As reported in Deadline, Oprah Winfrey’s portrait was unveiled at the National Portrait Gallery. The media mogul made a comment in jest to about 100 guests regarding the color scheme of the painting. Oprah said “I chose the color purple not just because I knew the movie was coming out.”
The lovely work from artist Shawn Michael Warren, shows Winfrey in a flowing purple dress, adjacent to a tree at her famed Motencito estate. The portrait is striking and depicts the grandeur of Oprah Winfrey. Soon it will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery where you can find presidents, influential figures, civil rights activists and prominent entertainers’ portraits. The portrait will soon go on display at the gallery, joining those of presidents, civil rights figures and entertainers.
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Winfrey said that the color choice – purple – had a special meaning in her life. Rightfully so and the musical version of the iconic film The Color Purple, also premiered this month.
Winfrey was visibly fighting her emotions. She was in awe of being in the same gallery as other worldly figures to the likes of Frederick Douglass, Abraham Lincoln, Lena Horne and Barack and Michelle Obama.
The ceremony that honored Winfrey’s portrait was in the main atrium. It compared in size to the Obamas. Their portraits are considered main attractions at the gallery.
Artist, Warren said that Winfrey “one of the most influential and polarizing figures of our time, a pioneer in the arts, entertainment, a generous giver and a woman who has been in our homes and lives for years and can relate to many of us when it comes to everyday challenges of life.”
The Color Purple is one of the most anticipated movies of the year. A cast featuring Danielle Brooks, H.E.R., Halle Bailey, and Fantasia is already promising on its own, but according to Oprah Winfrey, who produced the movie musical and starred in the original 1985 movie, the cast almost looked different.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Oprah revealed that Rihanna and Beyoncé were once considered for the cast, but she felt it more appropriate to give other actors an opportunity to shine.
“To be completely honest about it, if you were doing this film for $30 or $40 million, the interest in the cast would be very different,” Winfrey said. “Once the film moved to $90 to $100 million, then everybody wants us to bring Beyoncé. ‘Can you get Beyoncé or can you get Rihanna?’ So we’re sitting in a room saying, ‘Listen, we love Beyoncé. We love Rihanna, but there are other actors who can do this job.’”
Both Bey and Rihanna have had their hands full this year — Beyoncé with her Renaissance World Tour and film, and Rihanna with her fashion and make-up brands, and the birth of her newborn son. According to Oprah, their stacked schedules were taken into consideration.
“I do remember conversations about, ‘Y’all, Beyoncé is going to be busy this year.’ It wasn’t even a negotiation, because you’re not getting Beyoncé,” said Oprah
There’s still some time left for holiday shopping, and those of you who haven’t finished that process yet know that some people can be difficult to buy for. Then, there’s Halle Bailey’s to-buy-for list, which features Beyoncé and Oprah. What does one get for two people who can buy essentially anything they’ve ever wanted? That’s the situation Bailey faces right now, and she asked Jimmy Kimmel for some help.
Bailey was a guest on Jimmy Kimmel Live! last night (December 7) in promotion of her role in The Color Purple, and towards the end of the chat, they talked about Oprah Winfrey (a producer on the movie) and building a relationship with her. Kimmel wondered if Bailey has to buy her a Christmas present, and Bailey responded, “So that’s really hard to think about, because I’ve been thinking about all my Christmas presents I have to give this year, because there’s so many people that have helped me on this journey of this whole year: Beyoncé, now Oprah’s one of them. And it’s so hard to think of: What could you get them? Do you have any ideas? Because I don’t know.”
Kimmel had an idea ready to go quickly, but that speed came at the expense of quality: He responded, “Well, you know, everybody likes a popcorn bucket. Maybe find out what their favorite team is. Beyoncé’s from Houston, maybe get her an Astros popcorn bucket?”
After offering a couple more ideas (fancy pretzels and bath soaps), he asked Bailey how his attempts were landed and she gave a polite, “You know, they’re OK.”
