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Oprah Winfrey's legacy is continuing to be cemented in the thread of American culture. The established TV host was recently honored with a portrait at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery. Her portrait joins those of names like the Obamas, Harriet Tubman and George Washington. The portrait, painted by artist Shawn Michael, shows Winfrey in a purple gown at her California home. The gown is meant to symbolize The Color Purple, her first film she starred in and has been a part of the executive team releasing the musical adaptation movie on Christmas day. She is also surrounded by 12 oak trees in the portrait which symbolize the 12 disciples integral in her faith. As the curtain was drawn on the painting, Winfrey exclaimed, "Spectacular. Great job."National Portrait Gallery Director Kim Sajet spoke at the unveiling of the portrait, "Through her rise to fame as host and producer of 'The Oprah Winfrey Show,' Oprah demonstrated an unparalleled ability to connect with people and inspire them to become the best versions of themselves," Sajet said. "Her vision and spirit deserve recognition in the nation's Portrait Gallery, and we are delighted to celebrate her with this commissioned portrait by Shawn Michael Warren, who has reflected her warmth and compassion in this painting."The portrait will be on display from now until Oct. 20, 2024, according to the gallery

Oprah Receives Portrait At The Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery

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Oprah Winfrey is opening up about her weight loss journey like never before. On top of her lifestyle change, she is sharing that she has also been using weight loss medication. In a conversation with <a href="https://people.com/oprah-winfrey-reveals-weight-loss-medication-exclusive-8414552" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">PEOPLE,</a> Winfrey shared that she has no shame in taking the supplements. “I now use it as I feel I need it, as a tool to manage not yo-yoing,” she said. “The fact that there’s a medically approved prescription for managing weight and staying healthier, in my lifetime, feels like relief, like redemption, like a gift, and not something to hide behind and once again be ridiculed for. I’m absolutely done with the shaming from other people and particularly myself.” Although she did not share the name of the supplement, it is considered to be over-the-counter drug, Ozempic. It is a medicine that helps people slim down and is prescribed to those with Type 2 diabetes.Winfrey also shared the lifestyle changes she made to get to a weight that was comfortable for her. “After knee surgery, I started hiking and setting new distance goals each week,” she explained. “I could eventually hike three to five miles every day and a 10-mile straight-up hike on weekends. I felt stronger, more fit and more alive than I’d felt in years.”“I eat my last meal at 4 o’clock, drink a gallon of water a day, and use the WeightWatchers principles of counting points,” she continued. “I had an awareness of [weight-loss] medications, but felt I had to prove I had the willpower to do it. I now no longer feel that way.”

Oprah Shares Insight On Journey Taking Weight Loss Medication

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The new musical adaption of The Color Purple will be hitting theaters on Christmas day. The film boasts an extraordinary cast including Fantasia Barrino, Taraji P. Henson and Danielle Brooks but according to Oprah, there would been some different names in the film if it were up to its execs. In a conversation with <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-features/color-purple-stars-interview-oprah-fantasia-taraji-henson-danielle-brooks-1235738115/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Hollywood Reporter</a>, Winfrey explained that because the film had a large budget, which ranged from $90 to $100 million, there were expectations of casting stars like Beyoncé or Rihanna. “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 shared. “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.'”She continued to explain, “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.”Although the film was not graced by Beyoncé, it was directed by Blitz Bazawule, who previously worked with Beyoncé on the 2020 Lion King visual album Black Is King. The film's soundtrack will also include names like Halle Bailey, Megan Thee Stallion, Alicia Keys, Usher, and Jorja Smith. Winfrey and executive produced the film alongside Steven Spielberg.

