50 Facts About Whoopi Goldberg

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Whoopi Goldberg's journey to stardom is filled with fascinating twists and turns. Her early life and career beginnings are a testament to her resilience and determination.

1. Early Life: Born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Manhattan, New York, Whoopi was the daughter of Emma (Harris), a teacher and nurse, and Robert James Johnson Jr., a clergyman.
2. Name Change: She adopted the stage name "Whoopi Goldberg" after a character named "Whoopi Goldberg" in her one-woman show, "Spook Show".
3. Family Background: Financial struggles marked her childhood, often relying on welfare due to her undiagnosed dyslexia.
4. Education: Dropping out of high school, she later battled heroin addiction but eventually cleaned up and divorced her drug counselor.
5. Career Beginnings: Whoopi started performing at age eight with a children’s theatre group. She moved to California in 1974 and became active in the theatre community.
6. Early Performances: Before fame, Whoopi worked as a bank teller, bricklayer, and in a mortuary. She also helped found the San Diego Repertory Company.
7. Stand-Up Comedy: Her stand-up comedy career began in the 1970s, performing in improv groups like Spontaneous Combustion.

Breakthrough and Rise to Fame

Whoopi's talent soon caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to her breakthrough and rise to fame.

8. The Spook Show: Whoopi developed "The Spook Show," a one-woman stage show noted for its humor, satire, and drama. This performance became the basis for the critically acclaimed Broadway show "Whoopi Goldberg," which debuted in 1984.
9. Grammy Award: The recording of "The Spook Show" earned her a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1985.
10. Film Breakthrough: Her film breakthrough came in 1985 with her role as Celie in Steven Spielberg's period drama film "The Color Purple." She received an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
11. The Color Purple Impact: Whoopi's performance in "The Color Purple" not only earned her critical acclaim but also made her a major star in Hollywood.
12. Ghost: In 1990, Whoopi starred in the romantic fantasy film "Ghost," for which she won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress and a second Golden Globe Award.
13. Sister Act: She starred in the comedy "Sister Act" (1992) and its sequel "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit" (1993), becoming the highest-paid actress at the time.
14. Jumpin' Jack Flash: Whoopi also acted in "Jumpin' Jack Flash" (1986), "Clara's Heart" (1988), and "Soapdish" (1991).

Television and Continued Success

Whoopi's career extended beyond film, making significant contributions to television and other media.

15. Star Trek: The Next Generation: She had a recurring role on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" between 1988 and 1993 as Guinan, a character she reprised in two "Star Trek" films.
16. The View: Whoopi became a cohost on the daytime television talk show "The View" in 2007, known for her liberal views and moderating skills during debates.
17. EGOT Status: Whoopi is one of 19 entertainers to receive the complete EGOT series of awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony). She won a Tony Award for producing the Broadway show "Thoroughly Modern Millie" in 2002, completing her EGOT.
18. Activism: Whoopi is an activist on behalf of several causes, including human rights, AIDS research, and children’s issues.
19. Hollywood Walk of Fame: On her 46th birthday, Whoopi was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
20. Documentary Work: She hosted the documentary short "The Making of A Charlie Brown Christmas" (2001) and appeared in the HBO documentary "Unchained Memories" (2003), narrating slave narratives.
21. Spokesperson: Whoopi became a spokeswoman for Slim Fast and produced two television series: Lifetime's original drama "Strong Medicine," which ran six seasons, and "Whoopi's Littleburg," a children’s television series on Nickelodeon.

Broadway and Beyond

Whoopi's talents also shone on Broadway and in various other projects.

22. Broadway Revival: In 2003, Whoopi returned to the stage, starring as blues singer Ma Rainey in the Broadway revival of August Wilson's historical drama.
23. For Colored Girls: Although her planned Broadway revival of Ntozake Shange’s ensemble theatre piece "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf" was canceled in 2008, Whoopi played a religious zealot in the show’s 2010 film adaptation.
24. Sister Act Musical: She later produced the musical "Sister Act" (2011–12).
25. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom: Whoopi acted on Broadway, appearing in solo shows as well as "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" (2003) and "Xanadu" (2008).
26. Guest Roles: She guest-starred on television shows such as the animated "Robot Chicken" and the musical comedy "Glee".
27. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: In 2014, Whoopi appeared as a news editor in the film adaptation of the comic book series and television program "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".
28. Big Stone Gap: She also starred in the small-town movie comedy "Big Stone Gap" as a sharp-tongued pharmacist.

