Oprah. Producer, actress, media mogul, re-innovator of the day-time talk show, and inventor of the drawn out guest introduction " Please welcome John Travoltaaaaaaaaaaaa"; it's hard to think of a talk show or the last 25 years of television and not think of Oprah Winfrey.

Her childhood history is now that of contemporary folklore. Arguably one of the greatest business people of the 20th century and guaranteed to make you cry. What started out as a local Chicago talk show host blossomed into a global phenomenon spawning television movies, her own magazine and Harpo productions (Oprah spelled backwards).

Oprah Winfrey created a forum and a stage for the world to talk about issues which had not been talked about before. Known for subjects including bullying, and bringing gay and lesbian rights to the forefront as well as later inspiring a country to read again, Oprah Winfrey's effect on people, ratings and book sales will be felt for years to come.