Oprah Says 'Color Purple' Execs Originally Wanted To Cast Beyoncé Or Rihanna

After weeks of enduring backlash about her assistance with the residents of <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/oprah-winfrey-has-disabled-her-comments-following-outrage-over-her-response-to-maui-fires">Maui</a>, Oprah Winfrey has finally opened up. In August, Winfrey joined forces with Dwayne Johnson to set up a fund to help victims of the Maui wildfires. The two both committed $5 million each to jumpstart the People's Fund of Maui. They stated in a video announcement that the money would be directly distributed to those in need who were affected by the fires in the town of Lahaina.Fans, unfortunately, were not happy with the pair, however. The backlash comes from fans criticizing their call to have people donate to the fund although both Johnson and Winfrey are very wealthy.In an interview with CBS Mornings, Winfrey was asked about the backlash she had been receiving. <h2 id="h-oprah-winfrey-s-response-to-the-backlash">Oprah Winfrey's Response To The Backlash</h2>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHPhiBL8T3Q"All of the online attacks, lies, conspiracy theories, really took the focus off of what was the most important thing, which is the people of Maui," Oprah Winfrey shared. "So this idea came about because I was on the ground, talking to lots of people, trying to figure out how I can best help."She then began to explain how she was giving out material items like towels, generators and toiletries. In those moments, she was talking to victims who expressed that they would like their own autonomy to retrieve the personal items they need. "I thought, 'Whoa! That’s the idea. Getting the money into the hands, directly into the hands of the people - set up the end structure for that,'" she said. Winfrey went on to share that she felt that it was the best decision because she wanted to give people the money directly in their hands. She also revealed that she would often have many people come up to her to ask where they could send money. These were all reasons why she started the fund and still stands by her decision to do so, regardless of the backlash which she said made her made her, "sad that we're in this state in our country.""I will say that as of today, 2,200 people have been cleared and verified, and those people are gonna get a notice from the People's Fund of Maui and are gonna have the money put into their account,' Winfrey concluded.

Oprah Winfrey Admits to Being 'Shocked' Over Maui Backlash

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World renown philanthropist, <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/oprah-winfrey-faces-backlash-over-her-philanthropic-efforts-in-maui">Oprah Winfrey</a> continues to catch heat for her response to the Maui fires. Winfrey, alongside <a href="https://www.wbls.com/wbls-news/missy-elliott-reacts-to-rock-and-roll-hall-of-fame-nomination">The Rock</a>, have gone into full drive to raise money for the residents of Maui, Hawaii, who have been severely affected by the recent wildfires.Both Winfrey and The Rock have homes on the Hawaiian island. Using their star power, the actor's initiated a relief fund, kickstarting the initiative with a donation of $10 million. They have also forged partnerships with several local organizations to aid those who have been adversely impacted.According to the organization's <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@therock/video/7273468155350175022">website,</a> every adult resident who lives in the affected area is eligible to receive $1,200 per month to help them through this period of recovery.Winfrey posted on her<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CwsdeiiO97C/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Instagram</a>, “It takes a village, and I’m so proud to be a part of the village bringing aid to the Maui residents affected by the wildfires with<a href="https://www.instagram.com/peoplesfundofmaui/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> @peoplesfundofmaui</a>.” The actress has diligently tried to keep people updated on the progress of the initiative and assure them that people are being helped.https://www.instagram.com/p/CwsdeiiO97C/However, despite their efforts, many are saying the actors are not doing enough. Fans have pointed out their combined net worth (estimated to be $2 Billion), hinting that their massive wealth should suffice in aid. One Tiktoker wrote, "You 2 can take care of this. We are going to feed our families. God Bless You."Since Winfrey posted her gratitude video, thanking those who have already donated to the fund, her comments have been turned off. Initially, the post allowed for comments, but the comment section became inundated with critics who asserted that she should contribute a more substantial sum than the $5 million she has already provided.The Moana actor is also receiving disapproving commentary but he has left his comments on.<h2 id="h-from-hero-to-zero">"From hero to zero,"</h2>The Rock recently shared a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Cw0Yi3Hr9D_/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D">video</a> of him greeting tourists who were taking photos of celebrity homes. He jokingly asked the group, "Did you guys to my house yet?." After they replied no, he chuckled and said, "good keep it that way." He commented about how these moments [making fans' day] are what he enjoys about fame. The other thing he likes is getting free stuff.Fans flocked to the comments to criticize both the video and his response to the Maui fires. "I really liked you, very disappointed by your response to Hawaii,"one user wrote."From hero to zero," another added."Dwayne…looks like you should turn your comments off…your true colors are showing.""Peoples chump.”“Can you believe he drives around hoping to get some adoration to help him feel better about himself after the hammering he’s received!! So glad he’s got Maui on his mind … such ego.”“Can your ego get any bigger? Jesus”