Oprah, Stedman and the Harpo gang reunite at Chef Art Smith’s Reunion

Talk about a reunion worthy of Chicago. Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance with longtime partner Stedman Graham at a gathering of former Harpo Productions employees over the weekend, bringing together some of the people who helped make The Oprah Winfrey Show one of television’s most influential programs. The celebration took place on the patio at Chef Art Smith’s Reunion at Navy Pier, a fitting choice considering Smith’s own history with Oprah.

The occasion marked the upcoming 40th anniversary of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which premiered Sept. 8, 1986, and ran for 25 seasons before ending in 2011. While the event was planned as a reunion for the Harpo crew, Oprah’s unexpected arrival turned it into something considerably more special.

And she didn’t come alone. Graham joined her, making the evening an especially rare public appearance for the famously private couple. The two have been together since 1986, the same year Oprah’s iconic show began.

For Chef Art Smith, hosting the gathering was more than just another night at the restaurant. Smith served as Oprah’s personal chef early in his career and became a familiar face on The Oprah Winfrey Show. Their friendship has continued for decades, making Reunion an almost too-perfect setting for the Harpo family to gather.

The menu was pure Art, with his famous fried chicken taking center stage, along with other Southern favorites including hummingbird cake and peach cobbler.

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Oprah later thanked Smith for bringing everyone together, recalling the days when he cooked for her and Stedman. Her message to the chef reflected both their long friendship and just how much his career has grown since those early days. Chef Art Smith acknowledged Margie Geddes and his partners Manolis and George Alpogianis. 

Smith shared photos from the evening, including a memorable shot with Oprah, Stedman and a platter of his signature chicken. The images captured what seemed to be the spirit of the night: less Hollywood event and more family reunion, complete with plenty of laughter, memories and good food.

The gathering was organized by former Harpo employee Ty Owens, who helped bring former colleagues together for the milestone. Among those attending was Oprah’s longtime friend and colleague Gayle King.

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For Chicago, the night was another reminder of the city’s special place in Oprah’s story. Harpo Studios was once a major force in Chicago’s media landscape, and the show created an enormous community of employees, producers and behind-the-scenes talent who spent years building television history together.

Now, four decades after the show’s debut, many of them returned to celebrate those memories. And thanks to an unexpected appearance by Oprah herself, the reunion became one for the history books.

As for Art Smith, there may be no better restaurant name for the occasion than Reunion.

And having known Art for years, I can say this: seeing him surrounded by so many old friends from the Oprah days, doing what he does best and bringing people together around a table, felt especially fitting. Some friendships simply get better with time, and this was one delicious example.

Oprah plans to continue celebrating the legacy of The Oprah Winfrey Show on her podcast in September.

(Chef Art Smith's Reunion, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand, 312.224.1415, reunionrestaurants.com)