Lasting Legacy of Oprah Winfrey: A Look at the Influence on History

How the contributions of Oprah Winfrey continue to shape the world today.

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.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

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'".

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.

1989: Accepted into NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame

In 1989, Oprah Winfrey was accepted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame.

1994: Induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame

In 1994, Oprah Winfrey was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

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".

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.

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.

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.

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: 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: 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.

2005: World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.

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.

Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America

Check it on Amazon

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.

2006: World's Only Black Billionaire

From 2004 to 2006, Forbes listed Oprah Winfrey as the world's only black billionaire.

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.

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.

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 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.

2007: Most Influential Woman

By 2007, Oprah Winfrey was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world.

2008: World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.

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: 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.

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.

2013: World's Most Powerful Celebrity

Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013.

2013: Presidential Medal of Freedom

In 2013, Oprah Winfrey was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama.

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.

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.

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.

Loading Video...