When O Met M

Oprah Winfrey was famous for surprising people.  Her staff rarely surprised her -- but when they did, it was a doozy.  This is one of the doozies.

Oprah Winfrey absolutely loved Mary Tyler Moore.  It wasn't just that MTM was Oprah's hero, but Oprah patterned much of her life after the 'Mary Richards' character.  She adored her, idolized, got sustenance from her when Oprah had little and was just just starting up her own career. 

And yet for all her fame, Oprah Winfrey had never met Mary Tyler Moore.  She talked with her once on the air over the phone, and even something that simple almost kablooeyed her.  But then, one day, Oprah's staff pulled off a surprise on their boss.

They were doing a segment on "Favorite celebrity women," and they set it up for Oprah to led into the piece by talking about her own inspiration and love for Mary Tyler Moore -- which includes some wonderful video.  And then...well, you'll see.

What's wonderful about this produced piece is that includes Oprah after-the-fact explaining in more detail about what Mary Tyler Moore truly meant to her, leading up to that moment.  And even better, it includes never-before-seen footage of what happened off-the-air after the segment.  And Oprah explaining in more detail her own reaction to that moment.

Here then is Oprah Winfrey getting that rarity -- surprised.  Really, really surprised.