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 an influential American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor, widely recognized for The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired for 25 years. Known as the "Queen of All Media," she was the wealthiest African-American of the 20th century and, at one point, the world's only black billionaire. She is consistently ranked among the most influential women globally.
1986: Oprah's Quote on Father's Influence
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 by Ms.
In November 1988, Ms. observed that Winfrey challenged societal norms by making "fat sexy, elegant," with her wardrobe, body language, and sensuality.
1989: NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame
In 1989, Winfrey was accepted into the NAACP Image Award Hall of Fame, recognizing her contributions and achievements in the field.
1996: Introduced Oprah's Book Club
Late in 1996, Winfrey introduced the Oprah's Book Club segment to her television show, creating "the Oprah Effect" by driving book sales and popularizing reading.
1998: Most Powerful Person in Entertainment
In 1998, 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, marking a significant milestone.
2000: Richest African American
By 2000, Winfrey's net worth reached $800 million, making her the richest African American of the 20th century.
2002: "The Church of O" Article
In 2002, Christianity Today published an article called "The Church of O", which discussed Oprah Winfrey's influence as a 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 Winfrey, indicating strong public approval.
2003: First Black Woman Billionaire
In 2003, Winfrey became the first black woman billionaire in the world, marking a historic achievement in business and wealth accumulation.
2004: Only Black Billionaire
From 2004 to 2006, Winfrey was listed as the world's only black billionaire by Forbes, highlighting her unique position and financial success.
2004: One of the Most Influential People
From 2004 to 2011, Winfrey was recognized by TIME as one of the most influential people, highlighting her significant impact on society.
2005: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2005, recognizing her extensive influence and reach.
2005: Reading with Oprah Published
In 2005, Kathleen Rooney's "Reading with Oprah: The Book Club that Changed America" highlighted Winfrey's use of media to promote reading and its social impact.
2005: Greatest Woman in American History
In 2005, Winfrey was named the greatest woman in American history as part of a public poll for The Greatest American, and ranked No. 9 overall on the list of greatest Americans.
2006: Only Black Billionaire
From 2004 to 2006, Winfrey was listed as the world's only black billionaire by Forbes, highlighting her unique position and financial success.
2006: Dowd on Winfrey's Credibility
In 2006, Maureen Dowd stated in an interview that Winfrey has more credibility than the president, highlighting her significant influence in the country.
January 2007: Gallup Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
Another Gallup poll in January 2007 estimated Winfrey's favorable view among American adults at 74%, marking a consistent level of public approval.
October 2007: Gallup Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
In October 2007, a Gallup poll showed Winfrey's favorable view dropping to 66%, indicating a slight decrease in public approval compared to earlier polls.
December 2007: Fox News Poll on Winfrey's Popularity
A December 2007 Fox News poll put Winfrey's favorable view at 55%, indicating a lower public approval rating compared to Gallup polls.
2007: Most Influential Woman
By 2007, Oprah was often ranked as the most influential woman in the world.
2007: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2007, recognizing her extensive influence and reach.
2008: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2008, recognizing her extensive influence and reach.
2008: Political Force and OWN Formation
In 2008, Oprah emerged as a political force with her endorsement of Barack Obama and formed her own network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).
2008: Most Powerful Woman in Entertainment
In 2008, as chairman of Harpo Inc., Winfrey was named the most powerful woman in entertainment by The Hollywood Reporter, affirming her influence in the industry.
2009: Apology to James Frey
In 2009, Winfrey apologized to James Frey for the public confrontation, marking a moment of reflection and reconciliation.
September 2010: Most Influential Figures 2010
In September 2010, Winfrey was voted 38th in the list of "The World's 50 Most Influential Figures 2010" by the British magazine New Statesman, highlighting her global impact.
2010: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2010, recognizing her extensive influence and reach.
2010: One of the 100 People Who Changed the World
In 2010, Life magazine named Winfrey one of the 100 people who changed the world, recognizing her profound impact on society.
2011: One of the Most Influential People
From 2004 to 2011, Winfrey was recognized by TIME as one of the most influential people, highlighting her significant impact on society.
2013: World's Most Powerful Celebrity
Forbes named Oprah Winfrey the world's most powerful celebrity in 2013, recognizing her extensive influence and reach.
2014: Richest Self-Made Woman
As of 2014, Winfrey had a net worth exceeding $2.9 billion and overtook Meg Whitman as the richest self-made woman in America, underscoring her exceptional business acumen and success.
2014: One of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2014, Winfrey was listed as one of the world's 100 most powerful women by Forbes, ranking 14th, underscoring her continued influence.
2017: Reason for Not Wanting Children
In a 2017 interview with Vanity Fair, Winfrey explained that after losing her infant child at age 14, she did not want more children because she felt she wouldn't have been a good mother for babies.
2022: Oprah Winfrey still resides at the Montecito estate as of 2022.
As of 2022, Oprah Winfrey still resides at her estate in Montecito, California, which she has called "The Promised Land".
2022: Real Estate Tycoon
As of 2022, Oprah Winfrey's real estate investments are estimated to total approximately $127 million, with many prominent industry outlets branding her a "tycoon".
2023: One of the World's 100 Most Powerful Women
In 2023, Winfrey was listed as one of the world's 100 most powerful women by Forbes, ranking 31st, underscoring her continued influence.