A cruel twist of fate would be Bailey thinking gifts like those are beneath Beyoncé and Oprah, but it turns out they’re used to fancier things and would therefore actually appreciate a change of pace with a more humble present. (Maybe Bailey could find something on one of our 2023 holiday gift guides?)
Gayle King says that Oprah Winfrey doubted she’d be able to land her recent viral interview with JAY-Z. Speaking with Access Hollywood in Las Vegas, last week, King explained Winfrey doubted the interview would come to fruition as the Brooklyn rapper repeatedly postponed their meet-up.
“Even Oprah said, ‘You’re making a damn fool of yourself! Stop asking him. He doesn’t want to do it.’,” King recalled. “But I couldn’t let it go because he never said, ‘No, no, no.’ He just kept delaying, delaying, delaying. Oprah said, ‘He’s being polite because he doesn’t want to tell you, ‘No.’ I kept coming back. I don’t know why he said yes or why he changed his mind but I’m forever grateful.”
Gayle King Speaks With Oprah At Her “2020 Vision: Your Life In Focus Tour”
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 07: (EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Gayle King and Oprah Winfrey speak during Oprah’s 2020 Vision: Your Life in Focus Tour presented by WW (Weight Watchers Reimagined) at Pepsi Center on March 07, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Tom Cooper/Getty Images for Oprah)
“I’m still floating from that interview honestly. I was really buzzing after because you don’t know and you know he doesn’t like to do interviews,” she continued. “I had an older woman who was not the JAY-Z demographic and she came up to me saying, ‘You know, I never listened to that kind of music. But after listening to his interview, I’m going to go to the library and I want to listen to his music.’ And I said, ‘You should get ’99 Problems’ mam, you’d enjoy that!’” Check out her full comments on the interview below.
Gayle King Recalls Oprah’s Response To JAY-Z Interview
During King’s discussion with JAY-Z, the legendary rapper discussed his “most important” album, the origins of his “One-Take Hov” nickname, and much more while touring Brooklyn Public Library’s The Book of HOV exhibit. Be on the lookout for further updates on JAY-Z on HotNewHipHop.
Halle Bailey joined Oprah Winfrey to begin promoting the upcoming film, The Color Purple, this week. In doing so, she rocked a blue suit and golden necklaces. “I love my glam today. We’ve got a lot of golden going on,” she said in a post on social media from behind the scenes.
When The Jasmine Brand shared a picture from the event of Bailey and Winfrey posing together, fans took note of Bailey’s apparent attempt to hide her stomach. The move comes amid rumors of her concealing a pregnancy with her boyfriend, DDG. “Lol she doing the Claire Huxtable poses on y’all! Some are too young to know what I’m talking about… Claire hid that baby bump throughout a whole season of the Cosby show,” one user commented. Another wrote: “It’s the way she’s going through such great lengths to hide her stomach that’s annoying lol….”
Halle Bailey Attends Glamour Women of The Year Awards
LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Halle Bailey attends the Glamour Women of The Year Awards 2023 at One Marylebone on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
The Color Purple will be Bailey’s first film since The Little Mermaid. She recently reflected on the making of the second film adaptation of Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel during an interview with Cosmopolitan in October. “Set was like going to a cookout – it felt like a family reunion, honestly, like you’re surrounded by your aunties and cousins,” she said at the time. “I was just excited to be there as a fan of everyone. The movie is a labor of love. I mean, we all care so much about the original story and really wanted to do a good job with this reimagining.” Check out her picture with Winfrey below.
Halle Bailey & Oprah Winfrey Promote “The Color Purple”
You may think you know everything about Tyler Perry’s inspiring rise to success, but think again. The media mogul, who recently tried to bid on BET, is baring it all in his upcoming documentary, titled Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story. Viewers are promised an unfiltered foray into the ups and downs that have shaped the billionaire and his media empire. However, from the looks of the emotionally gripping trailer, the story is not for the faint of heart.
