Happy birthday! Oprah Winfrey turns 72 today

  • By Lori Macatee
  • Washington
  • Last updated on

The iconic and legendary television host turns 72 on Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026.
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Oprah Winfrey is celebrating her 72nd birthday today. As a number of online tributes attest, she is one of the most acclaimed television hosts of her generation.

Popular television host Oprah Winfrey (The Oprah Winfrey Show, ...) has always liked to keep a bit of herself hidden from view. At 72nd birthday, she remains a woman of many facets.

Winfrey, a cultural icon

Born in Kosciusko on January 29, 1954, Oprah Winfrey's career spans an arc over many different eras and tastes in American history. Winfrey's not just a great television host, she's an inspiration, an icon and a successful business woman. At this point in her career, there seems to be little Oprah hasn't done.

And we've got a feeling the next 12 months are going to be even bigger and better for Oprah Winfrey as she promises more to come. After all, she's only 72.

Happy Birthday, Oprah, you're the best!

Oprah Winfrey career in pictures

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