Oprah Winfrey, from Kosciusko, Mississippi, is a globally renowned talk show host, actress, producer, and philanthropist. Rising from a challenging childhood marked by poverty and adversity, she became the host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran for 25 years and revolutionized daytime television. Oprah is also the founder of Harpo Studios and the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), showcasing her influence in media. Her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for education and empowerment have earned her widespread admiration

She started as a news anchor in Nashville and Baltimore during the 1970s. In 1984, she became the host of AM Chicago, a struggling local talk show. Her charisma and unique approach quickly turned the show into a massive success, leading to its rebranding as The Oprah Winfrey Show in 1986. This marked the beginning of her journey to becoming a media mogul.

Oprah Winfrey built her wealth primarily through her groundbreaking talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, which ran for 25 years and became the highest-rated program of its kind. A key turning point was when she negotiated ownership of the show through her company, Harpo Productions, allowing her to earn a significant share of the profits. This ownership model extended to other ventures, including film production and publishing. She later diversified her income streams by launching the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN), investing in companies like Weight Watchers, and entering into lucrative partnerships, such as her multi-year deal with Apple TV+. Her real estate holdings and philanthropic efforts also reflect her financial acumen and commitment to giving back.