Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City, is an acclaimed American actress, comedian, producer, and television host. She first gained prominence with her one-woman stage show *The Spook Show* (later titled *Whoopi Goldberg*), which debuted off-Broadway in 1983 and moved to Broadway in 1984, earning her a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album in 1985. Her breakthrough film role came the same year as Celie in Steven Spielberg’s *The Color Purple* (1985), for which she received an Academy Award nomination and won a Golden Globe Award[2][3][8]. Goldberg’s career spans a wide range of genres, from drama to comedy. She won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in *Ghost* (1990), becoming the second African-American woman to win an Oscar in an acting category. She is also known for her performances in *Sister Act* (1992) and its sequel, *Jumpin’ Jack Flash* (1986), *How Stella Got Her Groove Back* (1998), and *For Colored Girls* (2010), among others[2][8]. In addition to her film work, Goldberg is a prominent television personality, notably serving as a co-host and moderator on the daytime talk show *The View* from 2007 to 2020. She has also contributed as a producer, director, and writer on various projects, including the TV special *Whoopi Goldberg Presents Moms Mabley* (2013)[2][8]. Goldberg is one of the few entertainers to have achieved EGOT status, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Award. Her career is marked by her versatility and her engagement with social issues, often using her platform to raise awareness and support charitable causes[2][6]. As of 2025, Goldberg remains active in entertainment and public life, continuing to influence and participate in film, television, and advocacy.