What To Expect From Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story
Tyler Perry has often been open about his tumultuous upbringing. However, he’s offering fans and onlookers an even closer glimpse into his rollercoaster childhood. The documentary is set to tell Perry’s life story, from his childhood up until his present success. Many notable personalities and important figures in his life are also seen in the trailer, each providing some input on their personal relationships with him.
Moreover, Maxine’s Baby will tell the story of Perry’s relationship with his mother. With her support, the star was able to rise above many of the adversities that presented themselves. The documentary’s intimate feel is evidently a conscious decision, used in order to reel the viewers into a tale of love, heartbreak, failures, and success. As heard in the trailer, and still unknown to many, Perry was born Emmitt Perry Jr. However, he changed his name to Tyler to dissociate from all the overwhelming abuse he suffered at the hands of his father.
“I just could not understand how this man could look at me and hate me with such passion,” Perry said. He has also been open in the past about how his father constantly mistreated him. However, it is unknown whether the documentary will dive into Perry eventually finding out that Emmitt Sr. was not, in fact, his biological father. Nonetheless, his harrowing family dynamic will evidently be touched upon.
Beyond His Personal Life
HOLLYWOOD, CA – APRIL 19: Tyler Perry arrives to “Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Big Happy Family” Los Angeles Premiere at The Dome at Arclight Hollywood on April 19, 2011 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage)
Although the documentary will focus on the personal life of Tyler Perry, it will also cover his struggle to become a gargantuan producer, writer, and actor in Hollywood. “I had all these people tell me what I would never be. Nobody said what I could be,” he said. He has since become one of the most famous men on the planet, with a large empire on his back. However, the road was not easy. Through his hard work, dedication, faith, and determination to shed off his past, he has worked his way to the very top.
The documentary will also touch on Perry’s unwavering attitude despite the critical reception of many of his projects. “What I will not do is change because some critics think it’s not art,” he said. A lot of his works have, over the years, received considerable flack off of accusations of showing Black people in a negative light. However, Tyler Perry has said in the past that his stories are real stories that need to be told. On the flip side, many continue to shower praises on him for sharing difficult stories that have long affected the Black community.
Tyra Banks, Maxine Perry and Director/Writer/Producer/Star Tyler Perry (Photo by Eric Charbonneau/WireImage for LIONSGATE)
Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story is directed by Gelila Bekele and Armani Ortiz. Perry and Bekele share a son from their previous romantic relationship, which ended in 2020. Ortiz, on the other hand, is somewhat of a protégé to Perry who has worked with him on numerous occasions. It is due to these two long-term relationships that an explicit view of Perry’s older years has been captured authentically.
Bekele and Ortiz will also appear in the documentary — not just behind the scenes. Furthermore, he and Bekele’s son will also make a few appearances. Besides these names, Perry’s longtime friends and confidants Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King will cameo in the doc., along with Perry’s pastor, Bishop T.D. Jakes, who is also seen in the trailer. Rounding out the prominent faces is, of course, Perry’s mother, Willie Maxine Perry.
Release Date And Where To Stream The Tyler Perry Story
On October 27, Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story will officially premiere at the 2023 AFI Fest in Hollywood. It will then be available to stream on Prime Video from November 17. The official synopsis reads that the upcoming film “is a tender and intimate portrait of visionary and innovator Tyler Perry and his harrowing-but-faithful road to the top of an industry that didn’t always include him.” From the looks of the trailer, viewers can expect this and much more.
Media mogul Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne Johnson have donated $10 million to establish a fund that will give direct cash assistance to Maui residents displaced by catastrophic wildfires that destroyed hundreds of homes on the island.
The People’s Fund of Maui will give $1,200 a month to adults who are not able to return to their primary residences because of the recent wildfires, including people who owned and rented their homes, according to the fund’s website. The fund will also seek donations to extend the length of time it can provide the support.
