On The Cover: Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg is an American Actress, comedienne, TV host, human rights advocate. She was born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City. Goldberg and her younger brother Clyde were raised by their mother Emma in a housing project in the Chelsea section of Manhattan. Goldberg’s father abandoned the family, and her single mother worked at a variety of jobs--including teaching and nursing--to make ends meet. Goldberg changed her name when she decided that her given name was too boring. She claims to be half Jewish and half Catholic, and “Goldberg” is attributed to her family history. With her trademark dreadlocks, wide impish grin, and piercing humour, Goldberg is best known for her adept portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles, as well as her groundbreaking work in the Hollywood film industry as an African-American woman. Goldberg unknowingly suffered from dyslexia, which affected her studies and ultimately induced her to drop out of high school at the age of 17. In the early 1970s, Goldberg was briefly married to the man who had been her drug counsellor. The couple had one child, Alexandrea, and divorced in 1974. She was married to cameraman David Claessen from 1986 to 1988. Goldberg then had a high-profile romance with actor Ted Danson in the early 1990s. She has a daughter, Alexandrea Martin, two granddaughters, Amarah Skye and Jerzey, and one grandson Mason. Goldberg holds a Ph.D. in literature from New York University and an honorary degree from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Ends