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Oprah Winfrey Was a Part of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ Latest Episode ‘Holly’

Spoiler Alert! The following contains spoilers from The Handmaid’s Tale episode Holly. Only read on if you are currently caught up with season 2!

Oprah Winfrey Was a Part of 'The Handmaid’s Tale’ Latest Episode 'Holly'

 

Season 2 of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale has been absolutely incredible so far! The second season has slightly stepped away from the shocking horrors of Handmaid’s lives and has focused intently on Offred’s pregnancy. In the most recent episode, viewers may have been able to recognize a familiar voice during one of the scenes. As it turns out, Oprah Winfrey lent her vocal talents to the series.

In the episode, Holly, we find Offred (played by Elizabeth Moss) left stranded by herself in an abandoned house. As a gift to her, and without the knowledge or consent from his wife Serena (played by Yvonne Strahovski), Commander Waterford (played by Joseph Fiennes) had arranged for Offred to see her daughter for a brief (emphasis on brief) moment. Nick (played by Max Minghella) drove her to the house where things went south. Nick was taken away by two men and Offred was left alone.

As she tried to figure out what to do, she stumbled upon an abandoned car in a garage. When she turned on the ignition, a voice came over the radio. That voice was Winfrey, but just how did the series land such an iconic person for a voice over?

According to Variety, Oprah was happy to do it! Showrunner Bruce Miller said:

[row]“We’d heard Oprah was a fan of the show, and had a story idea, and thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if… So we asked and she said yes, and it was a lovely, easy process. The radio segment she recorded was inspired by the free radio of the Allies from World War II.  It was an absolute honor to have Oprah featured on the show, and especially thrilling as she was the one who presented us with the Emmy last year.”[/row]

Winfrey’s character delivered a message of hope to Offred without even realizing it. In her radio broadcast hailing from the Great White North, she spoke about the economic aid and support pouring in from other countries around the world for those opposed to Gilead. She reminded listeners that Canada still offered support. As she signed off, she said, “Now a tune to remind everyone who’s listening — American patriot or Gilead traitor — we are still here. Stars and stripes forever, baby.”

DId you realize that was Oprah Winfrey’s voice in the latest episode of The Handmaid’s Tale? What do you think about season 2 so far? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.