Childhood and Education Journey of Whoopi Goldberg in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 30, 2026

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 an acclaimed American entertainer renowned as an actor, comedian, author, and television personality. Her exceptional talent has earned her EGOT status, signifying her achievement of winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her contributions to American humor were further recognized in 2001 with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize.

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 would later become an actress and producer.

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 Harlem Globetrotter

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

1991: Speaking Out About Abortion

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 her experience using a coat hanger to terminate a pregnancy at age 14 and having six or seven abortions by age 25.

1991: Accepting Best Supporting Actress Award

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

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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.

1997: Anecdote in Trekkies

In 1997, according to an anecdote told by Nichelle Nichols in Trekkies, a young Whoopi Goldberg exclaimed, "Momma! There's a black lady on television and she ain't no maid!" upon seeing Nichols' character Uhura in Star Trek, which sparked Goldberg's lifelong Star Trek fandom.

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August 29, 2010: Death of Mother Emma Johnson

On August 29, 2010, Whoopi Goldberg's mother, Emma Johnson, passed away after suffering a stroke. Goldberg temporarily left her role in the musical Sister Act in London at the time.