Thursday, February 14, 2008

PRACTICE News Story: Obituary Oprah Winfrey


CHICAGO, Ill. -- Oprah Gail Winfrey 1954 – 2008 Oprah Gail Winfrey passed away Feb. 14, 2008. A tragic accident claimed her life around 3:30 p.m. While walking to her car after filming her talk show, Oprah, Winfrey was surrounded by excited fans. Oprah’s bodyguards were helpless in the brothel that soon arouse. Her body was found under the crowd. Sadly her followers loved her too much. Oprah was suffocated in the mob.
Winfrey was born to Vernita Lee and Vernon Winfrey on Jan. 29, 1954 in Kosciusko, Mississippi. Oprah’s grandmother had said that ever since she could talk Oprah has been on stage. As a child she played games interviewing her corncomb doll and the crows on the fence. At 19 she became not only the first black women but also the youngest news anchor at Nashville’s WTVF-TV. He career has been on the rise ever since. The Oprah Winfrey Show has remained the number one talk show for 21 consecutive seasons; the show is seen by approximately 46 million viewers a week in the U.S. alone. In April of 2000 she introduced O, The Oprah Magazine which is now one of the most widely read lifestyle magazine productions. As a producer she is one of the most influential names from Hollywood to Broadway.
Winfrey has dedicated her life to the service of others. As the first African-American woman to become a billionair she was able to donate millions of dollars helping others. She opened South Africa's Oprah Winfrey Leadership Acadamy for Girls and started the Oprah Winfrey Foundation. Her influence is still felt throughout the world.
Oprah has been named Time Magazine’s 100 most influential people five times. Other awards include; International Radio & Television Society Foundations—Gold Medal Award (1996), TV Guide—Television Performer of the Year (1997), Newsweek—Most Important Person in Books and Media (1997), National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences®-- Lifetime Achievement Award (1998), more than 40 Daytime Emmy Awards®: seven for Outstanding Host; nine for Outstanding Talk Show; more than 20 in the Creative Arts categories; and one for Oprah’s work as supervising producer of the ABC After School Special Shades of Single Protein, Time Magazine—100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century (1998), National Book Foundation—50th Anniversary Gold Medal (1999), 54th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards®-- Bob Hope Humanitarian Award (2002), Broadcasting &Cable—Hall of Fame (2002), Association of American Publishers—AAP Honors Award (2003), United Nations Association of the United States of America—Global Humanitarian Action Award (2004), National Association of Broadcasters—Distinguished Service Award (2004), National Civil Rights Museum—2005 National Freedom Award, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People—Hall of Fame (2005), International Academy of Television Arts &Sciences—2005 International Emmy Founders Award, The New York Public Library—Library Lion 2006, and The Elie Wiesel Foundation for Huanity—2007 Humanitarian Award.
She is survived by her husband, Stedman Graham, four dogs, best friend Gayle King, and countless fans. She was preceded in death by her half-brother, parents, and grandmother, Hattie Mae. Oprah Winfrey was best known for her wonderful personality and humanitarian work. Oprah said, “The biggest adventure you can ever take is to live the life of your dreams.” She exemplified this motto. Oprah Winfrey will be missed by the world.

4 comments:

usumatty said...

I liked everything about this story! I cant even find anything to correct in it. One thing I especially liked was that you used a quote of hers at the end. It was very well written

Amy Lyn said...

Mckell-
You did a wonderful job on this obituary. I liked all of the detail you included from the things her grandmother said to all of the awards she has received. Great job!

Brittrclark said...

You did great! I liked all the detail of everything she has accomplished but maybe it was a little long? I really liked the quote you put at the end, it was perfect for her. Maybe you should have included where the funeral services were being held. It was great though good job.

THE BECKSTRAND FAMILY said...

This is absolutely AWFUL! Who do you think you are??? Oprah is a role model and icon to millions around the world. How can you even pretend that something like this could happen! Who's next, the pope???
I can see Brittney Spears or someone like her that deserves to die, but OPRAH???
This is an outrage and you haven't heard the last of me!