Recent Projects and Activism

Whoopi continues to make her mark with recent projects and ongoing activism.

29. The Stand: Whoopi starred in the miniseries "The Stand" (2020–21), an adaptation of a Stephen King novel.
30. The Con: She narrated the true-crime docuseries "The Con" (2020–).
31. 9/11: Her other film credits during this time included the drama "9/11" (2017), which centers on a group of people trapped in a World Trade Center elevator during the September 11, 2001, attacks.
32. Nobody’s Fool: Whoopi played the mother of a recently paroled ex-convict in the comedy "Nobody’s Fool" (2018).
33. Comic Relief: Whoopi is accredited as a truly unique and visible talent in Hollywood, often playing an integral part in almost every benefit concert they had.
34. Hollywood Squares: She is also the center square in Hollywood Squares (1998).
35. Academy Awards Hosting: Whoopi was the first solo female Academy Awards host in 1994 and went on to host three more times.
36. Author: Whoopi is an author, with the book "Book.".
37. Phone Sex Operator: Before she got her big break, Whoopi made a lucrative living by working as a phone sex operator. She revealed her racy past in a segment on "The View" as she defended herself against her co-host’s presumptive conclusions.
38. Strut Reality Show: Whoopi is the executive producer of a reality television show called "Strut" for Oxygen. The reality series focuses on transgender models in an effort to challenge beauty and gender stereotypes.
39. Dyslexia: Growing up, Whoopi struggled to read and write due to her undiagnosed dyslexia. Although her dyslexia forced her out of school and onto welfare, she didn’t let her disability stop her. She is a fierce advocate for assisted education for those who struggle with the learning disability and has been quite vocal about her experiences to inspire others.

Iconic Roles and Contributions

Whoopi's iconic roles and contributions to the entertainment industry have left a lasting legacy.

40. The Color Purple Offer: Whoopi was offered her role in "The Color Purple" after Steven Spielberg watched her one-woman show "The Spook Show".
41. Ghost Acceptance: Whoopi admitted to being high while accepting her Ghost award, which she won for Best Supporting Actress.
42. The View Debates: While noted for her liberal views, Goldberg served as the moderator during the program’s frequent debates on "The View".
43. Beyond Tara: She hosted the TV documentary movie "Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel" (2001), which won a Daytime Emmy when it was named outstanding special class special in 2002.
44. Tony Award: Later that year, she also won a Tony Award for producing the Broadway show "Thoroughly Modern Millie," completing her EGOT.
45. For Colored Girls Film: Whoopi played a religious zealot in the film adaptation of "For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide/When the Rainbow Is Enuf" in 2010.
46. Sister Act Musical Production: She produced the musical "Sister Act" (2011–12).
47. Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom Performance: Whoopi acted on Broadway, appearing in solo shows as well as "Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom" (2003) and "Xanadu" (2008).
48. Guest Roles on TV Shows: She guest-starred on television shows such as the animated "Robot Chicken" and the musical comedy "Glee".
49. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Role: In 2014, Whoopi appeared as a news editor in the film adaptation of the comic book series and television program "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles".
50. Continued Activism: Whoopi continues to be an advocate for various causes, including human rights, AIDS research, and children’s issues, using her platform to make a positive impact on society.

Celebrating Whoopi Goldberg's Legacy

Whoopi Goldberg's journey from humble beginnings to becoming a household name is nothing short of inspiring. Her versatility in acting, comedy, and activism has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. From her breakthrough role in "The Color Purple" to her iconic performance in "Ghost," Whoopi has consistently showcased her immense talent. Beyond the screen, her work on "The View" and her advocacy for various causes highlight her commitment to making a difference. Achieving EGOT status is a testament to her exceptional skills and dedication. Whoopi's story is a powerful reminder that with perseverance and passion, one can overcome any obstacle. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, proving that she is not just a star but a true icon.