Began her career at age 8 with the Hudson Guild children's program and the Helena Rubenstein Children's Theater
Moved to San Diego, CA, with her 1-year-old daughter in 1974 and co-founded the San Diego Repertory Theater; worked as a bricklayer and a mortuary cosmetologist during this time to support herself
Co-wrote the play Moms, about Jackie "Moms" Mabley, in 1983
Performed in her own one-woman Broadway show in 1984, directed by Mike Nichols
Became the first female host of the Academy Awards in 1994; returned to host the ceremony in 1996, 1999 and 2002
Holds the rare distinction of having won an Oscar (Ghost, 1991), an Emmy (Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, 2002), a Grammy (Whoopi Goldberg, 1985), a Tony (Thoroughly Modern Millie, 2002) and 2 Golden Globes (The Color Purple, 1985 and Ghost, 1991)
Awards
2014Emmy-Outstanding Narrator:nominated
2014Emmy-Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special:nominated
2014Critics' Choice Television Awards-Best Actress in a Movie or Mini-Series:nominated
2009Emmy-Outstanding Special Class Program:nominated
2005Emmy-Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program:nominated
1996Emmy-Outstanding Performance for a Variety or Music Program:nominated
1994Emmy-Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program:nominated
1993Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Musical or Comedy:nominated
1992NAACP Image Awards-Best Actress:winner
1991BAFTA Film Awards-Best Actress in a Supporting Role:winner
1991Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture:winner
1990Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role:winner
1986Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Drama:winner
1985Oscar-Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role:nominated