(VIDEO) 2011 FORBES LIST: TYLER PERRY TOP ENTERTAINER EARNS $130 MILLION; BEATS STEVEN SPIELBERG

TYLER PERRY is laughing his way all the way to the bank.  Forbes Magazine’s list of top male entertainers was released this week and he leads the pack, earning $130 Million dollars from May 2010 – May 2011.  This is great news for 42-year-old Perry, along with his millions of fans Worldwide (including me).

It is inspiring to see a man go from being literally homeless to rising to the top.  Perry made his mark with a run of incredibly well-received plays, which he took to the movie screen with fans flocking to see them.  The character ”Madea” where is transforms himself into an “in your face” knife welding grandma, has viewers cheering her on and rolling with laughter. 

It is well-known that the African-American films are still at extremely low levels so he tapped into that underserved market.  His hard work and dedication has earned him this well-deserved honor and it is great to hear that he has made his mark in the entertainment industry.  It is rare to find a young, African American male in this league, so BIG SHOUT OUT to Perry!

What makes this even more of an accomplishment is that he beat out famed director, Steven Spielberg.  Also making the list was the love’em or hate’em Dr. Phil (probably calling Oprah now to thank her) and Simon Cowell. 

If Perry’s story does not inspire you to reach your goals, nothing will.  He is a role model for all who have “hopes & dreams” and we can only wish that he continues his successful run for many years to come. 

Great job Mr. Perry!  You deserve every penny…we are rooting for you and could not be more proud. You can bet myself and millions of others will definitely stand in line (once again) when your new movie is released.

FULL LIST OF ENTERTAINERS ON THE LIST

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(VIDEO) OPRAH REPLACED BY JIMMY KIMMEL; WILL CHICAGOANS SOON FORGET HER?

JIMMY KIMMEL performed a hilarious “farewell” tribute for Oprah Winfrey with Boyz II Men in above video.  But it now seems he may want to celebrate her parting, since his late night show will replace the “Best of Oprah” repeats currently running on ABC.  His time slot moves up an hour, allowing him to capture a wider audience.

Is this the end to Chicago’s love for Oprah?  Will she fade away as only a memory, like Chicago favorites Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen?  Well, not so fast.  Although her OWN network has not yet caught on, and is experiencing low ratings, she is certain to reincarnate herself somehow. 

While Oprah has more money than most living creatures, she certainly is not doing it for cash these days.  Clearly she loves the spotlight, and will refuse to let her flame die. 

Do you believe Chicagoans will forget about Oprah anytime soon? 

CHICAGO RENTS SURGE…IS IT BETTER TO BUY?

 

OPRAH WINFREY FINALE, TOP RATED SHOW IN 17 YEARS

The OPRAH WINFREY shows final taping received huge ratings, with reports suggesting they were her highest in 17 years.  While the exact figures are not yet released, the amount of viewers tuned in to see Oprah bid farewell, were huge.

Many die-hard fans had Oprah finale viewing parties, others wanted to check out her final words so watched from their office.  Many felt they were a part of a historic moment, viewing her last show after her 25-year run.  In the end we can bet many will look back and ask, “Where was I when Oprah said her final goodbye?”

Well, for Oprah fans having withdrawals, they are running “Best of Oprah” shows at night in some cities.  So you can still tune in and get your fix.  FAREWELL OPRAH WINFREY SHOW FOR THE FINAL TIME…

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5/25/11 OPRAH FINAL FAREWELL SHOW; NO THRILLS, NO SURPRISES

OPRAH WINFREY aired her final show today, May 25th, 2011, after 25-years.  But for audience members hoping for a last show spectacular offering favorite things, mega stars, surprise guests or incredible farewell gifts, they may have been a bit disappointed.  Not to say they were not excited to be a part of history, but expectations of an “over-the-top” final show was probably on their minds.

