Fan Recalls Seeing Oprah Show Twice

Sasha Vasilic didn't get a car, an iPod, or even an author's promotional book from Oprah Winfrey.  But as she prepares to broadcast the last episode of her iconic show Wednesday, he's still happy he got the chance to see it live, once in January 2009 and again in January this year.

The real-life quality of being there, as opposed to the perfect gloss of television glamor, made an impression on him.

"I learned she's a normal person like everyone else," said Vasilic, who works in marketing at the Niles Library. 

Oprah chatted with the crowd before the taping began, carrying her high heels in her hand and complaining they were uncomfortable, so she was just going to put them on for the show. 

"It was funny to hear her crack jokes and laugh with us, to be a real human being," he recalled.

The 2009 show featured military veterans who had returned from overseas and were trying to reintegrate into civilian life. Although some had had amputations, Vasilic recalls that most were optimistic, and describes it as a feel-good show.

The show he saw this year had a "where are they now?" theme, and featured three celebrities from the 1970s--Bo Derek, M.C. Hammer and Pam Grier. Vasilic was impressed that all three want to live out of the spotlight, and that Hammer has become successful in the technology sector.

"I think her 25th anniversary is a perfect time for her to transition," said Vasilic, who describes himself as someone who watches Oprah occasionally, but isn't a rabid fan. 

"I think these last three episodes will make TV history."