Whoopi Goldberg, whose real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson, was born on November 13, 1955. She is an American actor, comedian, author, and TV personality. Whoopi has won prestigious awards like the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony – making her one of only 18 entertainers to achieve EGOT status.
She started her career in 1983 with a one-woman show called Spook Show, which later became Whoopi Goldberg on Broadway. Her breakthrough in movies came in 1985 with The Color Purple, earning her a Golden Globe. She also won an Academy Award for Ghost in 1990.
Whoopi starred in Sister Act (1992) and its sequel, becoming the highest-paid actress at that time. She’s known for her roles in The Lion King (1994) and Toy Story 3 (2010).
In addition to her film career, Whoopi has been successful on Broadway, winning a Tony Award for producing Thoroughly Modern Millie. She has also co-hosted The View since 2007, winning a Daytime Emmy.
Born in Manhattan, New York City, Whoopi had a challenging early life in public housing. She dropped out of high school but later found success in the entertainment industry.
Her stage name “Whoopi” comes from a whoopee cushion, a joke item. Regarding her surname, she identifies as Jewish, but research indicates her ancestry is primarily African.
Whoopi’s acting career took off in the 1980s with notable films like The Color Purple. In the 1990s, she won an Academy Award for Ghost and hosted the Oscars four times.
She continued to work in the 2000s, hosting The View and appearing in films like For Colored Girls (2010) and Toy Story 3.
In recent years, Whoopi reprised her role as Guinan in Star Trek: Picard and starred in the CBS All Access miniseries The Stand. She’s set to return in Sister Act 3 and stars in the biographical film Till.
Whoopi’s personal life includes three marriages, struggles with drug addiction, and battles with pneumonia and sepsis. She has been open about her past, including her abortion at age 14 and her dyslexia.
Despite facing challenges, Whoopi Goldberg remains a respected and influential figure in the entertainment industry.