“How do we help?” the “Young Rock” star said he and Winfrey asked each other during the wildfires, saying in a video released along with the announcement that they grappled with how to best direct their efforts. “You want to take care of the greatest need of the people, and that’s giving them money.”
They are looking forward to the help of “every person who called me and said, ‘What can I do?’” Winfrey said in the video. “This is what you can do.” Winfrey, who lives on Maui part-time, visited an emergency shelter on Maui in the days after the wildfire hit and worried about effectively getting resources to residents. At least 115 people were killed in the fires, though an unknown number are still missing. The fire that ripped through the historic town of Lahaina on Aug. 8 was the deadliest in the U.S. in more than a century.
In the announcement, Winfrey and Johnson said they consulted with “community elders, leaders and residents including Hōkūlani Holt-Padilla, Keali’i Reichel, Archie Kalepa, Ekolu Lindsey, Kimo Falconer, Tiare Lawrence, Kaimana Brummel, Kaleikoa Ka’eo, Brian Keaulana, Kaimi Kaneholani, Henohea Kāne, Paele Kiakona, Ed Suwanjindar, Shep Gordon and Jason Momoa.”
Oprah Winfrey and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson have teamed up to help the people of Maui. The pair of entertainment industry A-listers announced that they had launched a $10 million fund to directly help residents of the island affected by the recent wildfires. “We are honored to start this campaign with $10 million dollars and ask for your help in donating to those who have lost their homes,” Johnson said. “We thank you in advance for your contribution.” Winfrey, who lives part-time in Maui, has been on the island in recent weeks, visiting shelters and helping distribute supplies.
Wildfires ravaged the island of Maui, which forms part of the State of Hawaiʻi, earlier this month. Driven by the perfect storm of high-pressure areas and Hurricane Dora, high winds blew the fires across the island. Additional fires started when live electric poles collapsed. Hundreds were evacuated and millions of dollars of property was destroyed. Elsewhere, at least 55 people have died in the town of Lāhainā. Meanwhile, the official death tally now stands at 115. Furthermore, smaller and quickly-contained fires broke out on the islands of Hawai’i and O’ahu.
The $10 million fund from The Rock and Oprah will go a long way to helping the affected residents of the island. The same can’t be said for some other charitable donations. Earlier this month, the Lakers announced that the 12 LA pro sports teams (Angels, Angel City FC, Chargers, Clippers, Dodgers, Ducks, Galaxy, Kings, LAFC, Lakers, Rams, and Sparks) had come together to make a joint donation to victims of the wildfires. Those 12 franchises are worth a combined $31 billion. However, they gave a joint donation of just $450,000. That’s an average contribution of $37,500.
For context, The Rock and Oprah, are aiming to give 22 times more money to the relief efforts. This is despite their net worth being nine times smaller than the 12 Los Angeles sports teams. As a reminder, the Lakers are paying LeBron James $47.6 million for the 2023-24 season. However, hopefully, the “People’s Fund of Maui” can be put to good use and help the displaced families find some semblance of recovery.
Oprah Winfrey’s story starts not with glittering spotlights but rather in the humble surroundings of Kosciusko, Mississippi. Her early years were filled with hardship and uncertainty, but young Oprah found solace and strength in the spoken word, captivating local churchgoers with her impassioned speeches. By the time she was a teenager, her talent had caught the eyes of radio and television producers, leading her to a co-anchor position on WJZ-TV. Her uncanny ability to forge connections made her a household name with AM Chicago. From these humble beginnings, a star was rising—a star destined to reach a staggering net worth of $3.5 billion in 2023, according to Sportskeeda.
