How Oprah Winfrey Became a Global Media Icon

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 9

Oprah Winfrey is a media entrepreneur who started a talk show, which at its height was viewed in over 100 countries. She became the world's first female African-American billionaire. Oprah Winfrey’s hard work, entertaining, and charismatic personality helped her become one of the most successful women in the world.

Oprah was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, in 1954 to unmarried teenage parents. Her father, Vernon Winfrey, was a soldier, and her mother, Vernita Lee, worked as a housemaid. Oprah was originally named after a biblical woman, Orpah. However, people mispronounced her name, and she eventually changed it to Oprah.

Oprah was a smart child, starting to read the Bible at three years old and participating in church recitals. During this time, she lived with her grandmother, but at age six, she moved to Milwaukee to live with her mother.

At the age of 13, she was physically and sexually abused, which led to her running away from home. During her teenage years, she lived with her father in Tennessee, who pushed her to make good decisions. Oprah continued her education and later earned a full-ride college scholarship. Although she attended Tennessee State University, she left early to pursue career opportunities in broadcasting, eventually earning her degree much later.

Oprah showed early signs of success in her career. At 17, she was hired to read the news on a radio station, and from there, she steadily advanced in her career. Later, she attended Tennessee State University, where she studied communication. After being hired as a TV news anchor, Oprah became the first Black woman to hold such a role in Nashville. However, she felt that news was not her forte, so she transitioned to co-hosting a talk show—a decision that changed her life.

Oprah Winfrey moved to Chicago in 1983, where she became host of the AM Chicago talk show. Her on-screen presence captivated audiences, and due to the show's success, it was renamed The Oprah Winfrey Show and expanded in length. During this time, she became known for her charity work and her impactful conversations on daytime TV.

The Oprah Winfrey Show was supposed to be a traditional talk show, but Oprah turned it into something more. Her show became an outlet for people who had suffered traumatic experiences, and she often shared her struggles. Her candid approach to difficult topics helped reshape daytime television, earning her multiple Daytime Emmy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Oprah was later cast in the movie The Color Purple, obtaining her role through recommendations to director Steven Spielberg. Despite her limited acting experience, she won over Spielberg and delivered a standout performance, which led to other acting opportunities.

In the 1990s, Oprah had the idea of starting a book club on her show. The first book she featured was East of Eden by John Steinbeck, and her endorsement caused a surge in sales. She also famously declared on her show, “I’ll never eat beef again,” due to concerns about mad cow disease, which led to a lawsuit from cattle ranchers. Oprah won the case in 1998 after a highly publicized trial.

Oprah's show demonstrated the influence she had over people, inspiring millions to strive for success. Despite the end of The Oprah Winfrey Show in May 2011, Oprah Winfrey continues to make a difference through her charitable contributions and support for various causes.

[Source: Women Who Changed the World]