Happy Birthday Oprah Winfrey, Best Celebrity Guests On Her Show

Published: Wednesday, January 28, 2015, 18:06 [IST]

It is the birthday of Oprah Winfrey. The TV host, actress and producer turned 61 today. Oprah shot to fame with her hit American TV chat show, The Oprah Winfrey Show started.

'The Oprah Winfrey Show' or just 'Oprah' or 'Oprah Show' ran nationally for 25 seasons from 1986 to 2011 and is the highest-rated talk show in the American television history.

Oprah has interviewed and had plethora of public figures and everyday people during the show's 25-year history. We have seen lots of celebrity guests on the chat shows who came down for the interviews on the show. From Elizabeth Taylor to Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey has had the best on her show history.

While some made their first or many be a few more appearances, Oprah had her favourites as well who made more than expected guest appearances on her show. For example, International superstar Celine Dion appeared on the show 28 times, the most of any celebrity did besides Gayle King, Winfrey's best friend, who appeared 141 times on her show!

Some of the most hit and viewed interviews from The Oprah Winfrey Show includes Michael Jackson (February 10, 1993) who had not given an interview in 14 years, but opened up about a lot of things when he sat down with Winfrey. The interview was watched by 90 million people worldwide.

Then we have Tom Cruise who like a kid jumped on the couch expressing his love for then girlfriend and later wife (now ex wife), Katie Holmes (May 23, 2005).

On the 61st birthday of Oprah Winfrey, here are some of the most memorable celebrity guest appearances on her show.

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson broke all the records when he sat down for an interview after 14 years. The King of Pop opened up about his personal life and the interview was watched by 90 million people worldwide.

Elizabeth Taylor

Winfrey claims her worst interviewing experience was with Elizabeth Taylor in the show's second season as the actress asked Oprah not to ask questions on her about her relationships (considering her 9 marriages). However, Elizabeth Taylor appeared on the chat show with Michael Jackson as well later which marked her 3rd appearance on the Oprah Winfrey Show.

Gayle King

Oprah's friend Gayle has been the most frequent guest on her chat show. Gayle has appeared 141 times on her show!

Tom Cruise

During his 16 appearances, Tom Cruise showed his joy and love for Katie Holmes on Oprah show by jumping on the couch.

Celine Dion

The singer is also a close friend of Oprah and is the only celebrity after Gayle to have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show for the highest number of times. Celine Dion has given guest appearances on the chat show 28 times.

Tyra Banks

She was another frequent celebrity guest on the show. Tyra Banks made her Oprah Show debut in 1996 and appeared 16 times. Tyra Banks gave fashion tips and dealt with social problems like sibling rivalry.

Tina Turner

Oprah is a big fan of the music legend and Tina treated her loyal fan by making16 appearances on The Oprah Show since 1990. Tina also performed at Oprah's surprise 50th birthday bash.

Aishwarya Rai

The Bollywood actress has also appeared twice on Oprah Winfrey Show. Oprah's close friend made her first appearance memorable by helping her drape a saree on the show.

Chris Rock

Chris Rock made his "Oprah Show" debut in 1997, and is one of Oprah's all-time favourite guests. Oprah said, "I just love the way his mind works."

Whitney Houston

She appeared on the show in 2009 and disclosed her tumultuous 14-year marriage to Bobby Brown. The late singer also discussed her battle with drugs.

Mackenzie Phillips

This is one of the biggest and most shocking interviews on a TV show. The star revealed on Oprah's show on September 23, 2009 that she had an incestuous relationship for 10 years with her father, rock legend John Phillips. She was 19 when she got into the incestuous relationship.