As television's undisputed talk show queen reflects upon her success before her final show Wednesday, even she says the odds were against her.
"First of all, I'm a brown-skinned, African-American woman," Oprah said. "Growing up, only one person ever called me pretty. In fact, I ended up doing a show about it. I wasn't a 'pretty girl.' I didn't sing, I didn't have any obvious talent, I didn't dance, I didn't know anybody, I wasn't connected."
In Oprah's case, none of that mattered. She won over the hearts of Americans with her candid and caring interview style. She tackled subject matters over the years that many others were afraid to.
Her show inspired us and entertained us, gave us information and empowered us. And there is no doubt in the minds of many that Oprah Winfrey's show will be missed.
"I've been watching 'Oprah' for over 10 years, easy," said one fan, Phyllis Sam Rufer. "Every episode I find something I can learn from. My own health, financial, my relationship with my family and friends."
"For me, it was always about keeping the family together, so whatever shows she was doing about promoting family unity and dinner around the table, that's what I love about that show," said another fan, Kevin Dobson.
Oprah believes her show resonated with viewers over the years because she was just a "normal" looking woman who struggled with weight issues and that many Americans could relate to her.
Oprah's departure from daytime TV will undoubtedly leave a void in many people's lives.
Eyewitness News anchor Leslie Sykes will take a look back on Oprah's remarkable career as she hosts "Oprah Looks Back: 25 Years of the 'Oprah Winfrey Show'" at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday on ABC7.
