Winfrey, Oprah Gail
1954- · Contribution: 1986-2011
Media Executive & Host
First Black woman billionaire; built one of the most influential and highest-rated talk shows in American television history

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Quick facts
- Born
- 1954
- Active since
- 1986
- Category
- Arts, Music & Entertainment Tech
- Best known for
- "The Oprah Winfrey Show"First Black woman billionaireMedia empire & Medal of Freedom
Impact on the world
Winfrey turned a daytime talk show into a cultural and economic juggernaut, becoming one of the most influential figures in media and the first Black woman billionaire. She reshaped television and publishing.
Sources
- Britannica
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