I Just Learned Whoopi Goldberg’s Name Isn’t Actually Whoopi Thanks To This Story She Told About Her Mom On The View

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As a movie enthusiast with a penchant for uncovering fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, I find it utterly captivating to learn about the transformations some stars undergo when they step into the spotlight. Whoopi Goldberg’s journey from Caryn Elaine Johnson to the iconic and unforgettable Whoopi Goldberg is a testament to the power of reinvention, and I can’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with her.

As a movie enthusiast, I often find it fascinating when actors opt for stage names instead of using their birth names in Hollywood. Sometimes, this choice stems from the fact that another star was already using the same name, or simply because they wished to create a unique identity within the entertainment industry. Interestingly enough, Keanu Reeves was once urged to change his name. One notable example is Whoopi Goldberg, an actress I admire, who revealed on The View that she doesn’t go by her given name in the spotlight.

On the morning talk show, Decider’s hosts recently discussed the proposition of a new platform revealing political leanings of prospective neighbors to house hunters. This prompted Whoopi Goldberg to express her viewpoint and share an engaging anecdote. She explained that it wasn’t advisable and reminisced about her mom’s insights on politics when she was young. It was during this conversation that she mentioned her birth name casually.

Growing up, it was not a topic we discussed; my mother never inquired about anyone’s voting preferences. Whenever I asked her who she planned to vote for, she would just give me a certain look and remind me, “Caryn, that’s none of our concern.

Indeed, her original name is Caryn, and neither “Whoopi” nor “Goldberg” are part of her birth name. The EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) recipient was born as Caryn Elaine Johnson, but the name “Whoopi Goldberg” has since gained widespread recognition and international fame. In an interview with The New York Times back in 2006, she explained her reasoning for adopting this stage name, and it turns out to be quite logical:

In essence, when you’re on stage, there’s rarely time for privacy, so if you experience a bit of flatulence, you have no choice but to release it. Over the years, people jokingly compared me to a whoopee cushion, and that’s how the name originated.

Stage names are certainly not uncommon for both actors and musicians. Even John Mulaney wishes he used a stage name. And some are wanting to do away with their real names altogether, like Jonah Hill wanting to legally drop his last name. For Whoopi Goldberg, it seems like she wanted to let go of the past and usher in this new side of her. I can’t believe I had no idea about this up until now, but I have to say this is a cool piece of trivia on one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors.

On multiple occasions, Goldberg has shared intriguing anecdotes on The View. For instance, in 2023, she confessed that she was eager to end her marriages each time she walked down the aisle. Goldberg exchanged vows with Alvin Martin in 1973 and divorced in 1979, followed by a marriage to David Claessen in 1986 which ended in 1988. She later married Lyle Trachtenberg in 1994, but that union also dissolved the following year.

In certain cases, well-known figures are choosing to revert to their original names that they had at birth. For instance, Michael Keaton is considering a name change to “Keaton,” while it’s uncertain if Whoopi Goldberg would prefer being known as Caryn Elaine Johnson again. If she does, fans like me might need some time to adapt to this change, in order to respect her decision.

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2024-12-23 23:10