Childhood and Education Journey of Whoopi Goldberg in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Whoopi Goldberg. From birth to education, explore key events.

Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson, is a highly acclaimed American actor, comedian, author, and television personality. She has achieved EGOT status, winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award, a rare accomplishment. She also received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2001, recognizing her significant contributions to comedy and entertainment. Goldberg is a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with a career spanning decades.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1973: Marriage to Alvin Martin

In 1973, Whoopi Goldberg married drug counselor Alvin Martin.

May 9, 1974: Birth of daughter Alexandrea Martin

On May 9, 1974, Whoopi Goldberg gave birth to her daughter, Alexandrea Martin.

1979: Divorce from Alvin Martin

In 1979, Whoopi Goldberg divorced Alvin Martin.

1986: Marriage to David Claessen

In 1986, Whoopi Goldberg married cinematographer David Claessen.

1988: Divorce from David Claessen

In 1988, Whoopi Goldberg divorced David Claessen.

1990: Honorary member of the Harlem Globetrotters

In 1990, Whoopi Goldberg was officially named an honorary member of the Harlem Globetrotters exhibition basketball team.

1991: Smoking marijuana before accepting Academy Award

In 1991, Whoopi Goldberg has stated that she smoked marijuana before accepting the Best Supporting Actress award for Ghost.

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1991: Speaking out about abortion in The Choices We Made

In 1991, Whoopi Goldberg spoke about her abortion experiences in "The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion", revealing she had several abortions by age 25.

1994: Marriage to Lyle Trachtenberg

In 1994, Whoopi Goldberg married union organizer Lyle Trachtenberg.

1995: Divorce from Lyle Trachtenberg

In 1995, Whoopi Goldberg divorced Lyle Trachtenberg.

1999: Awards for supporting the LGBTQ+ Community and Women in Film

In 1999, Whoopi Goldberg received the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation Vanguard Award for her continued work in supporting the gay and lesbian community, as well as the Women in Film Crystal Award.

July 2010: Ride of Fame Honor

In July 2010, Whoopi Goldberg was honored with a Ride of Fame double-decker tour bus in New York City for her life's achievements.

August 29, 2010: Death of mother Emma Johnson

On August 29, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg's mother, Emma Johnson, passed away after a stroke.

October 22, 2010: Return to Sister Act performance

On October 22, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg returned to perform in the musical "Sister Act" in London after leaving to attend to her mother's death.

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2011: Comments on marriage in Piers Morgan interview

In a 2011 interview with Piers Morgan, Whoopi Goldberg explained that she was never in love with the men she married and commented on her lack of commitment to marriage.