Is there a name more synonymous with resilience and triumph over adversity than Oprah Winfrey? From a childhood steeped in poverty and hardship to becoming a global media icon, her journey is nothing short of extraordinary.
Born Oprah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to unwed teenage parents Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey, her early life was a far cry from the glitz and glamour that would later define her career. Vernon Winfrey was a U.S. Army private. Her birth name was intended to be Orpah, after a figure in the Book of Ruth, but a misspelling stuck, and Oprah it was. Winfrey's parents separated when she was very young, and she spent much of her childhood being raised by her strict maternal grandmother. To keep herself entertained, Winfrey started speaking and play acting at a young age. She also began reading early, and her interest in reading eventually developed into a crusade to combat illiteracy.
Category | Information |
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Full Name | Oprah Gail Winfrey |
Date of Birth | January 29, 1954 |
Place of Birth | Kosciusko, Mississippi, USA |
Parents | Vernita Lee (mother), Vernon Winfrey (father) |
Early Life | Raised in poverty, primarily by her maternal grandmother. |
Education | Tennessee State University (attended) |
Career Highlights |
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Net Worth (Estimate) | Billions of US dollars |
Awards and Recognition | Numerous Emmy Awards, Academy Award (Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award), Presidential Medal of Freedom, and many more. |
Signature Style | Empathetic interviewing style, focus on personal growth and empowerment, philanthropic endeavors. |
Website | Oprah.com |
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