Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey had a terrible childhood as she was sexually abused at home until she ran away. She went on with her life and landed a job as a radio news reporter. After moving up the career ladder as a reporter, she shifted to being a television host. Her biggest break came when she was given her own show which quickly became the most popular talk show on television. After ending her talk show, she launched her own network Oprah Winfrey Network (OWN).

In addition to her numerous contributions to television and film, she has also provided thousands of scholarships to Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. In 2002, Oprah won the first Bob Hope Humanitarian Award for his contributions to television and film. In 2013, President Barack Obama awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Currently, she is the richest African American in the world – she probably has an excellent credit report!