Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, is an American actress, comedian, author, and television host.
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She rose to fame in the 1980s for her exceptional talent and unique sense of humor. Goldberg’s breakthrough role came in 1985 when she starred in Steven Spielberg’s “The Color Purple,” earning critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination. She later won an Oscar for her iconic portrayal of Oda Mae Brown in the film “Ghost” (1990).
Beyond her success on the big screen, Goldberg became a prominent figure in television, co-hosting the talk show “The View” for many years. Her versatility has led her to excel as a voice actress, producer, and author. With her distinct voice and powerful presence, Goldberg continues to inspire audiences with her memorable performances and outspoken advocacy on various social and political issues.
Fans speculate that Whoopi Goldberg is gay due to her strong support and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights, as well as her private personal life, which she has chosen to keep out of the public eye. So, what’s the truth behind these rumors? Is Whoopi Goldberg gay? Read on for the answer.
VOTE: What is Whoopi Goldberg’s Sexuality?
Whoopi Goldberg’s Sexuality
Although the Sister Act actress has never directly addressed the rumors about her sexuality, neither confirming nor denying that she is gay, one thing is for sure – she’s an ally. Goldberg has always been vocal about her support for the LGBTQ+ community.
One very good example is when actor Matt Damon made comments suggesting that gay actors should keep their sexuality private. Whoopi Goldberg stood up against those remarks.
In a 2015 interview with The Guardian, Matt Damon made comments about Rupert Everett being less successful because he came out as gay.
In terms of actors, I think you’re a better actor the less people know about you period.”
Matt Damon told Guardian
I remember thinking and saying, Rupert Everett was openly gay and this guy – more handsome than anybody, a classically trained actor – it’s tough to make the argument that he didn’t take a hit for being out.”
he added
However, Damon attempted to clarify his comments by stating that actors are more effective when they maintain an air of mystery.
I was just trying to say actors are more effective when they’re a mystery. Right? And somebody picked it up and said I said gay actors should get back in the closet. Which is like I mean it’s stupid, but it is painful when things get said that you don’t believe.”
he said
Although she likely identifies as straight, Goldberg became famous for playing a lesbian character in her breakthrough film, “The Color Purple.” And in an episode of “The View,” she shared her thoughts about Damon’s comments. She said that as actors, they should convincingly play any role, regardless of their sexual orientation in real life.
I’ll tell you this… I played a gay woman in Colour Purple, a man in The Associate, and we’re actors. We’re supposed to be able to play everything and play it convincingly.”
Whoopi Goldberg said
So I don’t think whether you know or think or believe I’m gay has anything to do with what my abilities are. As an actor, that’s how I feel.”
she added
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The actress standing up for the LGBTQ community is nothing new. Goldberg has always been an ally. In fact, she was awarded the 2013 HRC Ally for Equality Award by the Human Rights Campaign – the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) civil rights organization – and the HRC Greater New York Steering Committee. The award was presented at the annual Greater New York Gala dinner on February 2, 2012, at the Waldorf Astoria.
We are proud to honor Whoopi Goldberg with the Ally for Equality Award for her commitment to the LGBT community through her public support of marriage equality, including taking part in our successful New Yorkers for Marriage Equality video campaign in 2011. Whoopi is always willing to stand up for our community and is a longtime friend of HRC.”
Chad Griffin, HRC President, said
The Ally for Equality award is given to people who are not part of the LGBT community but support equality for everyone in America. As a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, Whoopi Goldberg uses her voice to fight against hate and promote equality. The actress had previously called marriage equality a ‘no-brainer’ and has strongly advocated for equality on “The View”.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Relationships
Although Goldberg has been in the spotlight for decades, she rarely shares anything about her personal life, even though she has had a colorful dating history.
The Sister Act actress has been married three times. She was married to Alvin Martin from 1973 to 1979, David Claessan from 1986 to 1988, and Lyle Trachtenberg from 1994 to 1995. She said that people had been expecting her to date and get married, so she just did it.
Look, people expect you to have a boyfriend. They expect you to get married. So I kept trying to do that, but I didn’t want to share information with somebody else. I didn’t want anybody asking me why I was doing what I was doing, or to have to make the other person feel better.”
Goldberg told The New York Times in a 2019 interview
But then she realized she can’t be in a marriage just because people are expecting her to.
I’d be thinking, Why don’t I feel the thing that I’m supposed to? If you’re in a relationship, you have to do those things, and it took me a while to figure out that I didn’t want to. One day … I thought, ‘I don’t have to do this. I don’t have to conform.’ I tried marriage, and it wasn’t for me. You can’t be in a marriage because everybody’s expecting you to.”
she said
The multi-awarded actress said that she’s happier on her own and that marriage was just not for her.
I’m much happier on my own. I can spend as much time with somebody as I want to spend, but I’m not looking to be with somebody forever or live with someone. I don’t want somebody in my house.”
Goldberg said
It seemed to be that if I was married I’d have a much more normal life. Clearly that’s not the case. That’s not a good reason to get married,” the Grammy winner told the British talk show host in 2011. “You have to actually want a life with someone through ups and downs. I just discovered that wasn’t for me.”
she added
Whoopi Goldberg and Alvin Martin (1973 – 1979)
The couple met in 1973 in Los Angeles when Alvin Martin served as her drug counselor. The actress has been open about her past struggles with substance abuse. They got married the same year when she was only 18, and they had their daughter, Alexa Martin, also in the same year. However, they got divorced six years later.
Whoopi Goldberg and David Claessan (1986 – 1988)
Seven years after her first divorce, she found love again in the person of Dutch cinematographer David Claessen. They got married in 1986, but the marriage only lasted for two years, and they called it quits in 1988.
Whoopi Goldberg and Lyle Trachtenberg (1994 – 1995)
Goldberg tried for the third time with IATSE union organizer Lyle Trachtenberg. They got married in 1994. However, the marriage didn’t last long either, as they also got divorced the following year.
It took me some time but I realized that trying to turn myself into something I wasn’t ready for, for a man. Wasn’t his fault. It was mine. My marriages failed and I was the common denominator. My commitment was never that strong. I can say now that I was never really in love.”
Whoopi told The New York Times Magazine in 2019
She was also in a live-in relationship with actor Frank Langella and playwright David Schein. Additionally, she dated businessman Michael Visbal, orthodontist Jeffrey Cohen, camera operator Edward Gold, and actors Timothy Dalton and Ted Danson.
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Is Whoopi Goldberg Gay?
No, Whoopi Goldberg is not gay. She has been married three times and has been in several relationships, all with men. She has never dated someone of the same gender. However, the Sister Act actress is a strong LGBTQ ally, showing her support for the queer community ever since.