10 fun and interesting Whoopi Goldberg facts

1. From Flatulence to Household Name

Caryn Elaine Johnson, better known as Whoopi Goldberg, was born with a nickname that would follow her throughout her life. As a child, she suffered from flatulence, which earned her the nickname "Whoopie Cushion". Despite the teasing, Whoopi kept the name when she entered the show business, and it has become synonymous with her success. Whoopi Goldberg is now a household name, and her unique name has become a part of her identity.

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2. Whoopi Goldberg's Last Name is Goldberg because her Mother Changed It

Whoopi Goldberg's last name has an interesting story behind it. Her mother, feeling that the surname Johnson was not Jewish enough for a stage actress, decided to adopt the traditionally Jewish/German last name Goldberg. This was a bold move for Whoopi's mother, as it was not a common practice at the time for African-American women to take on a Jewish surname. However, it was a decision that has since become synonymous with Whoopi's success.

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3. Whoopi Goldberg's Pivotal Marriage to Drug Counselor

At the tender age of sixteen, Whoopi Goldberg was already struggling with a heroin addiction. In an effort to turn her life around, she entered into a relationship with her drug counselor, Alvin Martin, and the two were married in 1973. Together, they had a daughter, and although the marriage didn't last, Whoopi was able to overcome her addiction and go on to become the successful actress and comedian we know today.

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4. Whoopi Goldberg's road to fame was far from easy

Whoopi Goldberg's road to fame was far from easy. Before becoming a household name, she worked a variety of jobs, including laying bricks, working as a bank teller, and even as a make-up artist at a local mortuary. Despite the difficult start, Goldberg persevered and eventually achieved the success she deserved.

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5. Whoopi Goldberg - an extraordinary talent

Whoopi Goldberg is an extraordinary talent, having achieved the rare feat of winning an Oscar, Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Daytime Emmy Award - a feat that only 10 people have accomplished. Her impressive list of awards is a testament to her remarkable career, which has spanned over four decades and includes roles in films such as The Color Purple, Ghost, and Sister Act.

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6. The smuggler of East Germany

During the early 1980s, Whoopi Goldberg lived in East Germany and worked in various theatre productions. During her time there, she became an unlikely smuggler, transporting items such as books, art supplies, and other goods into the communist country for the artists she lived with. Her daring and resourceful actions enabled these artists to continue their creative pursuits despite the restrictions of the oppressive regime.

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7. Whoopi Goldberg - Comedian and Actress

Whoopi Goldberg is renowned for her comedic talent, which she first showcased in 1983 with her one-woman show, "The Spook Show". In this show, she would perform monologues and create a variety of characters, delighting audiences with her unique brand of humor. Her show was so successful that it was adapted into a Broadway production, and she went on to become one of the most beloved comedians of all time.

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8. Whoopi Goldberg Cast in Steven Spielberg's "The Color Purple"

Steven Spielberg was so impressed by Whoopi Goldberg's performance in the Broadway show "The Spook Show" that he cast her in the 1985 film "The Color Purple". Her performance was so powerful that she was nominated for a Best Leading Actress Academy Award for her role in the movie.

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9. Iconic Actress and Best Known for 'Ghost'

Whoopi Goldberg is an iconic actress, best known for her role as Oda Mae Brown in the 1990 classic film, "Ghost". Her portrayal of the whacky psychic was so memorable that it has become one of her most iconic roles to date. Goldberg's performance was so captivating that it earned her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress. Her performance also earned her a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and a Saturn Award.

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10. Whoopi Goldberg Prefers the Bus to Flying

Whoopi Goldberg suffers from a fear of flying, known as aviophobia. As a result, she often opts to take the bus instead of flying, even though it takes her much longer to get to her destination. Despite the inconvenience, Whoopi prefers the safety and comfort of the bus to the anxiety of flying.