Whoopi

Whoopi Goldberg is an American actress, comedian, author, and television host. Born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City, she adopted the professional name Whoopi Goldberg early in her career. The nickname “Whoopi” originated from a childhood anecdote, and “Goldberg” became part of her stage surname.

Goldberg rose to prominence as a stand-up comedian before breaking into film with The Color Purple (1985), for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for Ghost (1990). She also became known for television and film roles, including Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989–1993) and the hit comedies Sister Act (1992) and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993).

In 2007, Goldberg became a regular co-host of the ABC daytime talk show The View, where she has served as a moderator and commentator on current events and social issues. Her long-running television presence has made her a familiar public figure across film, stage, and media. In 2022 she drew widespread criticism for remarks about the Holocaust and was briefly suspended from The View, later returning to the program.

Beyond acting, Goldberg has pursued writing and advocacy work, and she has contributed to various charitable and educational initiatives. Her career spans more than four decades, during which she has been a prominent figure in American entertainment, noted for versatility across genres and formats.