Oprah has an array of friends, and is pictured here with Australian actress Nicole Kidman, 2004.. Getty/Reuters
So began the rapid rise to the top of talk-show television.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
Many celebrities from the entertainment, music and sporting industries came out in force to surprise and honour Oprah during her final show, screened over three episodes.. Reuters
Oprah, pictured here in 1967, attributes her drive to succeed with the life changing moments of growing up in time of major cultural change in the US, empowering ‘coloured folk’ to transcend the barriers that were holding them back.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
Running since 1996, Oprah’s Book Club has turned many obscure titles into bestsellers. To date, Winfrey has made 64 selections. The most recent was Jonathan Franzen’s novel “Freedom”. courtesy of Harpo Productions
With Barack Obama and Michelle Obama at a 2007 rally in Manchester.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
In December 2010, Oprah announced her first ever international show to be aired in Australia the following year.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
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Filming for the Oprah Winfrey show took place several weeks before the final airing on television, with some of the content kept under wraps.. Reuters
Oprah’s tour down under featured filming in various locations and touring a range of iconic attractions.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
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O was launched in April 2000. Oprah has appeared alone on every cover except April 2009, when she appeared with Michelle Obama and December 2009, when she was joined by Ellen DeGeneres.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
Oprah began her career as a radio news producer before becoming a TV newsreader.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
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The Oprah Winfrey Show was launched in the 1980s.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
Oprah with singer Bono.. Getty/Reuters
In the midst of her own personal battle, close friend and wife of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maria Shriver thanked Oprah for continued support.. Reuters
Oprah Winfrey is joined by students of the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls outside Johannesburg in 2007.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
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Oprah embraces Nelson Mandela on a visit to South Africa in September 2009.. Getty/Reuters
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Memorable moments from the self titled Oprah Winfrey Show include a 2005 interview with Tom Cruise (pictured).. Getty/Reuters
Oprah aged just two, in 1956.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
courtesy of Harpo Productions
Winfrey’s Harpo films produces feature films and programming. She received an Oscar for her film debut in “The Colour Purple” (pictured) and also produced its Broadway adaptation.. courtesy of Harpo Productions
The final episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show will be aired on US television on May 25th.. Reuters
Oprah with Gayle King, her best friend and long time confidant.. Getty/Reuters
On air since 2006, Oprah Radio includes programming on current events, self improvement, health, nutrition and fitness. Contributors include regulars from her TV show and magazine.. courtesy of Harpo Productions