Celebrating Oprah

Oprah Winfrey: 10 Moments That Made an Icon

From sharing her toughest struggles to her greatest triumphs, here's how the host became the Queen of Talk

Updated: Monday May 23, 2011 | 04:00 PM EDT

HEEERE'S OPRAH!

The first episode of the nationally syndicated The Oprah Winfrey Show aired on Sept. 8, 1986, and it was an instant hit. Unable to book a star guest for the premiere, "We decided to do what we do best and that is a show about and with everyday people," Winfrey said in her opening remarks. That formula worked – and helped define Winfrey's good-hearted and relatable persona.