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Top 20 Amazing Facts About Oprah Winfrey

Originally published by Charity K on March 2022, Updated by Charity K on May 2023, and updated by Charity K on January 2024.

It is amazing how Oprah, developed from a humble beginning to be the first and only female African-American self-made billionaire. She was ranked the 9th richest woman in 2020. Her net worth amounts to $ 2.7 billion.

Despite her humble background, she rose through the television broadcasting industry to develop into one of the most successful hosts of a daytime talk show globally.

More developments followed Oprah’s success when she elevated her career from talk show segments to forming a big business and media empire. She is among the top media personalities who have impacted the media industry.

It is of great essence to say that Oprah’s story has proved that one can become anything only if one remains focused on your career. She has successfully made a dream come true.

Through her production company called Harpo, Oprah has the best and highest-paid staff. The company has only 200 staff but generates $15.55 million.

Read more about other famous Americans here.

1. She loses weight and gains it again

Photo by Alan Light –

It is amazing how she loses weight and gains it gain without much struggle. She introduced Weight Watchers and found the program helpful. Through this program, she is able to maintain her weight through regular exercises.

2. She started her own production company called Harpo Productions. “Harpo” is Oprah spelled backward

Photo by Wikimedia Commons –

Harpo is one of the American multimedia production companies that was founded by Oprah Winfrey. The company is based in West Hollywood, California. It was born in 1986.

With offices in Los Angeles, Harpo Inc. is one of the most successful production companies in the world—a global black-owned company with the highest-paid performers in television industry history.

Surprisingly, with only 200 employees, the company generates sales of approximately $15.55 million.

3. She is a Self-made Billionaire

Photo by Wikimedia Commons –

She is ranked No. 9 in the Forbes richest self-made American Women in 2020. Her network amounting to $2.7 billion.

One of her many homes is her base, which is Montecito, California.  However, she has other homes in Illinois, Florida, Hawaii, Colorado and Washington State.

Despite the many homes, Oprah has impacted the lives of many people including her family and her staff.

One great milestone that she has overcome is to treat her employees with respect.

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4. She has her own Pizza Line

O, That’s Good is Oprah’s Pizza line which was developed in collaboration with Kraft Heinz. It has different varieties, a twist of cauliflower but mainly fire-roasted veggie, uncured pepperoni, five cheese, and supreme varieties.

5. The Leadership Academy in South Africa is Oprah’s

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The Leadership Academy based in South Africa came to being after a conversation with the farmer South African President, Nelson Mandela in 2000.

However, she has a school in the United States and a branch to accomplish her desire to give opportunities to girls who have an economic disadvantage to acquire education.

6. She Pierced her Ears at 51 Years Old

On her 51st birthday, she invited a plastic surgeon, Dr. Emily Pollard to pierce her ears. Asked why she had not done it since she was born, she stated that she turned 51 years.

In actual fact, she stated that she felt stronger and better pointing out that she wanted to treat herself to a unique birthday.

7. She Signed a Contract with Apple Company

In the year 2018, he signed an agreement with Apple for the creation of original programs like documentaries, TV series, and book clubs.

Apple’s main agenda was to have its programs highlighted globally. This was because Oprah has the capacity to connect with people from all walks of life.

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8. Her private jet flew her staff for a treat at Miami Beach

When she acquired the $900,000 condominium off the coast of Miami Beach in Florida, she organized a bonding tour with her editorial staff. This was at her house on Fisher Island.

9. She is Generous by Nature

Out of her generosity, she treated her staff with their families to a 10-day fully paid Mediterranean cruise in 2009. They had stopovers in Spain, Italy, Greece, and Malta. This treatment costs her $706,877.

10. She gave a Surprise Gift to her Audience

In 2004 in her talk show, she surprised her audience by gifting them each a Pontiac car. There were 276 people and each got a car. This cost Oprah $28,500. She claimed that this was one of the happiest moments ever in her life.

Oprah was brought up by her grandmother who instilled in her good morals. Her generosity extends to the public and her family.

However, Oprah has no children. She considers the duty of a mother to be committed and so could not handle the two, being a career woman and a mother. She loves her happy moments, one being the gifting of her audience each with a care.

