Oprah Winfrey was by far America’s most generous celebrity last year, donating $40-million to a variety of causes, United Press International writes.

The novelist Nora Roberts was second, donating $4.45-million and the actress Meryl Streep was third with a $4-million gift.

The Giving Back Fund, which compiled the list, manages foundations and other philanthropic activities for celebrities.

From The Chronicle’s archive: Ms. Winfrey ranked No. 25 in the most recent edition of The Chronicle’s Philanthropy 50, the list of American donors who give the most each year.