When two TV greats meet: Oprah Winfrey opens up on her traumatic childhood during David Letterman lecture series

By Louise Saunders

PUBLISHED: 06:10 EST, 27 November 2012 | UPDATED: 09:00 EST, 27 November 2012

She's made a career of encouraging the great and good of the showbiz world to open up on her sofa about their innermost thoughts and emotions.

But on Monday evening, the tables were turned when Oprah Winfrey sat down to an interview with fellow chat show host David Letterman.

Opening up as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series in Muncie, Indiana, the 58-year-old star discussed her traumatic first-hand experience of child abuse.

Chat show king and queen: Oprah Winfrey sat down to an interview with David Letterman on Monday evening

Chat show king and queen: Oprah Winfrey sat down to an interview with David Letterman on Monday evening

Taking to the stage in front of some 3,000 university students, the undisputed queen of US television revealed the true extent of her rags to riches story.

 

More...

Admitting she survived not only a brutal rape at the age of nine, but constant episodes of sexual molestation between the ages of 10 and 14, as well as a series of physical abuse, the star explained she had to believe in a 'power greater than herself' to get through the traumatic ordeal.

However, Oprah explained the experiences she suffered as a child inspired her need to empathise with people in her daily life.

Opening up: The 58-year-old star revealed her traumatic experiences as a child

Opening up: The 58-year-old star revealed her traumatic experiences as a child

Turning the tables: Oprah became the interviewee as she sat down as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series

Turning the tables: Oprah became the interviewee as she sat down as part of the David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series

She said: 'Everyone is looking for that validation. I know what it feels like to not be wanted... you can use it as a stepping stone to build great empathy for people.

'Anybody who has been verbally abused or physically abused will spend a great deal of their life rebuilding their esteem.'

But Letterman praised the star for fighting on despite 'living through hell' in her early years.

Telling all: Oprah spoke in front of an audience of 3,000 at the Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana

Telling all: Oprah spoke in front of an audience of 3,000 at the Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana

He said: 'You’re an extraordinary person who lived through hell. You were not consumed, you prevailed.'

During the 90-minute interview, Oprah also spoke about her beliefs and how they have helped her rise above life's many challenges.

She added: 'I don’t believe you can go through adversity without believing in a power greater than yourself. Some may call is God.

A meeting of minds: Oprah explained the experiences she suffered as a child inspired her need to empathise with people in her daily life

A meeting of minds: Oprah explained the experiences she suffered as a child inspired her need to empathise with people in her daily life

'There are 1,000 different names for this power. But I know you cannot make it without that belief.'

The David Letterman Distinguished Professional Lecture and Workshop Series will see the chat show king host discussions with leading figures from the worlds of business, media and academia regarding issues arising in communication and emerging media.

'Living through hell': Letterman praised Oprah for fighting on in life in spite of her traumatic early years

'Living through hell': Letterman praised Oprah for fighting on in life in spite of her traumatic early years

Stepping stones: Oprah explained she has spent much of her life attempting to rebuild her self-esteem

Stepping stones: Oprah explained she has spent much of her life attempting to rebuild her self-esteem


 
Add your comments

Comments (9)

The comments below have not been moderated.

There is no way you can rebuild your self-esteem if you overeat at the KFC.

Click to rate     Rating   (0)

Report abuse

Truly inspiring story. Oprah's story makes you stop whinging & appreciate your own childhood.

Click to rate     Rating   1

Report abuse

"Is Dave Letterman okay? He looks thin, old, and ill. - patchouli, regina canada"............ It's called aging naturally. At 65 & nearing retirement age, he's gone gray naturally & hasn't had any work done. Sadly, we've forgotten how normal people age. After a major heart attack a few years ago, his sex scandal with interns & the stress he admitted it caused at home, he looks surprisingly great.

Click to rate     Rating   15

Report abuse

White socks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Holy Hoosier that's typical of folks from Indiana. No sense of style to speak of.

Click to rate     Rating   12

Report abuse

Bad surgery Opera

Click to rate     Rating   16

Report abuse

Is Dave Letterman okay? He looks thin, old, and ill.

Click to rate     Rating   11

Report abuse

Probably the greatest success story.....dirt poor, molested and now one of the riches/most influential women in the World. Love you Oprah.

Click to rate     Rating   108

Report abuse

Amazing story of perseverance. This is the type of women who should be a role model to our daughter's as they grow up, not those TOWIE bimbos.

Click to rate     Rating   113

Report abuse

We Love You Oprah ! But your time is over ! Step back please

Click to rate     Rating   77

Report abuse

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

Add your comment

You have 1000 characters left.
Libellous and abusive comments are not allowed. Please read our House Rules.
For information about privacy and cookies please read our Privacy Policy.
Terms