Oprah Winfrey: America's Most Famous African-American Woman

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Oprah Winfrey When Oprah Winfrey told her 49 million viewers, "It just stopped me cold from eating another burger!" (Tannen) about Mad cow disease, she had no idea it would cost the beef industry $12 million (Tannen). Texas cattlemen tried to sue Oprah for causing this massive downfall, but she would win (Tannen). Once a constantly abused thirteen year old girl Oprah Winfrey is now arguably the most famous African American woman and her talk show is highly regarded as the most talked about show in America. Her show has influenced many to change their lives and help others out. Oprah Winfrey's abusive childhood has driven her to make something out of herself and others. Oprah Gail Winfrey was born on January 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi…show more content…
Like her talk show, it would be credited as being the most successful magazine launch in recent history (Oprah Winfrey's Biography). She has over 2.6 million readers each month and in April 2002, she launched the first international edition of O in Southern Africa (Oprah Winfrey's Biography). She is also successful in the movie business; as a producer and an actor. She debuted her acting as Sophia in the Steven Spielberg film, The Color Purple in 1985 and received an Academy Award for supporting role and a Golden Globe Nomination (Oprah Winfrey). Her own production company, Harpo productions, Oprah spelled backwards, has a film division for her movies (Oprah Winfrey's Biography). Her projects are based on classic and contemporary novels and literature. Television films Oprah produce include Tuesdays with Morrie, David and Lisa, Their Eyes Were Watching God, and Beloved, a film based on a Pulitzer prized novel which costarred Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover (Oprah Winfrey's Biography). Oprah Winfrey is the most successful African American woman in history. Winfrey is believed to be worth over $1.3 billion according to 2005 Forbes Magazine and is the first African American woman to reach the billionaire status (Wikipedia;…show more content…
She has gone through a harrowing childhood, from the sexual abuse to the experimentation with drugs. She has fought and persevered through all the troubles and succeeded through life, becoming a universal hero. Her unique style of being emotionally attached to her guests and her own confessionals intrigue her audiences and gives her a unique personality. Her help around the world caused her to be national icon. Her social betterment to the world caused everyone else to make the best of our lives and help other people. If not for Oprah, who would all the suffering children look up to? Her inspirational life story shows that anyone can persevere through the toughest of times and to me she is the most admirable person in the

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