11. She is a Philanthropist Mostly in Women and Children

She started a foundation known as Oprah Winfrey Foundation in 1987. The foundation has helped many people in particular women and children. The foundation grants to many needy people in the world. The foundation does the grants through organizations that are known to inspire,  empower, and more importantly, educate children and women globally. According to Winfrey (1997,242) states that she values her financial success because it enables her to make an important difference in people’s lives. 

12. She is a neighbor to the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

, , via Wikimedia Commons

Prince Harry and Meghan’s home in Santa Barbara, California known as the Montecito mansion is in the neighborhood of Oprah Winfrey. It is known as the celebrity neighbourhood. Oprah’s home which she purchased in 2021 for $10.5 million has recently been purchased by another celebrity Jennifer Aniston who is now the new neighbor to the Royals. Other celebrities in the same neighbourhood who own condominiums include Boris Becker, Sharon Gless, Mel Brooks, and his wife Anne Bancroft.

13. She Supported Personal Decisions about Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Coronation Attendance

She gave her opinion regarding Prince Harry and Meghan Markel’s decision to attend King Charles III’s coronation on May 6, 2023. In her own words during a TV interview with her close friend Gayle King on CBS Mornings, she said “I think they should do what they feel is best for them and their family”. Prince Harry eventually decided to attend his Father’s coronation and return to the United States for his Daughter’s birthday.

14. She is a Good Model to Many People

She grew up in a very tough childhood. This moulded her to be strong in her career. Building a foundation was an encouragement to many people who have looked to her for help. She has already built very strong relationships and this is a good example to many.  

15. She has some of the Best Inspirational Quotes

Among other quotes that Oprah Winfrey has is one very famous that says “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end y having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.”

 

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16. She is a Passionate Cook

Oprah has shared her love for cooking. She has occasionally cooked on her talk show and even hosted a cooking competition series called “Cooking with Oprah” It should be noted that she has a personal chef and staff who handle most of the cooking in her household. Oprah appreciates good food while also expressing a level of passion for cooking. She even has her garden which she tends to regularly. She has also shared that she enjoys using fresh produce from her garden in her cooking.

17. She faced Criticism for the Maui Fires

, , via Wikimedia Commons

In 2023, Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson faced criticism for their Maui wildfires. The two have partnered up to establish the People’s Fund of Maui.The initiative aimed to provide direct financial assistance to affected residents. They shared that they had each pledged $10 million to encourage public donations. Many people didn’t appreciate the fact that two wealthy celebrities were asking the public to donate when they could contribute more.

Critics also shared that it was insensitive of the two celebrities to focus more on financial relief instead of the severity of the wildfires. Others shared that the fund only targeted Maui and neglected other areas in Hawaii struggling with wildfire issues. Oprah responded to the criticism with disappointment at the online negativity

18. She was in the film The Color Purple(2023)

Oprah Winfrey starred in the 1985 film adaptation of The Color Purple (1985) which was directed by Steven Spielberg. The film boosted her career and introduced her to the big screen. Her role in the film was Sofia who is the strong-willed and fiercely independent sister of the main character, Celie. Oprah received an Academy Award nomination for her performance. Her nomination opened doors to further opportunities in Hollywood.

19. She is an Animal Advocate

, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Throughout her career, Oprah has used her platform to raise awareness about animal welfare issues. She spoke out against animal cruelty as a teenager and adopted her first dog, Sophie who was a cocker spaniel. On “The Oprah Winfrey Show” she dedicated some episodes to highlight factory farming, puppy mills, and other animal welfare concerns. These segments earned millions of viewers and led to important conversations about ethical treatment.

She also partnered with and donated to many animal welfare organizations including the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Farm Sanctuary, and the Humane Society of the United States. Oprah encourages others to adopt a plant-based diet for the sake of animals.

20. She is a Literary Influencer

Oprah Winfrey has greatly influenced the world of reading and literature. In 1996, she launched a book club that became a cultural phenomenon. Her selections were part of the top bestseller lists. She was known for transforming unknown authors into overnight sensations. Her book club highlighted works by authors of colour, LGBTQ+ authors, and underrepresented communities. Oprah’s genuine passion for literature resonated with millions and inspired many individuals to pick up a book and get lost in its pages.

It should be noted that her book club introduced readers to a vast spectrum of perspectives as well as amplified marginalized voices. The Oprah Winfrey Network aired book-related shows and documentaries that strengthened her connection to the literary world.