Whoopi Goldberg
The “View” co-host was promoting “The Change,” a new graphic novel, on “Late Night With Seth Meyers” on Wednesday when, after decreeing that “no one should do this,” she told the story of scattering her mother’s ashes from a boat on the It’s a Small World ride at Disneyland.
“My mother loved Disneyland, so we took her to Disneyland,” she told Meyers. “And when I was a kid, the World’s Fair was here, and it was the introduction of Small World — and she loved Small World. So in the Small World ride, periodically, I’d scoop some of her up.”
“And I’d do this,” Goldberg added, mimicking a fake sneeze she used to scatter her mother’s remains. “I said, ‘My God, this cold is getting worse and worse!’ And then we got over to the flowers where it says ‘Disneyland,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, look at that,’” and scattered the rest.
The EGOT winner eventually notified the park when she realized scattering human remains in a public body of water could be “dangerous.” Goldberg isn’t the first to use these resorts as a burial ground, however.
Managers at Disney theme parks in Orlando, Florida, and Anaheim, California, reportedly have a dedicated code for the situation (“HEPA cleanup”) and have retrieved cremated remains from bushes, lawns and rides — including The Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyland.
“The Haunted Mansion probably has so much human ashes in it that it’s not even funny,” one Disneyland custodian told The Wall Street Journal in 2018.
Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, is a multifaceted American entertainer. Her career spans comedy, acting, writing, and television. Let’s dive into some highlights:
- Film Career:
- Breakthrough Role: In 1985, Goldberg gained widespread recognition for her role as Celie in Steven Spielberg’s The Color Purple. Her portrayal of a mistreated woman in the Deep South earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.
- Ghost: She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her eccentric psychic role in the romantic fantasy film Ghost (1990).
- Sister Act: Goldberg starred in the comedy Sister Act (1992) and its sequel, becoming one of the highest-paid actresses at the time.
- Voice Acting: She lent her voice to iconic characters in The Lion King (1994) and Toy Story 3 (2010).
- Stage and Broadway:
- Goldberg’s one-woman show, Spook Show, transferred to Broadway as Whoopi Goldberg (1984–1985).
- She produced the musical Thoroughly Modern Millie and received a Tony Award for it.
- Her third Tony Award nomination came from the stage adaptation of Sister Act (2011).
- Television:
- Guinan in Star Trek: She portrayed Guinan in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1988–1993) and reprised the role in Star Trek: Picard (2022).
- The View: Since 2007, Goldberg has co-hosted and moderated the daytime talk show The View, earning a Daytime Emmy Award.
- EGOT and Beyond:
- Goldberg is one of only 19 entertainers to achieve the EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards).
- She received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2001.
Interesting fact about Whoopi Goldberg
- Emmy: She received an Emmy Award for her work as a host on The View.
- Grammy: Goldberg won a Grammy Award for her comedy album Whoopi Goldberg: Original Broadway Show Recording.
- Oscar: Her iconic role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost earned her an Academy Award.
- Tony: She received a Tony Award as a producer of the musicalThoroughly Modern Millie.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Impact on Pop Culture
- Breakthrough as Celie in “The Color Purple”:
- In the film The Color Purple, Goldberg portrayed Celie, a woman enduring decades of abuse. Her remarkable acting prowess and transformative role laid the foundation for her illustrious career.
- Oscar Glory as Oda Mae Brown in “Ghost”:
- As Oda Mae Brown in Ghost, Goldberg’s portrayal of a medium who helps a deceased man communicate with his beloved Molly earned her critical acclaim and an Academy Award. The iconic “Ditto” scene remains etched in cinematic history.
- Pop Culture Impact with “Sister Act”:
- Deloris Van Cartier (Sister Mary Clarence) in Sister Act transformed a convent choir into a celebrity sensation. This endearing character cemented Goldberg’s status as a pop culture icon, blending heart and humor.
- Exploring Racial Tolerance in “Corrina, Corrina”:
- In Corrina, Corrina, Goldberg played Sarah Mathews, navigating an interracial relationship during the 1950s. Her performance, though criticized for plot development, was praised for its charm and warmth.
- Guinan in “Star Trek: The Next Generation”:
- Inspired by Nichelle Nichols’ legacy, Goldberg’s recurring role as Guinan brought depth and mystery to the ensemble cast. She contributed to positive representation within the Star Trek universe.
- Terry Doolittle’s Comedic Flair in “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”:
- Goldberg’s comedic talent shone in Jumpin’ Jack Flash, showcasing her ability to engage audiences with wit and humor.
Whoopi Goldberg’s impact on Social Issues
- Humanitarian Efforts:
- As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, Goldberg has used her global reach to advance child rights and address critical issues related to HIV/AIDS, education, housing, and substance abuse.
- She leverages her influence to advocate for positive change and raise awareness about pressing social challenges.
- Advocacy Against Racism and Inequality:
- Goldberg has been an outspoken advocate against racism and inequality. She actively participates in initiatives aimed at combating systemic racism and promoting equality.
- Her voice resonates in discussions about race, sexism, and LGBTQ+ rights, emphasizing the importance of empathy, understanding, and justice.
- Supporter of Equal Rights:
- She firmly supports equal rights for women and consistently champions their empowerment.
- Her commitment to social justice extends beyond entertainment, making her a powerful force for positive transformation.
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