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Born January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, MS
Oprah Winfrey was the first Black woman to host a nationally syndicated weekday talk show. When her Chicago-based morning program went national in 1986, it premiered on more stations than any other syndicated program. Her ability to handle controversial topics with personal warmth has made her one of the wealthiest entertainers in the country; she was the first Black multi-billionaire in North America. She was the first Black woman to own a television and film production company, Harpo Studios, Inc. A talented actress, she received Oscar nominations for her roles in the films The Color Purple (1985) and Selma (2014). In 2013, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.