Oprah Winfrey is one of the most successful in the history of the United States of . Winfrey was born in a small town in in 1954 into a poor family. She is one of the richest people in the world, the richest black Americans in the country. She also named as the richest African American in 20th Century. Winfrey is known to most Americans her daytime show called "The Oprah Winfrey Show." show is very popular among television viewers because likes to tackle the tough issues many other TV hosts avoid.

Winfrey's early life was difficult. lived with her mother and grandmother at times. living with her grandmother, she learned to read the age of three, and had memorized many passages. Her mother was an unwed teenager at time of her birth, and had a difficult raising her. Winfrey had two half-sisters. One died as a result of cocaine addiction, and she not learn about her other sister until 2010. also was not certain who her father was.

suffered from sexual abuse from her uncle, cousin, family friend, and became pregnant at 14. She her baby shortly after birth though. Winfrey survived early years, and at 17 won a local contest before getting her first break in the industry as a radio newscaster. This was her step into the media market.

Her show began Chicago in 1983, and within a few years, became the No. 1 daytime, talk show in country. She has interviewed some of the most people in the country on her popular show. starred in the movie The Color Purple, and owns her own production company called Harpo Films. is a philanthropist who is famous for her , and remains one of the most influential Americans the country.