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Oprah with Director Lee Daniels

Everyone remembers the famous, character Oprah played in  “The Color Purple” Sophia, which garnered an Oscar nomination for the talk show queen.

Since then Oprah has only acted in few roles, due the  hectic schedule  she had with her talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show”.

The last movie Oprah acted in was the 1998 movie ‘Beloved” which she produced. Oprah made it no secret that one of her interests was to be on the big screen again.  Her desire to due so played a big role in her decision to end her  famous talk show, When O created “Own” network she was hoping it would allow her time to do more of the things she wanted to do.  While the network has still taken most of Oprah’s time it has allowed her some space to pursue other endeavors including her acting.

Forest Whitaker, will play  Eugene Allen, Oprah will play his wife

Lee Daniels, the Oscar nominated directed of “Precious” confirmed to USA today that Oprah will star in a big role in his new movie “The Butler.” The movie will be based on a true story of a man named Eugene Allen, who served many decades as a butler in the White House.  Allen died on March 31, 2010 due to renal failure, at the age of 90. Forest Whitaker will act as Eugene and Oprah will play his wife. Daniels quoted to USA Today:

 ”It’s a true story of a man (Eugene Allen) who served several decades in the White House,” says Daniels. “Forest (Whitaker) plays the butler who serves many presidents and Oprah plays his wife.” Oprah, he adds, “was looking for something and we’re friendly and we were just trying to figure out the right thing.”

Daniels was asked, how does one prepare to direct Oprah?

“I don’t know. Quietly,” But, “she’s not producing this, she’s an actor on this one,” he Laughs

Daniels states he specifically wrote the role for Oprah. Jane Fonda is also slated to appear in the movie as Nancy Reagan.  Eugene became very close to the Reagan’s during their time at the White House, no mention of who will  play Nancy’s  husband, former President Ronald Reagan at this time. The movie is schedule to starting filming in July in New Orleans.

Eugene Allen, with Former First Lady Nancy Reagan, and President  Reagan

Eugene Allen, Early days at the White House, During  President  Ford’s Years