The Woman Who Lost 530 Pounds
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
An exclusive look behind the scenes of an Oprah Show taping featured Jack, a producer, at 9:00 am. With only a few hours left until it was time to start taping the episode "The Woman Who Lost 530 Pounds", Jack described how the time remaining was "crunch time" -- final preparations and sets had to be completed.
In the Green Room, Jack briefed Bob Greene on the amazing weight loss stories that were going to be featured on the show. One unexpected piece to be shown was a skirt that measured 108 inches around from guest, Nancy.
Chris, a Senior Associate Producer, explained how he briefly lost the "all-important" big skirt -- but luckily found it.
Cameras followed Jack as he passeed through the Control Room and Edit Suite -- parts of Harpo Studios rarely shown to viewers.
As time approached to brief Oprah on the show, Jack walked through the huge closet (which has appeared on the show in past episodes) to the Makeup Room, where Oprah was getting the final touches on her hair and make-up.
Jack explained to Oprah that the show would be a "Parade of Hope" and that "the transformations are amazing" - Oprah pronounced guest Nancy a 'Shero!'.
As Oprah stood backstage with Bob Greene, before her big entrance, the audience was unaware that she was getting ready to walk through the door. As she stated with surprise, "Boy! You all are quiet." -- the audience erupted in screams. Oprah and Bob proceeded to the stage to start the show -- and welcome 21 guests who had lost over 3,000 pounds, without the help of surgery or pills!
