Oprah Winfrey, the media mogul and philanthropist who became a household name through The Oprah Winfrey Show, remains a prominent figure even though her talk show ended in 2011. Over the years, she has shifted her focus to other ventures, including media production, philanthropy, and activism, while maintaining a lower profile in day-to-day media. Here’s a breakdown of what has happened to Oprah Winfrey in recent years.
1. Media and Production Empire
After The Oprah Winfrey Show ended, Oprah shifted her focus to her cable network, OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network), which launched in 2011. While OWN initially struggled with ratings and defining its identity, it eventually found success by focusing on inspirational and empowering programming, much of which resonated with Oprah’s core audience. OWN became known for producing shows like Queen Sugar, Greenleaf, and The Haves and the Have Nots.
In 2018, Oprah sold a majority stake in OWN to Discovery Inc., but she continues to have creative input and remains a public face of the network.
Expanding Influence with Apple TV+
Oprah also ventured into streaming, signing a multi-year deal with Apple TV+ in 2018. This partnership resulted in shows like The Oprah Conversation and Oprah’s Book Club, where she interviews influential figures and authors. Her work with Apple TV+ has allowed her to continue engaging in thought-provoking conversations on a global platform.
2. Philanthropy and Activism
Oprah has continued to be deeply involved in philanthropy, focusing on education, empowerment, and social justice issues. Her contributions include:
- The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls: Founded in 2007 in South Africa, this school remains one of her proudest accomplishments. The academy helps educate underprivileged girls, many of whom go on to pursue higher education and leadership roles globally.
- COVID-19 Relief Efforts: During the pandemic, Oprah donated millions of dollars to relief efforts. She also interviewed health experts on her platform to inform and inspire people during a time of uncertainty.
- Social Justice: In 2020, after the murder of George Floyd and the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement, Oprah used her platform to amplify discussions on racial injustice. She hosted a special titled Where Do We Go From Here?, which featured activists and thought leaders discussing racism and inequality in America.
3. Notable Interviews
Although Oprah stepped back from regular broadcasting, she occasionally returns to the spotlight for special, high-profile interviews. Perhaps the most notable in recent years was her 2021 interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The explosive interview, aired on CBS, drew international attention due to its revelations about the British royal family, including accusations of racism and the mental health struggles faced by Meghan. Oprah’s style of thoughtful, yet hard-hitting questioning made the interview a global sensation.
This interview reasserted Oprah’s position as one of the most trusted and influential interviewers in media, sparking conversations worldwide.
4. Health and Wellness Focus
In recent years, Oprah has increasingly focused on wellness and personal growth. Her partnership with WW (formerly Weight Watchers), where she serves as a major shareholder and brand ambassador, has been a significant part of her health journey. Oprah has been candid about her own struggles with weight and body image and has used her platform to promote a balanced, healthier lifestyle.
Oprah has also released books and conducted tours centered around wellness, mindfulness, and personal development, aiming to help people live better, more fulfilling lives. In 2020, she embarked on her Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus tour, which focused on health, wellness, and transformation. She interviewed high-profile guests like Michelle Obama and Lady Gaga during the tour.
5. Personal Life and Privacy
Although Oprah remains a public figure, she values her privacy and leads a relatively quiet personal life with her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, and her close friend Gayle King. She often shares glimpses of her life at her home in Montecito, California, but prefers to keep her private life separate from her media persona. In recent years, Oprah has opened up more about the importance of her friendships and personal connections, particularly with Gayle, who has been a consistent figure in her life.
Key Points:
- Media Expansion: After The Oprah Winfrey Show, she focused on her network OWN and partnered with Apple TV+ for new projects like The Oprah Conversation and Oprah’s Book Club.
- Philanthropy: Oprah continues her deep commitment to education, social justice, and empowerment, including founding a girls’ school in South Africa and donating to COVID-19 relief efforts.
- High-Profile Interviews: Her 2021 interview with Prince Harry and Meghan Markle garnered global attention and reaffirmed her status as one of the most trusted interviewers.
- Wellness Advocacy: Oprah is involved with WW and has championed health, wellness, and personal growth, sharing her own experiences with weight and balance.
- Personal Life: Though still a public figure, Oprah maintains a private personal life, focusing on her relationships with Stedman Graham and Gayle King.
Oprah Winfrey remains a cultural icon, continuing to inspire and influence across various platforms while balancing her professional and philanthropic efforts with a more private personal life. Even after stepping away from daily broadcasting, her impact is as strong as ever, from groundbreaking interviews to her continued advocacy for social change and personal empowerment.
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