She's topped the Forbes Most Powerful Celebrities list in 2008 and its Most Influential Women in Media list in 2009, earned $275 million last year, and done everything from founding a leadership academy for girls in Africa to backing a Broadway musical. She's made unknown authors famous and infamous through her book club, given audience members goodies small and big from UGG boots to brand new cars, and is launching her own network in January 2011. And in September 2011 the biggest star in the history of TV talk shows will finally retire after 25 years of hosting the daily show that bears her name.

