Stars and fans bid farewell to Oprah

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Tom Hanks talks to Oprah Winfrey during a star-studded double-taping of "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular" in Chicago on Tuesday, May 17, 2011. "The Oprah Winfrey Show" is ending its run on May 25, after 25 years. [Photo: CFP]

Hollywood's A-listers have bid a star-studded farewell to Oprah Winfrey in a double-taping of her talk show at Chicago's United Center.

Winfrey's producers made good on their promise of the biggest stars of movies, music and television for the special titled "Surprise Oprah! A Farewell Spectacular".

Oscar winner Tom Hanks served as host for the evening.

And the other famous Tom, Tom Cruise that is, walked onto the stage and gave Oprah a big hug.

Other superstars who shared stories of how Winfrey inspired them over the years include Michael Jordan, Jerry Seinfeld and Madonna.

But the vast majority of the audience who were at the taping are regular Joes.

Eric Dorris, a fan from Chicago, says he has a great deal of respect for Winfrey.

"She's always been so real. She's just a real person, a genuine person. She takes us behind-the-scenes we see her from her ability to lose weight and talk about that in her life to talk about the things she's been through in life. She's always been open and candid and I respect that about her."

Roberta Bramson, a fan from Ventura, California, says Winfrey represents all that's good in our lives.

"The kindness that she gave everybody. The opportunity that she gave everybody. The love that she shared with all of us, and so we could pay it forward and I think that's just a big word that is synonymous with Oprah is paying it forward."

Cheryl Jackson, a fan from Dallas, sums it up for everybody.

"You know what? This is historical. I wanted to be a part of this moment. Oprah has come into my home. I've been married for 25 years and since day one she's been in my household like a big sister. She's made us laugh in the time of war. She's given us hope, and she's really just positive in so many people's lives including myself and I had to be here to celebrate this."

The taping will air May 23 and 24, before Winfrey's final show on May 25. Word has it that it's going to be a special live edition.