Oprah took the day to reflect on her leaving behind a legacy, with advice and spiritual guidance.  It was a “no thrills” very somber show, with very little energy or audience participation.  While some may have passed on attending her mega shows and waited to be in audience during the final taping, they probably would have found more excitement during her United Center, star filled farewell shows.  But on this note, they had to suffice with a box of tissue, to dry their eyes.

Well, Oprah has helped millions over the years, and her daily show will be missed.  As she leaves to achieve even more incredible adventures in life, we are sure to see her in the spotlight for many years to come.  Oprah has inspired many and you can bet she will continue to do so, in whatever she does from here on out.

Farewell Oprah, just wish you would have stayed in Chicago!  Maybe you will miss this great city and come back soon.

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NATIONAL OPEN HOUSE WEEKEND! http://brittariveraventure.wordpress.com/2011/05/28/2011-nationwide-open-house-weekend-june-4th-5th-koenig-strey-real-living-showcases-homes/

 

5/17/11: OPRAH FAREWELL TAPING DRAWS CELEBRITIES & 13,000 FANS TO UNITED CENTER

OPRAH WINFREY ended her 25 years as talk show host with a bang, at Chicago’s United Center along with 13,000 fans in the attendance and an array of Mega Stars.  The celebrities on hand to support Oprah included;  Madonna, Beyoncé, Halle Berry, Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes along with many more offering her touching farewell messages, via satellite.

The fans were pumped as Oprah asked, “Having fun?”  They cheered as she added “So am I!  So darn cool!”  The producers stocked up with 13,000 boxes of tissue, for the die-hard fans who are devastated by her departure, just in case they could not hold back their tears.

Tom Hanks was the master of ceremonies and had some incredible things to say about the “Queen of talk”.  Offering encouraging words, by saying “You are surrounded by nothing but love”. He nailed it, because for so many people, Oprah has been an inspiration offering them words of advice and addressing “taboo” topics.

Whether you are a fan of Oprah or not, there is no denying she has been a major influence on millions of viewers over the years.  She also has also allowed many to understand, if you push hard enough you can achieve your goals.  Coming from a simple background with many things stacked against her, she proved to the world success is possible.  Being an African-American, “full-figured” powerful woman making billions, is an accomplishment to be proud of, and a reason to support her efforts.

The final taping of the two shows, was shot at the United Center and will air May 23 and May 24 but her final episode will tape next week and air on May 25.

Oprah told the crowd, “I feel the love, and I thank you for it,” adding that the viewers present and around the world “honor me in the deepest way possible.”  Wishing Oprah the very best, we know she has more to offer during her lifetime, and we will certainly see her around for a long time.

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OPRAH PICKS ‘OWN’ TALK SHOW WINNER; ZACH ANNER

OPRAH WINFREY began a contest last year called Your OWN Show: Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star to run on her new OWN network. Talk show hopefuls were asked to submit a video on why they should be selected to host their own show. 

The lucky winner, chosen by Oprah, is 26-year-old Zach Anner, who lives in Austin Texas. He is a comedian and writer with Cerebral Palsy. On a recent interview, Anner said although he is in a wheelchair, his family always encouraged him to take advantage of all life has to offer, so he never let it slow him down. He wanted to share with the world his adventures on a travel show and submitted a compeling video with a clip of his idea. He is an inspiration and will show others how to enjoy each day, even if obstacles are in their way.

Anners’ new travel show, “Rollin’ around the World with Zach Anner,” will debut on OWN this summer.  He shared very good advice during his interview; “I would say to anybody who feels bogged down by their obstacles.  Imagine who you are without those and imagine yourself doing what you love to do.  Because that will drive you to do things you never thought you were capable of doing”.

The talk show will be produced by Mark Burnett, who has the “midas touch”. Several of his other hit shows include, ‘Survivor’, ‘The Apprentice’, ‘Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader’, and ‘Shark Tank’.

Let’s hope Zach has a successful run on OWN T.V., and continues to inspire others.

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