Whoopi Goldberg catapulted to fame with her unforgettable performance in the legendary film The Color Purple, marking the beginning of her extraordinary journey in Hollywood.

Almost overnight, Goldberg became a sensation, captivating audiences worldwide with her portrayal in Steven Spielberg’s cinematic masterpiece. Renowned film critic Roger Ebert hailed The Color Purple as “the year’s best film,” lauding Goldberg’s performance as “one of the most remarkable debut performances in cinematic history.” This achievement paved the way for Goldberg to make history as the first Black woman to achieve the prestigious EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award.

Growing up in a Manhattan housing project alongside her mother, Goldberg discovered her passion for comedy at an early age. Despite facing challenges, including failed marriages, Goldberg remained resilient, finding solace and success in her comedic talents. Following her first marriage to Alvin Martin at around 18 years old, which ended in divorce, Goldberg welcomed her daughter Alexandra into the world.
After her divorce, Goldberg and Alexandra embarked on a journey, residing in various cities including San Diego, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, as they embraced new beginnings and opportunities.

Goldberg’s aspiration to become a comedian was unwavering, but she found herself taking on various jobs to support her daughter. In a candid conversation with Oprah, Goldberg disclosed that she once worked as a mortuary beautician, applying hair and makeup to deceased individuals.

“I did hair and makeup on dead people,” Goldberg recalled. “There was an ad in the paper! And I’m a licensed beautician as well because I went to beauty school.” Reflecting on the experience, she acknowledged the challenges of the job, emphasizing the importance of having a compassionate nature to provide a dignified farewell for the departed. Simultaneously, Goldberg pursued her passion for comedy, touring the US and Europe with her solo production,

The Spook Show, which caught the attention of director Mike Nichols. Impressed by her talent, Nichols brought her show to Broadway, setting the stage for Goldberg’s remarkable rise to fame. Following her breakout role in The Color Purple, Goldberg achieved further success with acclaimed films like Ghost, earning her an Academy Award, and the iconic Sister Act, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s highest-paid actresses.

However, Goldberg’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2021, she faced backlash and suspension from The View for language deemed inappropriate by viewers. On a personal level, Goldberg finds solace in being single, recognizing that it brings her peace.

Despite marriages to David Claessen and Lyle Trachtenberg, she acknowledges her role in the relationships’ demise, attributing it to her reluctance to share her life with others. “For a long time, I felt pressured to conform to societal expectations of relationships,” Goldberg explained. “But I realized that I value my independence and autonomy more than anything else.”

During an interview with Piers Morgan, Goldberg openly acknowledged that she never truly loved her former husbands. She expressed, “I suppose that, you know, you have to actually be in love with the person that you marry. You have to really be committed to them. And I’m just – I don’t have that commitment.”

Continuing, she reflected, “And it seemed to me that if I was married, I’d have a… more normal life. But clearly, that’s not the case. There’s not a good reason to get married. You have to actually want a life with someone through ups and downs. And I – I just discovered that wasn’t for me.”

Despite her high-profile relationships, Goldberg has always been private about her personal life. Even when she dated Timothy Dalton, they maintained a low profile. They attended the 1991 Oscars together, but Goldberg didn’t mention him in her acceptance speech for Best Supporting Actress.

Goldberg also had a relationship with her co-star Ted Danson, which stirred controversy as he was married at the time. His divorce from Cassandra Coates resulted in a substantial settlement. However, Goldberg and Danson eventually parted ways, and Goldberg spoke candidly about the pain of their breakup.

Reflecting on her romantic history, Goldberg admitted, “I’m not good at relationships. I wish I was, but I’m not.” She emphasized her desire for independence, joking that she would only consider marriage if her partner lived in another country.

Nowadays, Goldberg finds joy in the company of her cat, Oliver, and continues to be celebrated as a unique talent in Hollywood. Her fans wish her continued success in the years ahead.