MUMBAI: The life of Oprah Winfrey, one of the most famous and influential persons in the world, is being made into a movie.

Hollywood filmmaker Larry A. Thompson is basing his story on the recent biography, Oprah, written by investigative reporter and international bestselling author, Kitty Kelley, and published by Crown Publishers, a division of Random House.

"Oprah Winfrey’s fascinating journey from rural Mississippi to the World Stage is packed with simple truths and complicated personalities. Kitty Kelley’s extensively-researched book offers us the factual foundation to frame our cinematic portrait of this powerful and beloved Icon. Casting someone to play Oprah will be the real challenge. We are planning to audition both known and unknown actresses," said Thompson.

"Few Hollywood filmmakers are as experienced as Larry Thompson at understanding and dramatically exploring the emotional complexities of famous people. That’s why I was pleased that he chose my book upon which to base his movie. Compelling biographies of great people must separate myth from fact and hype from truth," added Kelley.

Both Thompson and Kelley have extensive experience in the biographical arena of the world’s most revered Icons. In addition to Oprah Winfrey, Kelley has written bestselling biographies on Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor, Frank Sinatra, England’s Royal Family, Nancy Reagan, and the Bush Family.