$60 Million
What is Whoopi Goldberg’s net worth and salary?
Whoopi Goldberg is an American comedian, actress, author, talk show host, singer-songwriter, and political activist who has a net worth of $60 million. Whoopi enjoyed a highly-successful film career in the mid-1980s through the 1990s. In recent years, she has primarily worked as a television talk show host.
Whoopi’s annual salary on The View is $8 million.
Biography
Goldberg was born in Manhattan, New York City, on November 13, 1955. Raised in the Chelsea-Elliot Houses, she grew up in a single-parent household after her father, a Baptist clergyman, abandoned the family. Her mother, a nurse and teacher, raised Goldberg and her brother Clyde. Despite attending Catholic school and dropping out of high school, Goldberg’s early life experiences shaped her distinctive personality and approach to her craft. She adopted the name “Whoopi” from a whoopee cushion, reflecting her spontaneous nature, and “Goldberg” as a tribute to her family heritage, despite public speculation about her Jewish ancestry.
Acclaimed Entertainment Career
Caryn Elaine Johnson, known professionally as Whoopi Goldberg, is an esteemed American actor, comedian, author, and television personality, with a career adorned by numerous awards. As one of the few entertainers to achieve the EGOT—winning an Emmy, Grammy, Academy, and Tony Award—Goldberg has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Her talents were recognized with the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2001.
Goldberg’s one-woman show “Spook Show” led to her Broadway debut in 1984, and her performance earned her a Grammy for Best Comedy Album. Her cinematic breakthrough came with “The Color Purple” (1985), winning her a Golden Globe, followed by an Academy Award for her performance in “Ghost” (1990). She became the highest-paid actress at the time with “Sister Act” (1992) and its sequel, while also making notable appearances in films like “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” and “Till” and voicing characters in “The Lion King” and “Toy Story 3.”
On Broadway, she starred in productions like “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum” and “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” producing the Tony-winning “Thoroughly Modern Millie.” Goldberg also contributed to television, portraying Guinan in “Star Trek: The Next Generation” and co-hosting “The View,” which earned her a Daytime Emmy.
Personal Challenges and Overcoming Adversity
Goldberg’s personal life has seen its share of challenges, including witnessing a traumatic plane collision in San Diego. Her marriages to Alvin Martin, David Claessen, and Lyle Trachtenberg ended in divorce, and her relationships with notable figures like Frank Langella and Ted Danson made headlines. She has one daughter, Alexandrea Martin, who followed in her footsteps as an actress and producer, granting Goldberg the joy of being a grandmother and great-grandmother.
Activism and Controversial Moments
A vocal advocate for various causes, Goldberg has spoken candidly about her past abortions and her stance on abortion rights, often intertwining her personal experiences with her activism. She has also been open about her past drug use, including using marijuana before winning her Oscar.
Health and Lifestyle
Goldberg has faced significant health issues, including battling pneumonia and sepsis, which led to a hiatus from “The View.” Living with dyslexia, she resides in West Orange, New Jersey, and Sardinia, valuing her privacy and preferring the term “actor” over “actress” to emphasize her versatility in her roles.
