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Oprah, Stedman Graham Reunite at Navy Pier for Show's 40th

8/12/2026

44 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham appeared at Navy Pier in Chicago for the 40th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The reunion took place at Chef Art Smith’s restaurant Reunion, where they were served a fried-chicken platter.
Jill Van Lokeren posted the photo on Instagram on Aug. 9, marking their first joint public appearance since the October 2019 Tyler Perry Studios gala.

History

Historical Context

Phil Donahue launched his talk show locally in 1967 and entered nationwide syndication in January 1970, establishing the first daytime format with audience participation. The program ran 29 years, producing nearly 7,000 episodes, and set a template that later hosts such as Oprah Winfrey followed. Oprah’s 40th-anniversary reunion with Stedman Graham at Chicago’s Navy Pier underscores Donahue’s lasting influence.

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Story summary

Oprah Winfrey and Stedman Graham appeared at Navy Pier in Chicago for the 40th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Show.
The reunion took place at Chef Art Smith’s restaurant Reunion, where they were served a fried-chicken platter.
Jill Van Lokeren posted the photo on Instagram on Aug. 9, marking their first joint public appearance since the October 2019 Tyler Perry Studios gala.

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