Career Highlights & Accolades
BEVERLY HILLS, CA – NOVEMBER 05: Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage. At the Ambassadors For Humanity Gala Benefiting USC Shoah Foundation Honoring Rita Wilson And Tom Hanks. At The Beverly Hilton Hotel on November 5, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)
Oprah’s career wasn’t merely successful; it was transformative. Her talk show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, shattered conventions, elevating topics like self-help and spirituality to national prominence. The “Oprah Effect” wasn’t just hyperbole; it was a cultural phenomenon that turned books into best-sellers and ordinary interviews into extraordinary explorations. The accolades included an armful of Daytime Emmy Awards, a Presidential Medal of Freedom, and an induction into the Television Hall of Fame. Her impact on film was no less significant, with roles in movies like The Color Purple and production credits in films that challenged and enlightened.
Personal Life & Highlights
PASADENA, CA – FEBRUARY 22: Oprah Winfrey speaks onstage during the 45th NAACP Image Awards. Presented by TV One at Pasadena Civic Auditorium on February 22, 2014 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for NAACP Image Awards)
But the spotlight couldn’t reveal the full complexity of Oprah’s life. Her journey was also marked by personal struggles and revelations that she shared with unflinching honesty. Her battles with weight, her spiritual quest, and her relationship with Stedman Graham were shared with millions, creating a bond that transcended the TV screen. Further, her activism was grounded in a passion for education and empowerment. She built schools and supported causes that she felt could change the world. Overall, Oprah’s story isn’t merely one of fame and fortune; it’s an ongoing dialogue with humanity.
Business Ventures & Philanthropy
MONTECITO, CA – OCTOBER 15: Author Oprah Winfrey attends Oprah Winfrey’s Gospel Brunch celebrating her new book “Wisdom of Sundays”. On October 15, 2017 in Montecito, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)
The boardroom was another arena where Oprah’s Midas touch was evident. From launching O, The Oprah Magazine to her network, OWN, her business decisions were as pioneering as her talk show. Her philanthropy was equally visionary, as she poured millions into educational initiatives and humanitarian causes. She didn’t merely write checks; she invested her soul into projects that resonated with her core values.
Conclusion
PASADENA, CA – JANUARY 11: Television Star Oprah Winfrey poses backstage during the 30th Annual People’s Choice Awards. At the Pasadena Civic Auditorium January 11, 2004 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Carlo Allegri/Getty Images)
Oprah Winfrey faced adversity with triumph, compassion, and wisdom. Her billion-dollar fortune, while substantial, is dwarfed by the richness of her contributions to culture and humanity. Her story continues to inspire, challenge, and remind us that greatness is born not just from talent but from the heart.
Ice Cube says that Oprah Winfrey wouldn’t have him on her platform. He discussed his issues with Winfrey as well as The View during an interview with Tucker Carlson on his new Twitter show, Tuesday.
“I tried to go on The View. They didn’t have me on The View,” he began. “A few of the hosts just really didn’t like where I was coming from. That’s what I was told by the producers. I don’t know if it was the producers was just copping out and using some of the hosts to have me not explain myself. I’ve been on there before. It’s just when I’ve become an independent thinker. I don’t follow their brand of politics I guess.”
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 19: Rapper Ice Cube, founding member of Westside Connection and N.W.A, performs onstage during the High Hopes Concert Series produced by Bobby Dee Presents at Toyota Arena on November 19, 2022 in Ontario, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
He further said: “I’ve been excluded on Oprah. I don’t know that it is. You know, I had a movie called Barbershop that I wasn’t invited to participate with the cast [on Oprah’s show]. I produced a show called Black White. It was a very controversial show and once again [Oprah] had the whole cast on and I wasn’t invited. So I don’t know what that’s really about. I really don’t know [why]. That’s something that I would love to find out.”
It’s not the first time Cube has expressed issues with Oprah Winfrey. Speaking with the magazine, FHM, in 2006, he previously revealed that the talk show host wouldn’t have him on for his aforementioned film, Barbershop. “For Barbershop, she had Cedric The Entertainer and Eve on, but I wasn’t invited. She’s had damn rapists, child molesters, and lying authors on her show. And if I’m not a rags-to-riches story for her, who is?” he said at the time.
