Oprah’s gone! Locals look to fill emotional void

Drexel Heard may cry at 4 p.m. today. That’s when Oprah airs her last-ever episode.

The Clinton Hill actor has fond memories of watching “The Oprah Winfrey Show” with his mother.

“My entire life was spent with Oprah,” said Heard, 25.

He is such a fan, he said, because he is inspired by how much she helps people, both with her fortune and dispensing free advice on the show. “She gives back so much,” he said.

Today, he’ll be watching ABC for her final show, armed with a few friends for moral support. “We’ll probably have some tequila, because Oprah likes her tequila,” he said.

But the viewing party will be more somber reflection than raucous celebration. “There are times when you just have to sit down and you have to take in what’s about to happen,” he said.
Another New Yorker, Betsy Whitney, told Metro she “crammed three co-workers plus my boss into my office” to watch Monday’s episode.

What will replace a daily 4 p.m. emotional void? No one had an answer.

“People rush home to watch Oprah,” Heard said. “They don’t rush home to watch anyone else.”

Our own TV critic Amber Ray will be live blogging the Oprah finale at 4 p.m., so drop by the homepage and share your memories, questions and comments on Oprah and her final show.

Follow Alison Bowen on Twitter @AlisonatMetro.