Elmhurst Resident Among 13,000 Fans at United Center for Oprah Taping

Elmhurst resident Danny Rhodes had a leisurely lunch in the city with his friend Debbie Maclean on Tuesday, but by Tuesday night, Rhodes and Maclean were two of the lucky 13,000 people jam-packed into the United Center in Chicago for the taping of two of the final three episodes of the landmark Oprah Winfrey Show. After being broadcast for an unprecedented 25 years, the final shows will air on May 23, 24 and 25.

Tuesday night’s taping will be aired on May 23 and 24. Oprah will tape the final show next week.

“We know John Travolta is going to be there, Madonna, Beyoncé is going to perform, Warren Buffet and his wife is going to be there, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith,” Rhodes said before the taping. “We’re pretty excited!”

Rhodes, an actor, admits he’s only recently become a fan of the Oprah Show because of her amped-up guest line-up for the final season.

“I don’t really feel worthy of going,” he said, before adding quickly, “but I’m a huge fan of the people who are going to be there.”

Rhodes' tickets were obtained by Maclean's mom, who "hounded" the online ticket site before some perseverence—and admittedly, sheer luck—landed them the two free tickets.

“I think what [Oprah] does is wonderful,” said Rhodes. “She’s so giving.”

Winfrey made headlines in 2004 when she surprised her audience by giving 276 audience members a free Pontiac G6. Her generosity is well documented on her “My Favorite Things” episodes, a perennial favorite of viewers, but especially audience members, who often left the studio with armfuls of freebies.

“We’re hoping she’s going to be a little bit giving tonight,” Rhodes said, laughing.