Whoopi Goldberg, a renowned American actor, comedian, author, and television personality, has an impressive net worth estimated at $60 million. Born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, Goldberg has become one of the few entertainers to achieve the EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award.
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Whoopi Goldberg Net Worth
Whoopi Goldberg boasts an impressive net worth of $60 million, reflecting her multifaceted career as a comedian, actress, author, and talk show host. Her wealth is the result of a successful film career, highlighted by roles in “The Color Purple” and “Ghost,” as well as her continued influence as a co-host on “The View.”
A member of the exclusive EGOT club, Goldberg has won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony throughout her distinguished career. Beyond her entertainment achievements, she is also noted for her activism and philanthropy.
Early life
Born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in Manhattan, New York City, Whoopi Goldberg was raised by her single mother, Emma Johnson, in the Chelsea-Elliot Houses. Her mother, described as stern and wise, raised Goldberg and her brother Clyde, while Goldberg attended St. Columba’s Catholic school and later dropped out of Washington Irving High School.
Her stage name “Whoopi” came from a whoopee cushion joke, and her surname “Goldberg” was influenced by her mother’s desire for a more “star-like” name. Despite claims of Jewish heritage, DNA tests show her ancestry is primarily African, with roots traced to Guinea-Bissau. In the 1970s, Goldberg moved to California, where she worked various jobs and began her theater career, which led to her notable role on “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
The View
Whoopi Goldberg joined “The View” in 2001, taking over from Rosie O’Donnell and drawing in 3.4 million viewers, a 7 percent increase from the previous season. Known for her provocative comments, she has stirred controversy over the years, including a notable incident in January 2022 when she made contentious remarks about the Holocaust.
Despite apologizing and being suspended for two weeks, Goldberg’s outspoken nature continues to spark debate among viewers. Her role as a moderator remains central to the show’s dynamic, reflecting both her influence and the challenges she faces.
Personal life
Whoopi Goldberg’s personal life has been marked by three marriages: to Alvin Martin from 1973 to 1979, David Claessen from 1986 to 1988, and Lyle Trachtenberg from 1994 to 1995. She has had significant relationships with actor Frank Langella and playwright David Schein, as well as notable ex-boyfriends including Timothy Dalton and Ted Danson, whom she defended during a controversial blackface incident.
Goldberg has expressed no intention of marrying again, citing a lack of commitment to traditional marriage. She is the mother of actress and producer Alexandrea Martin and has three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter. Goldberg has been open about her past struggles with drug addiction and dyslexia, and she prefers the gender-neutral term “actor.”
What is Whoopi Goldberg’s salary?
Whoopi Goldberg earns an impressive $8 million annually for her role on “The View,” making her the highest-paid co-host on the show. This salary is just a fraction of her overall wealth. Despite past controversies, her commanding presence and outspoken nature keep her at the forefront of the talk show’s success.
Career
Goldberg’s career began in the early 1980s when she trained under Uta Hagen and made her screen debut in Citizen: I’m Not Losing My Mind, I’m Giving It Away (1982). She gained national recognition with her one-woman show, which led to a successful Broadway run and a Grammy win.
Her breakthrough role came in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple (1985), earning her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Goldberg became a prominent actress in both film and television, winning an Oscar for Ghost (1990) and starring in hits like Sister Act (1992). She continued to be a versatile performer into the 2000s, taking on roles in film, television, and voice work.
Real Estate
Whoopi Goldberg has made significant moves in real estate over the years, starting with a $2.6 million purchase of a home in LA’s Pacific Palisades in 1993, which she listed for $8.8 million in 2018 and later raised to $11.49 million.
She previously owned a 745-acre Vermont farm, which sold for $2 million, and a Manhattan apartment sold for $3 million in 2010. Additionally, she sold a Berkeley home for $2.05 million in 2015. Currently, Goldberg’s primary residence is a large estate in West Orange, New Jersey, which she acquired in 2009 for just under $3 million.
Conclusion
Whoopi Goldberg’s life and career are a testament to her versatility, resilience, and commitment to making a difference. From her early days in New York to becoming a Hollywood icon and a respected voice on television, she continues to inspire with her talent and activism.
FAQs About Whoopi Goldberg Net Worth
- How old is Whoopi Goldberg? Whoopi Goldberg is 68 years old.
- What is Whoopi Goldberg most famous for? Goldberg is most famous for her Oscar-winning role in “Ghost” and her appearances in “Sister Act” and “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”
- Why did Whoopi Goldberg win an Oscar? Goldberg won an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress for her role in “Ghost,” becoming only the second Black actress to win the award since Hattie McDaniel in 1940.
- How much does Whoopi Goldberg make a year? Whoopi Goldberg makes approximately $8 million per year, primarily from her role as a co-host on “The View.”
- What did Whoopi Goldberg do to become famous? Goldberg became famous for her one-woman show and her performances in films like “The Color Purple” and “Ghost.”
