Whoopi Goldberg (who is Whoopi Goldberg?)
Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Manhattan, New York City, is a highly acclaimed American actress, comedian, author, and television personality. She has enjoyed a diverse career in film, television, and stage since her breakthrough in the early 1980s. Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award, collectively known as an EGOT.
Early Life and Career Goldberg was raised in the Chelsea-Elliot Houses by her single mother, Emma Harris, and attended Catholic school. She dropped out of high school and honed her acting skills in theatre productions and stand-up comedy. Early on, she adopted the stage name "Whoopi Goldberg," with her first name being inspired by a whoopee cushion and her last name chosen for its Jewish-American heritage to help with her acting career.
She moved to California and worked with experimental theatre groups, such as the Blake Street Hawkeyes, and taught comedy and acting classes. Goldberg created a one-woman show called The Spook Show where she portrayed several different characters, which was eventually noticed by director Mike Nichols who moved it to Broadway. The show, renamed Whoopi Goldberg, ran from 1984 to 1985 and earned her critical acclaim.
Film Career Goldberg's film career took off with her role in The Color Purple (1985), directed by Steven Spielberg. Her portrayal of Celie Harris Johnson earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. She continued to work steadily in film, starring in movies such as Jumpin' Jack Flash (1986) and Burglar (1987). It was her role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost (1990) that won her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress, making her the second Black woman to win an Academy Award in a competitive category.
Goldberg starred in many other films throughout the 1990s, including the comedy Sister Act (1992) which was a significant commercial success, and its sequel Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993). Her other notable film credits include The Lion King (1994), where she voiced Shenzi, and Star Trek Generations (1994), as Guinan, a character she also portrayed in the television series Star Trek: The Next Generation.
Television Career Goldberg transitioned to television, where she hosted her own late-night talk show, The Whoopi Goldberg Show, from 1992 to 1993. She also starred and guest-starred in various television series, and became a moderator and co-host on The View in 2007, a position she has held for many years. Her role on The View has garnered her great visibility and continued success on television.
Stage and Other Endeavors Beyond screen acting, Goldberg has been involved in stage productions, notably producing the Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002, which won a Tony Award. She also performed on Broadway in successful revivals of musicals and plays.
Goldberg is the author of numerous books and has been involved in humanitarian work, advocating for human rights, LGBT rights, and health care.
Personal Life Goldberg has been married three times and has a daughter from her first marriage. She has been open about her struggles with dyslexia. She is known for her no-nonsense persona and for addressing controversies and issues head-on, particularly in her role on The View.
Awards and Recognition Goldberg's notable achievements include the aforementioned EGOT status, numerous American Comedy Awards, and several Golden Globe Awards. Her contributions to the entertainment industry, diverse acting roles, and outspoken public persona have solidified her standing as an influential figure in Hollywood.
For detailed information, her biography "Whoopi Goldberg: Her Journey from Poverty to Megastardom" by James Robert Parish provides a comprehensive look at her life and career. Additionally, you can find more current details on her IMDb profile or from entertainment news resources for updates and news on her latest projects.