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Whoopi Goldberg Biography

Birth Name:
Caryn Elaine Johnson
Birth Place:
New York, New York, United States
Profession
Actor, comedian, producer, writer

Fast Facts

  • 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
  • 1985National Board of Review-Best Actress: winner

Relationships