ACTOR · BORN 1955
Whoopi Goldberg
- Born
- 13 November 1955, New York City, New York, USA
- Known for
- The Lion King (1994), Toy Story 3 (2010), Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (2014), Ghost (1990)
71 archived facts 3 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
26 Interesting Facts About Whoopi Goldberg
- #003
Whoopi Goldberg sang all the songs herself in the 'Sister Act' films. Her co-stars said they were surprised to discover she had such a powerful voice. Her musical talent was a major factor in the films' success.
- #007
In 1978, while working as a waitress at a café called 'Big Kitchen' in San Diego, Whoopi Goldberg witnessed PSA Airlines Flight 182 collide in midair with another plane and plunge down in flames. The horrific event affected her so deeply that she never boarded a plane again. This traumatic experience formed the basis of her fear of flying.
- #012
Because she was a huge 'Star Trek' fan, Whoopi Goldberg asked Gene Roddenberry for a role in 'Star Trek: The Next Generation' (1987). In response, she was given the character Guinan, who runs the Ten-Forward lounge. Guinan's name comes from the legendary showman and nightclub owner Texas Guinan. Goldberg's role became one of the series' best-loved characters.
- #015
Whoopi Goldberg has a tattoo on her shoulder of Woodstock, the bird character from Charles M. Schulz's 'Peanuts' comic strip. The tattoo reflects her love of comics and her sense of humor. Goldberg got the tattoo in her youth.
- #019
Whoopi Goldberg has dyslexia, and this learning difficulty had a negative effect on her education. It caused her to drop out of high school at the age of 17. Despite this difficulty, however, Goldberg managed to achieve great success in her career.
- #021
Whoopi Goldberg's performance as Oda Mae Brown in 'Ghost' (1990) ranks 95th on Premiere magazine's list of the '100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.' The character is regarded as one of the most memorable roles of Goldberg's career. Oda Mae Brown is etched in audiences' memories for both her comedic and her emotional sides.
- #022
Whoopi Goldberg is a part-owner of Mary's Kitchen, a country store and kitchen business in Malibu, California. The establishment's staff are 'New Yorkers,' and some of the furniture was imported from New York. Goldberg took care with these details because she wanted to bring a piece of her hometown, New York, with her.
- #023
Whoopi Goldberg signs autographs for fans using only her first name, "Whoopi." This habit has become part of her personal style, and by signing this way she prefers to build a more intimate connection with her fans.
- #024
Whoopi Goldberg smoked for more than forty years and was reported to have quit the habit entirely in 2015. Despite her long use of cigarettes, the decision to quit reflects the importance she places on her health, and Goldberg demonstrated her determination on the matter.
- #025
Whoopi Goldberg is close friends with Patrick Stewart of "Star Trek: The Next Generation" and with the legendary actor Marlon Brando. These friendships are an indication of her wide circle in Hollywood, and Goldberg has built strong bonds with these figures on both a professional and a personal level.
- #028
Whoopi Goldberg has long regarded Robert De Niro as a close friend and confidant and calls him her "big brother." This strong friendship is an example of the respect and affection between leading figures in Hollywood, and Goldberg often recalls her relationship with De Niro with gratitude.
- #030
Whoopi Goldberg's character Guinan on "Star Trek: The Next Generation" (1987) inspired more than four different action figures. These figures drew great interest from fans of both the series and the "Star Trek" films, and Guinan's unique appearance and character made her a favorite among collectors.
- #032
In a 2017 interview on the British television program "Loose Women" (1999), Whoopi Goldberg revealed that she is a longtime fan of the BBC series "EastEnders" (1985) and "Doctor Who" (1963/2005). She also added that as a child she wanted to live in England because it was the home of The Beatles. These remarks laid bare her interest in British culture.
- #034
Whoopi Goldberg is an active campaigner for abortion rights. She herself is reported to have had an abortion at the age of 14. This experience heightened her sensitivity to women's rights and led her to raise her voice on the issue.
- #036
Whoopi Goldberg was a longtime close friend of her late mentor Joan Rivers. She attended Rivers's funeral on September 7, 2014, paying her final respects. Goldberg has always recalled Rivers's influence on her career and their friendship with gratitude.
- #039
In 2000, Whoopi Goldberg separated from her boyfriend of five years, Frank Langella. The breakup was a significant turning point in her private life, and Goldberg did not shy away from sharing the relationship and the breakup with the public.
- #042
Whoopi Goldberg owns her own production company, One Ho Productions, which backs most of her film and television projects. The company has allowed her to expand her producing ventures and her creative control, and through it Goldberg has taken part in many projects as both actor and producer.
- #046
Whoopi Goldberg is an avid collector of Fiesta Ware (porcelain). The collection reflects her interest in colorful and vivid designs. Goldberg has a wide range of items from this collection in her home.
- #047
Whoopi Goldberg has a cat named Oliver. The cat is part of her home life, and Goldberg frequently shares Oliver on social media. Her bond with her cat reveals her love of animals.
- #048
Whoopi Goldberg began her role on the popular talk show 'The View' (1997) on September 4, 2007, replacing Rosie O'Donnell. She has said that her friend Joy Behar vouched for her in getting the position. Goldberg moderated the program for many years, reaching a wide audience.
- #049
Whoopi Goldberg worked as a dishwasher at a restaurant called 'Big Kitchen' at 3003 Grape Street in San Diego, California. The establishment was later shown in the film 'San Diego, CA' (2002). This experience is part of Goldberg's humble past.
- #050
At the time of the Nicole Simpson and Ron Goldman murders, Whoopi Goldberg co-owned a nightclub in Los Angeles with famed O.J. Simpson attorney Robert Shapiro. The business partnership drew media attention at the time. With this venture, Goldberg also pursued business outside the entertainment world.
- #053
Whoopi Goldberg played a woman arranging a marriage in the 'Gay' episode of the British sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous' (1992). She also appeared as a guest star playing a wedding planner in the 'The Pre-Nup' episode of 'The Nanny' (1993). These two roles showed her versatility in comedy.
- #054
Whoopi Goldberg received an honorary degree from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. The honor was given in recognition of her contributions to the arts and education. With this degree, Goldberg also strengthened her connection to the academic world.
- #059
In 1990, Whoopi Goldberg was officially named an honorary member by the members of the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team. The honor was an indication of her popularity in the entertainment world. Goldberg carried her connection to the team with pride.
- #063
Whoopi Goldberg is one of six television personalities who paid tribute to popular television figures Joan Rivers, Regis Philbin and Barbara Walters after their deaths. The gesture reflects her respect and devotion to her colleagues; Goldberg worked with and drew inspiration from these names.
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