She hasn’t slowed up a bit!
Oprah Winfrey is an accomplished media mogul, author, philanthropist, and wellness advocate whose career has catapulted her to international stardom. A cultural icon, not many haven’t heard of Winfrey, and while she is best known for her work as a talk show host, there is so much more that she has done since then.
The Oprah Winfrey Show ran for 25 seasons before its finale in 2011 and in the ten-plus years since its ending, Winfrey has only expanded her imprint. From her continued work with her school in South Africa to her contributions to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture, Winfrey hasn’t broken her stride. Here’s a look at 6 other amazing things Oprah Winfrey has done since her talk show, courtesy of Encyclopedia Britannica:
Launch OWN Network
The same year that the Oprah Winfrey television talk show ended, Winfrey launched the Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN). The network first launched with a weekly interview program entitled Oprah’s Next Chapter, quickly expanding to more scripted and reality TV show programming over the next couple of years, launching new in-demand programming like Iyanla’s Fix My Life, Ava DuVernay’s Queen Sugar, docuseries shows like Black Love and of course, more Oprah featured shows like Master Class and Super Soul Sunday.
Today, the network boasts a full roster of television programming, a streaming app that is compatible with any smart TV and a host of podcasts under the network’s umbrella.
Produce & Star in Groundbreaking Films/Television Series
Winfrey also focused more energy on her Harpo Productions and Harpo Films banner, starring and producing groundbreaking films like Lee Daniels’ The Butler (2013) DuVernay’s Selma, which earned her an Oscar nomination, and DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time (2018). Winfrey also most recently announced her work on The Color Purple Musical Film and Nikole Hannah-Jones’ 1619 Project, which recently premiered on Hulu.
Oprah Daily
Winfrey launched her O, the Oprah Magazine in 2000, going on a 20-year run that saw buyers consistently scoop up the magazine for everything from wellness to lifestyle content and home decor tips. In 2020, the magazine discontinued print publication, rebranding in 2021 as Oprah Daily, a digital publication, and O Quarterly, a print magazine published just 4 times annually. The digital platform features a variety of content around wellness, beauty, books, and of course, “Oprah’s favorite things.” There is also a members-only club that receives opportunities for connection and exclusive content through the Oprah Insiders Community.
Streaming Content
In 2018, Winfrey announced her multi-year partnership with Apple as a part of their $1 billion commitment to new programming and content. Her streaming talk show “The Oprah Conversation” is available on the platform, Variety reports. She also partnered with Prince Harry for his “The Me You Can’t See” docuseries and with Apple to produce a new Sidney Poitier documentary.
Oprah’s Book Club
Winfrey first launched her book club in 1996 when she was still on the air, announcing various selections 2 to 4 weeks in advance followed by an on-air discussion. Each selection benefitted from Winfrey’s publicity, instantly rising on the best-seller charts. Today, the book club boasts more than 2 decades of reading, having spotlighted 98 books in total. She continues her discussions with various authors and Oprah’s Book Club show is hosted on Apple+.
Weight Watchers
Winfrey became a partner with Weight Watchers in 2015, taking an 8% ownership stock in the company, CNBC reports. Since Winfrey attached her name to the company, the stock has skyrocketed by 450% with Winfrey recently extending her partnership through 2025.
“I believe in WW’s mission and the power of its program to create positive, lasting change for everyone who wants a partner to help support them in pursuing a stronger, healthier life,” Winfrey previously said via statement.
The company offers weight loss subscription plans for as low as $10 a month, offering a unique points system and community that is designed to support long-term weight loss.
Thank you for everything you do Ms. Winfrey. Because of you, we can!
6 amazing things Oprah Winfrey has done since her talk show. Photo Courtesy of @Oprah/Instagram