Oprah Winfrey’s journey to stardom is filled with remarkable moments of resilience and triumph. One of the most pivotal experiences in her early career was her first appearance on The Tonight Show in 1985, where a conversation with guest host Joan Rivers took an unexpected turn. This encounter not only highlighted the harsh scrutiny of public figures but also led to a transformative period in Winfrey’s life. This single interview shaped Winfrey’s perspective on self-acceptance, her subsequent struggles and successes, and the life lessons she carried forward.
Oprah Winfrey’s first appearance on The Tonight Show
Oprah Winfrey, reflecting on her first appearance on The Tonight Show in 1985, recalls the shocking remarks made by guest host Joan Rivers about her weight. Winfrey, who was then promoting her successful TV show A.M. Chicago, shared her experience on The Jamie Kern Lima Show podcast. During the interview, Winfrey remembered Rivers bluntly asking, “Tell me, why are you so fat?” on national television. Winfrey, now 70, responded with humor at the time, saying, “Oh, I just love potato chips, Joan.”
The impact of Rivers’ comments
The encounter left a lasting impression on Winfrey. Rivers, who passed away in 2014, went on to say, “shame on you” and suggested Winfrey could return to the show if she lost 15 pounds. Reflecting on the moment, Winfrey shared, “I accepted that I should be shamed because how dare me, be sitting up here on The Tonight Show.” Despite their agreement that Winfrey would lose weight, she admitted, “I went and ate my way to another 10 pounds.”
The experience was a turning point and a life lesson
During this challenging period, Winfrey attended a health retreat, often referred to as a “fat farm” at the time. While there, she struggled with the belief that her weight had cost her a role in The Color Purple. In a twist of fate, producer Steven Spielberg called her, saying, “I hear you’re at a fat farm. You lose a pound, you could lose this part.” This moment became pivotal for Winfrey, as she realized the importance of letting go.
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“The instant I let it go was the greatest life lesson I have ever received,” she said, emphasizing how this experience shaped her future approach to life and career. Winfrey eventually secured the role of Sofia in The Color Purple, earning her an Academy Award nomination. Reflecting on her journey, she advised, “Do everything you can, work as hard as you can, and then let it go.”
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