Oprah Winfrey And Ellen Degeneres

Few people on television are able to bring joy to others just by being themselves, but those who can are known as modern day icons. Certain individuals have the ability to get up everyday and entertain crowds of hundreds. Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres are prime examples of people who can brighten others’ days and do so for a living. Oprah and Ellen are two memorable women who have accomplished careers as daytime talk show hosts; they have two separate histories that have formed them into the idols we know today. Viewers have grown up watching both women on television, and have learned meaningful life lessons from doing so. They are often thought of as important role models for young women and men in today’s society (Happiness Weekly). Although their stories may

have similarities, two small town women who were loved by many and became national successes, it’s their pasts and struggles that set them apart.

Despite being successful women, Oprah and Ellen were not always as well known as they are today. Oprah Winfrey grew up in Milwaukee, Mississippi, whereas Ellen DeGeneres was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. At a young age, Winfrey was sexually abused by various men. She eventually escaped the toxic environment she was exposed to when she went to live with her father. When Ellen was younger, her family moved around quite a bit and she learned to use comedy as a way to fit in with the new peers she encountered. When she was a teenager, her parents got a divorce; she used

her sense of humour as a way to help her mother through the hard times they were having. Oprah and Ellen attended universities, Tennessee State University and University of New Orleans, respectively. Both women launched their careers in their college days. Oprah started working in local television and radio networks, while Ellen entertained at local comedy clubs and coffee shops. In 1976, Oprah moved to Baltimore and began working on a show called People Are Talking. Her past had made her more understanding towards others; she was seen as a great listener and people wanted to share their stories with her. Years later, she was offered a job on a morning talk show. She became well known which led her to star in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple. Although Ellen didn’t have much experience on television, she was awarded “Funniest Person in America” in 1982, after sending in a tape of herself doing stand-up comedy. Following the award, she began to receive gigs on late night talk shows such as Late Night With Johnny Carson. The fame granted her the ability to lead in the hit comedy, Ellen (Bio.com & Notablebiographies.com). Oprah and Ellen had struggled with their pasts, but it was these trials that aided them in earning their popularity.
Not long after their rise to fame, both women were offered opportunities as daytime talk show hosts. In 1986, Oprah launched The Oprah Winfrey Show as one of the first African-Americans to have a hit talk show. Eighteen years later, The Ellen DeGeneres Show debuted during a time when the lesbian community was not represented much. On their talk shows, celebrities were invited to talk about their experiences. The famous people would relax and the audience members would see them as normal people. The shows were separated into segments. Oprah had Tuesdays With Dr. Oz, No Phone Zone, and Fridays Live. Ellen had Me-me Mondays, Oh Puh-lice, and Epic or Fail. Whereas The Oprah Winfrey Show dealt with subjects such as abuse, rape, and sexuality, Ellen focused on lighter and more enjoyable ones. In an interview soon after she started her show, Ellen DeGeneres stated, "I'm doing a talk show. It's not my job to get into an argument with somebody about religion or politics or sexuality or anything. It is my job to make people laugh."(Notablebiographies.com & Bio.com). Talk shows may not always last long, but these two shows will live on as some of the greatest ones ever known (Vulture.com).
Even though Oprah’s show ended and Ellen’s is still going, their fame will continue. The Oprah Winfrey Network was started in 2011, and is an American television channel run by Oprah herself. She has created many different shows that are broadcasted on her channel. OWN has proven to be a creative space for Winfrey to show her opinions and express what she really cares about. While it may not be an entire network, Ellen worked on two new shows, Little Big Shots and Ellen’s Design Challenge. She also starred in Finding Dory, where she reprised her lead role from Finding Nemo. Much like Oprah, she has shown her creative side and has helped these shows and movie succeed (Bio.com). Although Oprah and Ellen are mostly recognized from their talk shows, they have many other talents and have shown so in recent years.
Many know the names Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres, important celebrities who have done a lot of good in the time of their careers. They have had much judgement in their lifetimes, but have overcome those criticisms and became better people who went on to help others. On their hit talk shows, Oprah and Ellen donated money and resources to those in need as well as those less fortunate than themselves. Although their shows will not last forever, the two women will continue on as well-know figures in Hollywood. Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres have both worked hard in making themselves memorable and respectable women, and the ways they each have impacted viewer’s lives will never be forgotten.