Original Air Date:
Monday, April 28, 2008
Guest Update - "Princess" Fannie:
Oprah started her show of memorable guests by revisiting Fannie, a woman who was on the show for the "Princess for a Day" episode in 2003. At the time of the original show, Fannie was sent in by her employer, her sister, and her 3 nieces/nephew that she raised. Fannie was awarded for being so giving of herself by being crowned a princess for a day, but her surprises didn't end there. In 2003, Fannie was given a cleaning service each week for a year, new luggage and a trip to New York City as well as a new van.
2 years after the 2003 show, Fannie experienced hurricane Katrina, which left her homeless. Fannie credits Oprah for surviving the storm, since she was able to fit 12 relatives into the van Oprah had given her and get out of the city. Fannie took Oprah's cameras on a tour of her old neighborhood where she is working to finish her house while still living in a FEMA trailer. As a surprise, Oprah arranged for Nate to finish and design Fannie's home as well and for her to stay at a hotel while her house was completed. A Brink home security system was also a surprise for Fannie.
Guest Update - Nancy: Tom Cruise's Biggest Fan:
In 2001, Oprah and her team surprised Nancy at her home with the news that Nancy would be going to Chicago to meet her favorite star Tom Cruise. While filming Nancy's, Oprah was standing in the studio in her bathrobe and wet hair, but with no audience. The footage of Oprah in her robe ended up being the film that made Tom laugh hysterically. Since Nancy is such a big fan, Oprah decided to bring Nancy back to meet Tom again since he would be returning to the studio May 5, 2008.
Guest Update - Sharyn a Compulsive Hoarder:
In November of this season, Oprah's team with Peter Walsh visited Sharyn, a compulsive hoarder, and her husband Marvin to help them clear their lives of clutter. It took over 100 people 2 months to go through the house item by item and clean it out. When all of the stuff had been moved, it filled a giant warehouse - 10,000 square feet filled with stuff weighing it at 75 tons. After the house was emptied, it took another 7 weeks to clean and redecorate Sharyn and Marvin's home. Did they keep it up? - Peter Walsh visited Sharyn and Marvin to see.
On March 27, 2008, Peter made a surprise visit to Sharyn and Marvin's home to see if they had gone back to their hoarding ways. The couple was thrilled to see Peter and Peter was thrilled to see everything the way it looked when they made the big reveal.
Sharyn, Marvin and kids Steve, Jodi and Rich were all on the show where Sharyn revealed that she is almost compulsively neat now. Her kids shared that they were surprised that the house was in such great condition, Oprah admitted she was as well, but Peter said he was confident in the couple. Sharyn told Oprah that she is so grateful to have her life back.
Show Update - Puppy Mills:
After the puppy mill investigation episode, Oprah received a flood of responses from around the country from shelters who had record number of adoptions and appointments for spaying and neutering their pets. Jill Rappaport from the Today Show was also inspired from the show due to her love of her 5 dogs that she sees as her children. Jill shared a segment on Angel's Gate in Long Island that is an animal hospice, taking in animals that are sick, deformed or abused for the remainder of their lives. 95% of the animals come from puppy mills, with others rescued from kill-shelters or abusive homes.
Susan and her team of volunteers who run the center work hard to treat and care for the animals, even if it means and ICU and hospital stays for the animals. The segment shared Susan caring for a dog who needed serious medical treatment, and giving physical therapy to a paralyzed dog. Wheelchairs are made for the animals and they are allowed to run free on the property. There are over 200 dogs at Angel's Gate who are cared for through donations and volunteers. Oprah made a donation to the center and encourages others to do the same.
Show Update - The Best Life Diet:
When Oprah and Bob Greene kicked off the Best Life Diet in Mississippi on January 14, 2008, they introduced viewers to Jeff and Karen, both who struggled with their obesity but were committed to changing. Oprah was happy to report that after just over 3 months, that Jeff has been able to lose an additional 46 pounds and Karen has lost 44 pounds. The 2 now work out together 4 days a week and are still motivated to lose the weight.
Guest Update - Jamie Kennedy and the Goth Mom:
In October of 2002, Oprah did a hidden camera show with Jamie Kennedy where he posed as a hair stylist doing makeovers for the show. A memorable guest, Sue, allowed Jamie the freedom to do her hair, makeup and style her clothing without saying a word as to what he was doing. When Sue's new look was revealed, it appeared that Jamie had turned her into a "Goth" mom! Oprah shared that the other guests on the show then received real makeovers after the joke was revealed, but Sue did not. Oprah brought Sue back and revealed her new look after finally getting her a real makeover. Sue shared that she didn't want to hurt Jamie's feeling and that's why she didn't speak up, but that she was thrilled at her new style.
Guest Update - Thomas the Pregnant Man
Oprah updated the news on Thomas, a pregnant man in Oregon. Thomas and his wife Nancy have received an outpouring of support from around the world and their neighbors. Oprah showed extra footage from after the show where audience members were able to ask question. One question asked that Oprah wish she had asked herself on camera was if Thomas intended on having a vaginal or C-section birth, and he responded that he planned to go as natural as possible so that he could really feel the experience. Oprah shared that she is sure the birth of the couple's child will be heard around the world.
