Millions tune in to talk shows to enjoy a wide variety of topics from gossip and relationships to politics. Here’s where we also get to enjoy our favorite celebrities as guests on the talk shows and catch a glimpse of their worlds.
In the 1990s, several remarkable black women took the helm of talk shows on television. They were strong, intelligent, and addressed significant topics.
From Rolonda Watts to Queen Latifah, these women left a lasting impact. They tackled important issues, celebrated culture, and entertained audiences with their engaging personalities.
As we reflect on this pivotal era in television history, it’s important to recognize the contributions of these exceptional hosts who broke barriers, shattered stereotypes, and paved the way for future generations of black women in media.
Join us as we celebrate the legacy and impact of these pioneering black female talk show hosts who left an indelible mark on 90s television.
1. Oprah Winfrey
- Signature Show: The Oprah Winfrey Show
- What she is doing now: She’s an actress and runs OWN.
One of the most notable talk shows of the 90s was The Oprah Winfrey Show hosted by Oprah Winfrey.
Apart from being a famous host, Oprah is also an author, producer, actress, and media mogul. Her show was a daytime syndicate that ran for an impressive 25 seasons.
Oprah would host numerous top celebrities and notable guests as millions tuned in to watch. After garnering lots of success, Oprah opted to end the show with the final episode airing on May 25, 2011.
2. Whoopi Goldberg
- Signature Show: The Whoopi Goldberg Show
- What she is doing now: Co-host on The View
Whoopi Goldberg is a famous TV personality, actress, talk show host, comedian, and author. Her list of accolades is endless as she continues to thrive in the entertainment industry. She is among a few top entertainers to win an EGOT.
In the 90s, Whoopi hosted the Whoopi Goldberg Show from 1992 to 1993. The show ran for 112 normal episodes. She had a 30-minute time slot on Friday night.
3. Queen Latifah
- Signature Show: The Queen Latifah Show
- What she is doing now: Acting
Did you know that American rapper and actress Queen Latifah once hosted a talk show? Queen Latifah first became famous for her amazing rapping skills. She’d later start doing minor acting gigs that got her into television.
Latifah began hosting the Queen Latifah Show in 1999 covering a wide variety of interesting topics. She’d also do interviews with celebrity and non-celebrity guests.
4. Star Jones
- Signature Show: The View
- What she is doing now: Hosts Divorce Court
At 61 years old, Star Jones continues to shine. Star is a lawyer, journalist, women and diversity advocate, TV personality, author, and fashion designer.
Many people know her as one of the best hosts of the popular talk show The View. Star joined the view in 1997, was terminated, and made a comeback as a guest in 2012.
5. Gwen Ifill
- Signature Show: Washington Week
- What she is doing now: She passed away on November 14, 2016.
Gwen Ifill made history in 1999 when she became the first African American woman to host a nationally televised US public affairs program.
Her life has been impressive as she is a TV newscaster, journalist, and author. She’s among the few black women to host a national political show in the US.
6. Rolonda Watts
- Signature Show: Rolonda
- What she is doing now: Acting
Rolonda Watts is a popular African American actress and producer. She’s also been a radio and TV talk show host.
At the beginning of her career, she worked for WNBC where she was nominated for an Emmy while working as an anchor. Watts would later move on to host her show Rolonda which aired from 1994 to 1997.
7. Cynthia Garret
- Signature Show: Later with Cynthia Garret
- What she is doing now: Preacher at Cynthia Garret Ministries
Cynthia Garret hit the ground running after graduating from USC Law to become a host and television personality.
She was the first African American woman to front a network late-night show, Later with Cynthia Garret.
After that, she worked all over the world hosting numerous shows including The London Sessions with Cynthia Garret.
8. Tempestt Bledsoe
- Signature Show: The Tempestt Bledsoe Show
- What she is doing now: Hosts Clean House
Actress Tempestt Bledsoe is popular for her role in The Cosby Show as Clair Huxtable. In 1995, she began hosting the Tempestt Bledsoe Show that ran up to 1996. It was an American daytime talk show focusing on matters like relationships, topics of the day, and family.
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