Full Name: Caryn Elaine Johnson (Whoopi Goldberg)
Born: November 13, 1955 (New York City, USA)
Nationality: American
Occupation: Actress, Comedian, Author, Television Host
Years Active: 1982–present
Early Life and Background
Whoopi Goldberg was born in New York City and raised in a housing project in Manhattan. She developed an interest in performing at a young age and dropped out of high school to pursue acting. She later trained at the HB Studio in New York and performed in theater productions. Before her rise to fame, she worked in various jobs, including as a mortuary cosmetologist.
Rise to Fame
Goldberg’s breakthrough came in 1983 when she created a one-woman stage show called Whoopi Goldberg, which caught the attention of director Mike Nichols. The show moved to Broadway, earning her critical acclaim.
Her film debut in The Color Purple (1985), directed by Steven Spielberg, was a major success, earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress.
Major Film and Television Roles
- Ghost (1990) – Won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role as Oda Mae Brown.
- Sister Act (1992) & Sister Act 2 (1993) – Played Deloris Van Cartier, a lounge singer turned nun, in these popular comedies.
- Star Trek: The Next Generation (1988–1993) – Played Guinan, a mysterious and wise bartender.
- The Lion King (1994) – Voiced Shenzi the hyena.
- How Stella Got Her Groove Back (1998), Rat Race (2001), For Colored Girls (2010) – Continued her film career with diverse roles.
The View and Hosting Career
Goldberg became a co-host on The View in 2007 and has remained a central figure on the show, known for her outspoken political and social commentary.
She has also hosted:
- The Oscars (1994, 1996, 1999, 2002) – First Black woman to host the Academy Awards.
- Various humanitarian and charity events.
Awards and Achievements
Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony).
- 1 Academy Award (Oscar)
- 1 Grammy Award (Best Comedy Recording, 1986)
- 2 Emmy Awards
- 1 Tony Award (as a producer for Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002)
- Golden Globe Awards, BAFTA, and numerous other honors
Personal Life and Legacy
Goldberg has been married three times and has one daughter, Alex Martin. She is known for her activism, particularly in LGBTQ+ rights, civil rights, and humanitarian causes.
Her career spans comedy, drama, and television, making her one of the most versatile and influential entertainers of all time.
