Whoopi Goldberg, a multi-talented actor, comedian, and talk show host, has been entertaining audiences for decades. With a career that spans over four decades, Whoopi Goldberg has solidified her place in Hollywood as a legendary performer. From her breakthrough role in “The Color Purple” to her iconic portrayal of Oda Mae Brown in “Ghost,” she has entertained audiences with her unique wit, humor, and intelligence.
Born on November 13, 1955, in New York City, Goldberg’s real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson. She began her career as a performer in the early 1970s, performing stand-up comedy in San Diego, California. Goldberg was completely self-taught and honed her craft through years of experience.
Goldberg’s big break came in 1985 when she appeared in Steven Spielberg’s film adaptation of “The Color Purple.” She received critical acclaim for her performance as Celie Harris Johnson, a young black woman struggling with abuse and discrimination in the 1900s. The movie’s tremendous success catapulted Goldberg into superstardom and earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Goldberg’s acting career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with notable performances in movies like “The Little Rascals,” “Sister Act,” and “Ghost.” In 1990, she became the first African American woman to host the Academy Awards, a feat she would repeat three more times.
However, Goldberg’s career is not just limited to acting. She’s also a talented comedian, writer, and talk show host. Being the host of “The View,” a daytime talk show, she has tackled a wide range of topics from politics to relationships. Goldberg is known for her witty and sarcastic remarks, which have often caused controversy.
One of these notorious incidents was when she came to Hugh Grant’s rescue after his infamous 1995 scandal where he got caught receiving fellatio from sex worker Divine Brown while he was dating Elizabeth Hurley. Goldberg was quick to come to Grant’s defense on an episode of “The View,” even though he was scheduled to appear on the show.
During the show, Goldberg joked about Grant’s indiscretion, comparing it to a “regular” Wednesday night for her. However, the joke that garnered the most attention involved Grant’s appearance.
“I know it wasn’t rape-rape. It was something else, but I don’t believe it was rape-rape. He went to jail and when they let him out he said: ‘I’m sorry, I didn’t realize that that 13-year-old in the school uniform was a hooker.’ Come on!” Goldberg said.
Her “rape-rape” comment was widely criticized, and Goldberg later clarified that she wasn’t trying to downplay sexual assault cases. However, it was her actions towards Grant that got people talking.
During the commercial break, Goldberg handed Grant a bottle of moisturizing lotion, telling him, “You might want to use this.” Her gesture sparked a mix of laughter and discomfort between the hosts and the audience.
Goldberg’s quick thinking and humor did not only liven up the interaction, but it also shifted the focus from Grant’s scandal to her unique brand of comedy. Despite the controversy, the moment has become one of the most iconic in the history of “The View.”
Many fans of the show praised Whoopi Goldberg for standing by Hugh Grant in what was undoubtedly a difficult time for him. She showed compassion towards a fellow human being and acted as a confidant for someone in the public eye.
In conclusion, Whoopi Goldberg’s impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable. She’s a talented performer with a gift for making people laugh and think. Through her performances and talk show, she’s touched the lives of millions of people all over the world. And despite some controversies, Goldberg continues to shine as an icon in the world of entertainment.