democrat John Fetterman over Republican Mehmet Oz in the Pennsylvania Senate election. She also endorsed Baltimore author Wes Moore in the Democratic primary for Maryland governor.
2022: Oprah Sells Montecito Property to Associates
In 2022, Oprah sold her recently acquired Montecito property, with portions going to her property manager and actress Jennifer Aniston.
2022: Launch of OWN Your Vote
In 2022, 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: Death of Vernon Winfrey
Vernon Winfrey, Oprah Winfrey's father, died in 2022.
January 18, 2023: Attendance at Wes Moore's Inauguration
Winfrey attended and spoke at Wes Moore's gubernatorial inauguration on January 18, 2023.
2023: Oprah Purchases Land in Maui
Oprah purchased 870 acres of land in Maui for $6.6 million in 2023.