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, an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor, rose to fame through her nationally syndicated talk show, *The Oprah Winfrey Show*, which aired for 25 years. Known as the "Queen of All Media," she became the wealthiest African-American of the 20th century and the world's only Black billionaire at one point. Winfrey is often recognized as one of the most influential women globally.

Sections (6)

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

1937: Publication of Their Eyes Were Watching God

In 1937, Zora Neale Hurston's novel "Their Eyes Were Watching God" was published. This book would later be adapted into a made-for-television film by Harpo Productions in 2005, starring Halle Berry.

Their Eyes Were Watching God

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1986: Life Change Acknowledgment

In 1986, Oprah Winfrey acknowledged that her father taking her in significantly changed her life for the better, providing structure and expectations.

1993: Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah Interview

In 1993, Oprah Winfrey hosted "Michael Jackson Talks ... to Oprah" with Michael Jackson. The interview became the fourth most-watched event in American television history and the most-watched interview ever, with 36.5 million viewers.

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

In 1994, Oprah Winfrey was inducted into the National Women's Hall of Fame, recognizing her achievements and contributions.

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 the year 2000, with a net worth of $800 million, Oprah Winfrey is believed to have been the richest African American of the 20th century.

2002: Publication of "The Church of O" article

In 2002, Christianity Today published an article called "The Church of O," concluding that Oprah Winfrey had emerged as an influential spiritual leader.

2003: First black woman billionaire in the world

In 2003, Oprah Winfrey became the first black woman billionaire in the world.

2004: Only black billionaire on Forbes' list

From 2004 to 2006, Oprah Winfrey was listed as the world's only black billionaire on Forbes' list of The World's Billionaires.

2004: One of TIME's most influential people

From 2004 to 2011, Oprah Winfrey was named one of the most influential people by TIME.

2004: Winfrey Ranked Among Most Generous Americans

In 2004, Oprah Winfrey became the first Black person to rank among the 50 most generous Americans.

2005: World's most powerful celebrity

In 2005, Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity.

2005: Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America

In 2005, Kathleen Rooney described Winfrey as "a serious American intellectual who pioneered the use of electronic media, specifically television and the Internet, to take reading – a decidedly non-technological and highly individual act – and highlight its social elements and uses in such a way to motivate millions of erstwhile non-readers to pick up books" in the book Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America.

Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America

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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: Only black billionaire on Forbes' list

From 2004 to 2006, Oprah Winfrey was listed as the world's only black billionaire on Forbes' list of The World's Billionaires.

2006: Maureen Dowd's assessment of Oprah's power

In 2006, Maureen Dowd stated that Oprah Winfrey is the top alpha female in the country and has more credibility than the president.

2007: Most Influential Woman

By 2007, Oprah Winfrey was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world, recognizing her significant impact and influence across various fields.

2007: Most influential woman and black person

In 2007, USA Today ranked Oprah Winfrey as the most influential woman and most influential black person of the previous quarter-century.

2008: World's most powerful celebrity

In 2008, Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity.

September 2010: World's 50 Most Influential Figures

In September 2010, Oprah Winfrey was voted 38th in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010" by the British magazine New Statesman.

2010: World's most powerful celebrity

In 2010, Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity.

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: Winfrey Remained Among Top 50 Most Generous Americans

In 2010, Oprah Winfrey remained among the top 50 most generous Americans, a position she had held since 2004.

2011: One of TIME's most influential people

From 2004 to 2011, Oprah Winfrey was named one of the most influential people by TIME.

2013: World's most powerful celebrity

In 2013, Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity.

2014: Richest self-made woman in America

As of 2014, Oprah Winfrey had a net worth in excess of 2.9 billion dollars and had overtaken former eBay CEO Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America.

2017: Reason for not wanting children

In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, Oprah Winfrey explained that she didn't want babies after the loss of her infant child at age 14 because she didn't believe she would have been a good mom for babies.

2018: Departure from 60 Minutes & Museum Exhibit

In 2018, Oprah Winfrey left 60 Minutes. The National Museum of African American History and Culture opened a special exhibit on Winfrey's cultural influence through television.

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