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 entertainer. She excels as an actor, comedian, author, and television personality, achieving the rare EGOT status by winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her contributions to comedy were further recognized in 2001 when she received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, solidifying her status as a significant figure in American entertainment and comedy.

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, who also became an actress and producer.

1977: Roman Polanski's rape conviction

In 1977, Roman Polanski was convicted of rape of a thirteen-year-old girl. This case was later commented on by Whoopi Goldberg in 2009.

1979: Divorce from Alvin Martin

In 1979, Whoopi Goldberg divorced her husband Alvin Martin.

1986: Marriage to David Claessen

In 1986, Whoopi Goldberg married cinematographer David Claessen.

1987: Participating in March on Washington

In 1987, Whoopi Goldberg participated in the March on Washington, showing her early high-profile support for LGBT rights and AIDS activism.

1988: Divorce from David Claessen

In 1988, Whoopi Goldberg divorced her husband David Claessen.

1991: Marijuana Use Before Academy Award Win

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 out about her abortion experiences in "The Choices We Made: Twenty-Five Women and Men Speak Out About Abortion", detailing a termination at age 14 using a coat hanger and revealing she had six or seven 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 her husband Lyle Trachtenberg.

April 1, 2010: Joining Cyndi Lauper's Give a Damn campaign

On April 1, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg joined Cyndi Lauper in the launch of her Give a Damn campaign to bring a wider awareness of discrimination of the LGBT community.

August 29, 2010: Death of Mother, Emma Johnson

On August 29, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg's mother, Emma Johnson, passed away after a stroke. Goldberg left London where she was performing in Sister Act, but returned to perform on October 22, 2010.

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October 22, 2010: Return to Sister Act Performance

On October 22, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg returned to performing in the musical Sister Act in London, after the death of her mother on August 29, 2010.

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May 9, 2012: Statement on NRA membership

On May 9, 2012, Whoopi Goldberg stated on an episode of 'The View' that she is a member of the National Rifle Association of America.

2015: Death of Brother Clyde

In 2015, Whoopi Goldberg's brother, Clyde, died of a brain aneurysm.

May 2017: Speaking in support of transgender rights at GLAAD Media Awards

In May 2017, Whoopi Goldberg spoke in support of transgender rights at the 28th GLAAD Media Awards.

March 2019: Pneumonia and Sepsis Battle

In March 2019, Whoopi Goldberg revealed that she had been battling pneumonia and sepsis, leading to a leave of absence from The View.

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2022: Statement on Abortion Rights After Kansas Referendum

Following the 2022 Kansas abortion referendum, Whoopi Goldberg asserted that God would support abortion rights, citing the freedom of choice given to women.