Oprah Winfrey, the iconic talk show host and media mogul, reveals her weariness while lounging in purple PJs at her Montecito, California estate during a recent interview. It’s 2 p.m. on a Tuesday, and Winfrey, despite her tireless energy, admits to feeling the effects of an exceptionally busy schedule. In the month alone, the legendary talk show host has made appearances on various platforms, including “CBS Mornings” co-hosted by her close friend Gayle King, Sherri Shepherd’s eponymous talk show, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” “The Jennifer Hudson Show,” and “The Drew Barrymore Show.” The purpose of these appearances is to promote the musical version of “The Color Purple,” set to hit theaters on Christmas Day.
Winfrey, who describes the 1985 Steven Spielberg film as life-altering, earned her first Oscar nomination for her role as Sofia. As a producer on the revival, she fondly recalls being “out there in those ‘Purple’ streets, honey.” Turning 70 in January, Winfrey has also recently unveiled her larger-than-life likeness, measuring 6 feet 10 inches by 5 feet 8 inches, at the National Portrait Gallery. The relentless schedule of interviews and appearances echoes the days of “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” which produced over 4,500 episodes spanning 25 seasons.
Reflecting on her hectic agenda, Winfrey shares a coping strategy she employed during the heyday of “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” She confesses to deliberately avoiding her itinerary, fearing the overwhelming nature of her packed schedule. “In the old days of ‘The Oprah Show,’ I would not even look at my itinerary because I’d get so overwhelmed by looking at it,” she recalls. “So I would wait until I was done to look at where I had been.”
This glimpse into Winfrey’s bustling life provides a testament to her enduring commitment to storytelling and connecting with audiences. Even as she navigates the demands of her multifaceted career, Winfrey’s influence and impact continue to resonate across generations. From her groundbreaking talk show to her involvement in various media projects, Oprah Winfrey remains a force in the entertainment industry, and her legacy is an inspiration to many.