Watch Tiffany Haddish completely lose it when Ellen reveals the best surprise ever.
Tiffany Haddish, breakout star of the hit film "Girls Trip," is honest, bold, and absolutely hilarious — especially when she's just being herself.
Her recent come-up is especially notable given her difficult childhood. Haddish and her siblings entered foster care after their mother was diagnosed with a debilitating mental illness as a result of a traumatic brain injury.
Haddish had behavior issues and a tough time in school but never lost her quick wit and drive. She never stopped grinding in pursuit of a career in comedy. Decades later, she’s finally getting her due.
Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images.
This week, Haddish appeared on "The Ellen Show," and the topic quickly turned to Haddish's fondness for Oprah Winfrey.
She told host Ellen DeGeneres about her plan to go into business selling vegetables with the notoriously garden-loving legend, calling her imaginary venture "Tiff & O’s" — "'Cuz I’m probably going to be doing most of the work," Haddish explained.
Haddish also told the story of working as an extra in the made-for-TV film “Their Eyes Were Watching God,” which Oprah produced. Haddish was on set, telling jokes to the other background actors between takes when Oprah walked by and told her, "You’re a very funny lady!"
At the time, Haddish responded like most of us would when coming face to face with a compliment from Oprah:
All GIFs via The Ellen Show/YouTube.
Oprah asked her name and told Haddish to write to her and keep her posted on her stand-up career. Haddish assured Oprah she would.
She kept up her end of the bargain, writing to Oprah over the years, but the Queen of Entertainment didn't respond to her letters.
So Ellen went full Ellen and surprised Haddish by surprising her with her idol.
When Haddish realized Oprah was there, in the flesh, she absolutely lost it. There was dancing, laughter, and a flood of tears. It's a pure-joy, full-circle moment.
To go from a childhood in foster care with an uncertain future to meeting your idol on national TV while doing press for your own exploding career? That’s nothing short of amazing. And this exchange was just the best:
"I love you," Haddish said through happy tears.
"You are so, so, so, good," Winfrey responded.
"You told me that in a dream. … I ask questions, and I answer them in your voice," Haddish admitted.
As to why Oprah never responded to the letters? She says she didn't receive them.
She's a busy mogul, so it's no wonder a few things slip through the cracks. Oprah assured Haddish she’d respond in the future and that she’d even give Haddish the best ways to reach her.
The two continued their reunion by cooking "joyful collard greens" with Ellen. It was a moment a long time coming, but some surprises are worth the wait — or as Haddish said, "I looked at myself in the mirror, and I said, 'Girl, today is going to be a magical day.'"