Passion or Profession: Talk Show Host and Business Owner

Period: 1954–to-date

As a child, Winfrey was known for her love of reading and public speaking. After attending Tennessee State University, she earned degrees in speech and drama. Soon after college she began reporting for a news station in Baltimore. Her engaging personality helped her to gain better positions until she was offered her own show. On air since 1985, the “Oprah Winfrey Show” has become the keystone of a multimillion dollar production company run by Oprah. She has won multiple Emmy Awards and is considered one of the most powerful people in the entertainment industry.