Whoopi Goldberg, a celebrated American actress, comedian, author, and television host, holds a remarkable net worth of $30 million as of 2024, and at the age of 68, her career continues to influence the entertainment industry. Known for her unique versatility and charisma, Goldberg has earned accolades across multiple platforms, including an exclusive EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards). Her journey spans from a thriving film career in the 1980s and 1990s to a well-known role as a co-host on The View since 2007. This article explores Whoopi Goldberg’s journey, achievements, and the life she has built over her decades-long career.
How Did Whoopi Goldberg Begin Her Career?
Born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City, Whoopi’s early life was marked by challenges and a deep-rooted passion for performing. She attended St. Columba’s, a local Catholic school in Manhattan, but eventually dropped out of high school and pursued work in theater, performing in East Germany for a time. Afterward, she moved to Berkeley, California, where she juggled various jobs, including waitressing and bricklaying, while joining the Blake Street Hawkeyes theater group. During this time, she taught acting and comedy classes, showcasing her talent for character work and humor.
In 1982, she made her first onscreen appearance in Citizen: I’m Not Losing My Mind, I’m Giving It Away, and soon after, she debuted her one-woman show, Whoopi Goldberg, on Broadway. The show was highly successful, running for 156 performances and capturing the attention of Hollywood, particularly director Steven Spielberg. This exposure led to her big-screen breakthrough role in The Color Purple (1985), where she earned an Academy Award nomination.
What Were Some of Whoopi Goldberg’s Most Iconic Roles?
Whoopi’s career took off after The Color Purple, leading to numerous film roles throughout the 1980s and 1990s. One of her most iconic performances came in 1990, starring alongside Patrick Swayze and Demi Moore in Ghost. Her portrayal of a psychic earned her the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress, making her the second Black woman to win in that category.
She continued to charm audiences with her role in Sister Act (1992), where she played a lounge singer turned nun. The film grossed over $200 million, and she reprised her role in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Goldberg’s other significant performances include voice work in Disney’s The Lion King (1994), where she voiced the hyena Shenzi, and supporting roles in How Stella Got Her Groove Back and Girl, Interrupted.
What Is Whoopi Goldberg’s Contribution to Television?
On television, Goldberg has hosted her own shows and appeared as a guest in various series. Notably, she had a recurring role on Star Trek: The Next Generation. However, it was her role as a co-host and moderator on The View that garnered her widespread recognition on television. She joined the show in 2007, replacing Rosie O’Donnell. Known for her candid views on social and political issues, Goldberg has both captivated and sparked controversy among viewers.
Goldberg’s time on The View has included moments of heated debate, and she has received both praise and criticism for her outspoken nature. In 2022, she faced criticism for her comments regarding the Holocaust, for which she later apologized and was briefly suspended from the show.
Has Whoopi Goldberg Written Any Books?
In addition to her on-screen roles, Whoopi Goldberg is an accomplished author. She has written several books, including children’s books and non-fiction works on various social topics. Through her writing, she expresses her wit and perspectives on issues close to her heart.
What Business Ventures Has Whoopi Goldberg Explored?
Goldberg has ventured into entrepreneurship, particularly in the cannabis industry. She co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a company focused on medical cannabis products for women, specifically to help with menstrual pain. Although the company ceased operations in 2020, Goldberg launched a new line of cannabis products, “Emma & Clyde,” named after her mother and brother, who had a profound impact on her life.
How Has Whoopi Goldberg Contributed to Philanthropy and Activism?
Goldberg has been a longstanding advocate for LGBTQ rights, HIV/AIDS awareness, and various humanitarian causes. In 1999, she received the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) Vanguard Award for her support of LGBTQ communities. She also launched the “Give a Damn” campaign alongside Cyndi Lauper to combat discrimination and promote awareness. Her philanthropy extends to Comic Relief, a charity event she co-founded with Billy Crystal and Robin Williams to fight homelessness.
Where Does Whoopi Goldberg Currently Reside?
Over the years, Goldberg has owned several properties, showcasing a keen interest in real estate. Her current primary residence is an expansive estate in West Orange, New Jersey, which she purchased for nearly $3 million in 2009. Previously, she owned homes in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, Vermont, and Manhattan. In 2018, she sold her Pacific Palisades property for $8.8 million, yielding a considerable profit from her initial investment of $2.6 million.
What Honors Has Whoopi Goldberg Received?
Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Her Grammy win for Whoopi Goldberg: Direct from Broadway in 1986 was a groundbreaking moment, as she became only the second solo female performer to win the award for Best Comedy Recording. She won an Oscar for her role in Ghost and earned a Tony Award as a producer of the Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2002.
Her accolades extend beyond entertainment awards. In 2001, she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, and in 2017, Goldberg was honored as a Disney Legend for her contributions to the Walt Disney Company.
What Is the Legacy of Whoopi Goldberg?
Whoopi Goldberg’s career is a testament to her multifaceted talent and resilience. She has broken barriers in entertainment, becoming one of the most influential African American women in Hollywood and a powerful voice on social issues. With her broad influence spanning film, television, literature, and activism, Whoopi Goldberg’s legacy is marked by her contributions to both the entertainment industry and the advocacy of human rights.
