Whoopi Goldberg Biography Caryn Elaine Johnson, born on November 13, 1955, is widely recognized as Whoopi Goldberg. She is an accomplished American actor, comedian, author, and television personality. Goldberg is one of only 19 entertainers to have achieved the complete EGOT status, winning an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Tony Award. In 2001, she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Whoopi Goldberg Biography 2025
Caryn Elaine Johnson, known professionally as Whoopi Goldberg, is an American actor, comedian, author, and television personality. A recipient of numerous accolades, she is one of 19 entertainers to receive the complete EGOT series of awards. In 2001, she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
Born: 13 November 1955 (age 68 years), Chelsea, New York, United States
Spouse: Lyle Trachtenberg (m. 1994–1995), David Claessen (m. 1986–1988), Alvin Martin (m. 1973–1979)
Children: Alex Martin
Height: 1.65 m
Grandchildren: Amarah Dean, Jerzey Dean, Mason Dean
Parents: Emma Harris, Robert James Johnson
Whoopi Goldberg Biography 2025 Details
| Born |
Caryn Elaine Johnson
November 13, 1955 (age 68)
New York City, U.S.
|
| Occupations |
- Actor
- comedian
- author
- television personality
|
| Years active |
1982–present |
| Spouses |
Alvin Martin
David Claessen
(m. 1986; div. 1988)
Lyle Trachtenberg
(m. 1994; div. 1995)
|
| Partners |
- David Schein (1980–1985)
- Frank Langella (1995–2000)
|
| Children |
Alexandrea Martin |
| Medium |
- Stand-up
- film
- television
- theater
- books
|
| Genres |
- Observational
- black
- surreal humor
- character
- satire
|
| Subject(s) |
- African-American culture
- American politics
- race relations
- racism
- marriage
- sex
- everyday life
- popular culture
- current events
|
| Category |
Singers Bio |
Who is Whoopi Goldberg?
Goldberg launched her career on stage in 1983 with her one-woman show, Spook Show, which later moved to Broadway under the title Whoopi Goldberg, running from 1984 to 1985. She earned a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for the show’s recording. Her breakout film role came in 1985 when she portrayed Celie, a mistreated woman in the Deep South, in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple, earning her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
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Early Life
Born in Manhattan, New York City, on November 13, 1955, Caryn Elaine Johnson was the daughter of Emma Johnson, a nurse and teacher, and Robert James Johnson Jr., a Baptist clergyman. She grew up in the Chelsea-Elliot Houses, a public housing project in New York City. Goldberg described her mother as a “stern, strong, and wise woman” who raised her alongside her brother Clyde (1949–2015) as a single parent. She attended St.
Goldberg has shared that her stage name “Whoopi” was inspired by a whoopee cushion, explaining, “When you’re performing on stage, you never really have time to go into the bathroom and close the door.” She added that people would liken her to a whoopee cushion when she was gassy. Regarding her surname, she has stated, “Goldberg is my name—it’s part of my family, part of my heritage, just like being black.” She identifies as Jewish and practices no specific faith, although she observes holidays.
Whoopi Goldberg Net Worth 2025
Renowned actor and television personality Whoopi Goldberg is in the spotlight for her passionate support of the recent drag performance at the Olympics opening ceremony. She boldly urged detractors to “just turn the TV off” if they disapprove of what they see. This has sparked curiosity among fans about her financial status and net worth in 2025.
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What is Whoopi Goldberg’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Whoopi Goldberg’s estimated net worth stands at $60 million. This wealth is derived from her extensive acting career, stand-up comedy, and her role as a co-host on the popular talk show The View. Caryn Elaine Johnson, known professionally as Whoopi Goldberg, is one of Hollywood’s most influential figures. With a career spanning over four decades, she is among the few entertainers who have achieved the prestigious EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
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What Does Whoopi Goldberg Do for a Living?
Primarily known as an actor, Whoopi Goldberg also enjoys fame as a comedian, author, and television host. In 2025, she appeared in the Western film Outlaw Posse, portraying Stagecoach Mary, a character inspired by a real-life figure. Additionally, she lent her voice to the comedy film Babes.
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Whoopi Goldberg’s Earnings Explained How Does She Make Money?
Goldberg’s income streams include her acting roles, stage performances, writing endeavors, and television hosting. She is celebrated for her performances in critically acclaimed films such as The Color Purple, Ghost, The Lion King, Girl, Interrupted, and Toy Story 3. Her role in Ghost earned her an Academy Award, and she received another nomination for The Color Purple. Since 2007, she has been a co-host on The View, for which she won an Emmy Award. Additionally, Goldberg has authored several books, including her memoir Is It Just Me? Or Is It Nuts Out There? and the Sugar Plum Ballerinas series.
Summary
Whoopi Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. She made history as the first Black woman to achieve this feat and has won numerous accolades, including Academy, Golden Globe, and BAFTA Awards. Additionally, Goldberg is recognized for her contributions to the LGBTQ+ community, comedy, and entertainment, earning honors like the Mark Twain Prize and Disney Legend title.
