Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey [1954 - ] became a household word as a television talk show host, and a media executive and billionaire philanthropist. She was host of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which aired for 25 seasons. In 2011, Oprah launched her own TV network, the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). "Oprah's Book Club" encouraged reading and propelled many unknown authors to the top of the bestseller lists. She has donated millions of dollars to various charities and organizations, with most of her money going to three foundations: The Oprah Winfrey Foundation, The Oprah Winfrey Operating Foundation and The Angel Network, which runs the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.