Whoopi Goldberg | Biography

• By Stone Palmer
• Original : January 15, 2025

Who is Whoopi Goldberg?

Whoopi Goldberg is an iconic American actress, comedian, and television host, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City. She emerged as a significant force in entertainment during the 1980s, thanks to her one-woman show, "The Spook Show," which premiered Off-Broadway and showcased her unique comedic talents. In 1985, she gained worldwide recognition for her role in Steven Spielberg's "The Color Purple," earning an Academy Award nomination and solidifying her position in Hollywood. Throughout her career, Goldberg's ability to seamlessly blend humor with poignant social commentary has made her a remarkable figure.

Goldberg won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the 1990 film "Ghost," becoming just the second African-American woman to achieve this honor. Beyond her acclaimed film career, she is known for her long-standing role as the moderator on the daytime talk show "The View," a position she has held since 2007. Goldberg is part of an elite group of entertainers who have earned EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her contributions to film, television, and theater have made her a trailblazer in the industry and a voice for important social issues.

Early Life and Education

Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Chelsea, New York, has a rich and complex early life that shaped her future as a groundbreaking entertainer. Raised by her single mother, Emma, after her father abandoned the family, she grew up in a housing project, where her mother worked multiple jobs to support them. Goldberg's upbringing was marked by financial struggle, which deeply influenced her perspective on life and comedy. The challenges she faced during her formative years fostered resilience and humor, attributes she would later channel into her performances.

Goldberg’s educational journey was tumultuous, as she battled undiagnosed dyslexia, which hindered her academic experience. This difficulty ultimately led her to drop out of high school at the age of 17. Despite the lack of formal education, Goldberg's drive for creativity and expression led her to the theater scene, where she found her voice. Moving to California in 1974, she honed her craft throughout various odd jobs and ultimately gained recognition for her distinctive comedic style, paving the way for a remarkable career in entertainment.

Career Launch: The Spook Show

In 1983, Whoopi Goldberg catapulted her career with the one-woman show "The Spook Show". This Off-Broadway production was pivotal in establishing her as a distinctive comedic voice, blending humor with sharp social commentary on race in America. The show's unique characters, including the poignant portrayal of an African-American girl yearning for blonde hair and a junkie with a knack for literature, showcased Goldberg's ability to elicit both laughter and introspection. Her performance not only earned her critical acclaim but also won her a Bay Area Theatre Award, marking her ascent into the spotlight.

Goldberg's triumph with "The Spook Show" laid the groundwork for her Hollywood breakthrough. The show's popularity led to a Broadway adaptation under the direction of Mike Nichols, which broadened her audience significantly. In 1985, she received a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the recorded sketches from "The Spook Show", solidifying her status as a multi-talented performer. This success opened the doors to major film roles, including her iconic role in Steven Spielberg's "The Color Purple", which would further cement her legacy in the entertainment industry. Goldberg's inventive storytelling and charismatic performances would soon make her a household name.

Major Success: The Color Purple

Whoopi Goldberg's breakout role came in 1985 when she starred in Steven Spielberg's adaptation of Alice Walker's novel, "The Color Purple". Her powerful performance as Celie, a young African-American woman facing immense hardships, resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike. The film received significant acclaim, earning ten Academy Award nominations and five Golden Globe nominations. Goldberg's portrayal not only showcased her extraordinary acting abilities but also highlighted her capacity to bridge the gap between comedy and drama, establishing her as a formidable force in Hollywood.

The success of "The Color Purple" catapulted Goldberg into the spotlight, garnering her first Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and her first Golden Globe win. The film's impact on themes such as race, gender, and resilience was profound, leading to ongoing conversations about these important issues in the entertainment industry. This pivotal role laid the foundation for Goldberg's illustrious career, allowing her to take on a wider array of diverse projects. It marked the beginning of her transformation into an influential cultural icon and paved the way for future roles that challenged societal norms and expectations.

Iconic Films: Ghost and Sister Act

Whoopi Goldberg's role in the 1990 film "Ghost" remains one of her most celebrated performances. Starring alongside Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore, she played Oda Mae Brown, a medium who helps a murdered man communicate with his girlfriend. This role not only earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the second African-American woman to receive this honor, but also showcased her extraordinary ability to blend comedy with drama. Goldberg’s performance charmed audiences and critics alike, winning her a Golden Globe Award and establishing her as a leading figure in Hollywood.

In 1992, Goldberg starred in the blockbuster hit "Sister Act", portraying Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer hiding from the Mafia by disguising herself as a nun. The film was a critical and commercial success, leading to a sequel, "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit". Goldberg's comedic timing and charismatic presence resonated with audiences, earning her an American Comedy Award for Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture and another Golden Globe nomination. The film's blend of humor, music, and uplifting themes solidified Goldberg's status as a versatile actress and cultural icon, further emphasizing her influential career in the entertainment industry.

Television: The View and More

Whoopi Goldberg’s television career took a prominent turn when she became the moderator of the daytime talk show "The View" on September 4, 2007. From the onset, Goldberg showcased her bold personality, engaging in discussions on contemporary issues while providing insights grounded in her unique experiences. As the first African-American woman to moderate the show, she became known for her fearless approach to political discourse, often finding herself at the center of heated debates with co-hosts and guests alike. Under her tenure, "The View" garnered a significant following, leading to an Emmy Award win for the cast in the Outstanding Talk Show Host category in 2009.

In addition to "The View", Whoopi has demonstrated her versatility in various television roles and productions. She hosted her own talk show, "The Whoopi Goldberg Show", from 1992 to 1993, where she interviewed a slew of celebrities and tackled pressing societal issues. Goldberg also made memorable appearances on scripted television, including the hit musical series "Glee", showcasing her comedic and musical talents. Among her many ventures, she directed the documentary "Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley", highlighting the legacy of a trailblazer in African-American comedy. Through these projects, Goldberg has cemented her status as a multifaceted television personality, consistently pushing boundaries and advocating for social change.

Personal Life: Marriage, Children and Relationships

Whoopi Goldberg has experienced a series of notable relationships throughout her life, beginning with her first marriage to Alvin Martin in 1973. Martin, who was her drug counselor, and Goldberg welcomed one daughter, Alexandrea, before divorcing in 1979. Following her first marriage, Goldberg entered into a brief marriage with cameraman David Claessen from 1986 to 1988. She later married actor Lyle Trachtenberg in 1994, although this relationship also ended in divorce just a year later in 1995.

In addition to her marriages, Goldberg had a significant relationship with renowned actor Frank Langella, which lasted for several years. Through her personal life, Goldberg has been open about her advocacy for gay and lesbian rights, showcasing her commitment to equality and social justice. Despite her romantic ups and downs, she has maintained a close relationship with her daughter, Alexandrea, as well as a strong presence in both her professional and social circles.

Net Worth and Earning: Estimated wealth and income sources

Whoopi Goldberg has built an impressive net worth over her illustrious career, which has spanned decades in the entertainment industry. As of 2023, her estimated wealth is around $60 million, derived from various income sources including film and television appearances, producing, and live performances. Goldberg's early success in theater, particularly with her one-woman shows, laid the foundation for lucrative film roles, including significant box office hits such as "Ghost" and the "Sister Act" franchise.

In addition to her film and television work, Whoopi has continued to expand her earning potential through hosting and producing projects. Since 2007, her role as moderator on "The View" has not only solidified her presence in the daytime talk show arena but also supplemented her income significantly. Furthermore, her ventures into the realm of literature, with published works providing relationship advice, and her recent foray into the medical marijuana business have contributed to her financial portfolio, showing her ability to adapt and thrive in various sectors.