Before yesterday's final episode, which found her rarely taking time to breathe between self-affirmative platitudes, Oprah Winfrey spent the bulk of her last week on air (...for now) in a sort of pantomime. In the two shows before the last, celeb after celeb was trotted out to "surprise" her and she reacted accordingly (even though she was miked and could interject whenever she wanted). It was straight-up silent-movie acting, very strange and endlessly gif-able. You know I had to do this:
Thank you, Oprah. Now, sashay away...a few channels over to OWN.
I'd be remiss if I didn't include parts of Patti LaBelle's performance-cum-freak out that included her kicking off her shoes (it was like she was in the drag of that drag queen in Patti drag at the end of Paris Is Burning):
And also this woman:
More than anything, I think I'll miss the sense of emotional abandon that Oprah tends to incite. Big loss, guys!
awesome gifs as always, worst "surprise" faces I've ever seen!
Posted by: anita | May 26, 2011 at 10:03 AM
Ha! This is funny coming from a Beyonce fan.
Posted by: xo | May 26, 2011 at 10:13 AM
This whole post has me rolling, but the Patti LaBelle/Paris is Burning ref? DYING.
I love your writing. Please never stop.
Posted by: Chiefbroad | May 26, 2011 at 11:22 AM
Has Oprah always looked so much like Diana Ross? WTH?
Posted by: matt | May 26, 2011 at 11:28 AM
Sade Pendavis is the queen. I believe she is still around.
Posted by: marisol c | May 26, 2011 at 12:33 PM
The final episode was beautiful. Platitudes! PLATITUDES! Oprah surmised many of the themes and lessons she has explored throughout her 25 years perfectly and with true grace. It was inspirational but it was real. I ugly cried for an hour at least.
Posted by: wannabeontop | May 26, 2011 at 12:34 PM
so awesome to watch your gifs when tired-borderline-delirious.
"what in the name of jesus" became "what IS the name of jesus". looked up and saw miss thang mouth "oooooo". well...
and cum-freak out. ahhhh.
fourfour=good times
fourfour on 2 days, barely any sleep=fanfreakintastic
Posted by: miks | May 26, 2011 at 05:56 PM
You totally need to edit a video of Oprah and Taylor Swift and their over-the-top SURPRISE! faces. "Oprah meet Taylor. Taylor, Oprah"
Posted by: Kat | May 26, 2011 at 07:40 PM
It was straight-up silent-movie acting, very strange and endlessly gif-able.
Posted by: vibram five fingers | May 26, 2011 at 11:14 PM
OPRAH HAS NO IDEA.
Shit, I'm actually stealing that, Rich. So much wisdom.
Posted by: Lizzy | May 28, 2011 at 05:14 AM
Yum! A smorgasbord of delicious gifs.
Posted by: Joanna | May 28, 2011 at 12:29 PM
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Posted by: birkenstock | May 31, 2011 at 02:19 AM
Worst "surprise" faces I've ever seen!
Posted by: Affiliate Network | June 05, 2011 at 09:43 AM
Opie looks like she needs to take a seven-day nap.
Posted by: Electric | June 06, 2011 at 11:38 AM
from what Perry managed to do with it. Shange's play is depressing. The characters
Posted by: Coach Outlet Store Online | August 02, 2011 at 06:50 AM