Interview with 'Oprah'

Carol Woodle

(Photo/file)

Carol Woodle spent many years in the corporate world, but recent changes in her life have now given her the opportunity to pursue her childhood desire in assisting others, in acting, modeling and portraying Oprah (as a lookalike).

It all began after years of Woodle being told, on a daily basis, that she resembled Oprah Winfrey. It was then that she decided to enter into the world of the celebrity lookalike industry.

Part of Carol Woodle's past includes a time in her life when she was literally homeless. Facing adversity of the greatest kind, she and her children were forced to live in her van.

After overcoming such hardships and through her Oprah-esque appearance, Woodle has managed to positively influence others and extend herself to many that are influenced by the most giving woman of our time. ~ It is difficult not to be inspired by both of these women.

Thank you to Carol Woodle for agreeing to do this interview.  Some of Oprah Winfrey will be shared as well, in links and video clips. ~ Enjoy!

Ms Woodle, what is your nationality/background?

I come from African and Asian decent and grew up within the Chinatown and Mission district areas of San Francisco. It was there that I had many occasions to experience several diverse cultures." 

What type of work do you do?

I am an actor based in Los Angeles, Califorina, and I am an Oprah Winfrey impersonator."

What kind of events are you available for as Oprah?

My work consists of television appearances, commercials, print/modeling work, master of ceremonies as well as meet-and-greet at corporate events, conventions and celebrity events."

In addition to working as a single talent, do you also work with other talent, say, as a team?

Yes, of course. Since I portray Oprah, I am more than comfortable working with other lookalikes based on clients' needs."

What is the difference between a lookalike and an impersonator?

An impersonator can act and move very much like the celebrity they resemble. They are the "whole package." For example, I can carry an event as "Oprah" and not just show up because I look like her. It's a lot of work but I find it to be very fun and rewarding!"

Just curious, in addition to being a lookalike, can you sing as well?

Yes!"

Do you have an established performance or are you able to customize a show according to anyone's needs?

 

I am available to design a program around one's needs. If anyone already has a complete program or just a general idea of one, then we can work together and design something for a spectacular event!"

Are you available to travel worldwide?

Yes I am."

Are you represented by an agent or manager?

Yes, contact information is available upon request."

I know there are all kinds of awards for talent, and I've heard of The Reel Awards.  Have you heard of that event, and what is it exactly?

The Reel Awards is an industry event that features celebrity impersonators, lookalikes and tribute artists. It hosts a bi-annual extravaganza featuring the very best celebrity impersonators, singers, and dancers in the business. Hollywood industry people are invited to meet and watch performances by the performers and there are even awards given in particular categories, such as Best Producer, Best Actor, Media and Music Awards, Best Band, etc."

Carol, do you have any particular motivation for being a celebrity lookalike?

My motivation is the job of life, and my passion is the friendship of people. I'm proud and happy to be able to say to those who ask:  'My name is Carol Woodle, and I am an Oprah lookalike.'"

What is at least one experience that you'd like to share about "being" Oprah?

One is when I submitted to be "Oprah" on the Regis & Kelly Show.  Turned out that hundreds of photos from other lookalikes were submitted, but I was the one chosen!

Little did I know that that experience would take me into a whole new industry. I also found out how similar my actions and movements already were to Ms. Winfrey.

I have been stopped and asked if I'm "her" at local grocery stores, gas stations, malls and even when I have been dining out with my family."

Thank you Carol for sharing.

In conclusion, it has been nice to learn about some of Carol Woodle's background, experiences and current look and talent being put to such good use.  What is really important is that one can tell from what Carol has shared here, is how much she loves what she does.  Same can be said for the real Oprah.  Let's hear what Oprah has to say about that...

It has been discovered that in addition to Woodle being a lookalike she has also had the pleasure of walking the Red Carpet at The Reel Awards in Las Vegas.  She soon will attend another at Vegas' Stratsophere, March 1-5, 2010 and possibly at another too, at the Sunburst Convention (September 22-26, 2010) in Orlando, Florida.  Woodle has also attended the Celebrity Impersonator Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada and again will in March.

Woodle, too, has worked with Fashion Guru Steve Kemble for ISES - International Special Events Society in San Francisco, California, and has appeared at private, social, and corporate events that want that extra touch of O.

Oprah (Photo/wiki)

Carol Woodle has volunteered her services for local charities such as a local food bank
and a womens shelter.  As an actress and model Woodle has been seen in many television and film productions such as Game Show Network, Senior Skip Day, Miss Guided, and has worked with Sam Saboura, the fashion host of a new show on StyleList web site called My Body, My Style.  Woodle said she learned many new wardrobe tricks from Saboura and felt it to be a great opportunity.

Be sure and catch Carol Woodle on Myspace video Walk of Fame with Jason DeRulo or on YouTube with Brandy in her very touching music video "Right Here...Departed." ~ Here it is:

New projects for Woodle will be up and coming soon in 2010! 

Even though Oprah Winfrey will end her daytime talk show after 25 seasons, that is not the end of her career.  Be looking for more of Oprah and of course more of Carol!

Links to other talent under either their character or one names:  Trina Johnson-Finn, Michelle Obama, Marilyn Monroe, Willie Nelson, Las Vegas Superstars, Anna Nicole Smith, Obama, More than our commander & chief, Captain Jack, Angelina Jolie, celebrity artist, Elizabeth Taylor, Tupac, Tiger Woods...

Norma Jean Enterprises ~ video clips of Oprah Winfrey...