Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, is one of the most accomplished and versatile entertainers in the industry.
As a member of the prestigious EGOT club, having won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony, Goldberg has amassed a fortune through her work as an actress, comedian, author, producer, and television personality. Her estimated net worth stands at approximately $30 million.
Career Beginnings: Struggles and Breakthroughs
Goldberg’s journey to success wasn’t without challenges. Raised in New York City, she battled dyslexia and drug addiction at a young age.
Despite these hurdles, Goldberg turned her life around, got sober, and embarked on a career in comedy.
She adopted the stage name “Whoopi” after being nicknamed for her flatulence during performances, which she humorously explained in interviews.
In the late 1970s, Goldberg moved to California, where she performed in theater and began teaching acting and comedy.
It was here that director Mike Nichols discovered her talent, leading to her big break with the one-woman show The Spook Show.
This performance ultimately catapulted her into Hollywood, where her career truly took off.
Income from The View: A Steady Source of Wealth
One of Goldberg’s most high-profile roles is her long-standing position as the moderator of The View, a daytime talk show she has been a part of since 2007.
As one of the show’s central personalities, Goldberg has earned a substantial income.
In 2016, her annual salary was estimated to be between $5 million and $6 million. Despite expressing that The View is more of a job than a passion project, Goldberg’s contributions to the show have earned her recognition, including a Daytime Emmy nomination and one win for Outstanding Talk Show Host.
In a 2019 interview, Goldberg explained that her involvement in The View is primarily financial, stating that if she had unlimited wealth, she wouldn’t be working on the show. Her candidness reflects her down-to-earth approach to work.
Film Career: Major Paydays from Iconic Roles
Goldberg’s film career has been another major source of income. She rose to fame in the 1980s with her performance in The Color Purple, which earned her an Academy Award nomination.
However, it was in the early 1990s that Goldberg truly became a household name, especially with her role in Ghost (1990), where she won an Oscar for her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown.
The film was a huge success, grossing $505 million worldwide. Despite not being the highest-paid cast member, Goldberg’s performance remains one of her most iconic.
Her role in Sister Act (1992) was another game-changer. The movie was a massive hit, grossing over $230 million worldwide. For the sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (1993), Goldberg reportedly earned between $7 million and $12 million, making her one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood at the time.
Given the franchise’s success, Goldberg is now set to star in and produce Sister Act 3, which will be released in 2025.
Broadway and Theater Success
Goldberg’s talents also extend to Broadway and theater. After being discovered by director Mike Nichols, she brought her one-woman show The Spook Show to Broadway, where it was renamed Whoopi Goldberg: Direct From Broadway.
This performance earned her a Grammy for the audio recording and solidified her as a major theater talent.
Throughout the years, Goldberg continued her theater career, starring in Broadway productions such as A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum (1996) and Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won her a Tony Award in 2002 as a producer.
She also starred in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (2003) and took on roles in Xanadu (2008) and Sister Act: The Musical in London’s West End (2010).
Her diverse theater work further contributes to her wealth, demonstrating her long-standing influence in the entertainment industry.
Television: High Earnings from Acting and Producing
Though Goldberg is primarily known for her film and talk show roles, she has also had a notable presence on television.
In addition to The View, Goldberg starred in her own sitcom Whoopi (2003-2004), which was short-lived but still significant in her career.
She also appeared in Bagdad Cafe (1990-1991), Star Trek: The Next Generation (as Guinan), and many other TV shows over the years, including 30 Rock, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Glee.
Goldberg’s versatility in TV acting and production has added to her wealth. Notably, she also produced Strong Medicine, a medical drama, and starred in the animated series M.O.D.O.K. (2021).
Books: Earning from Writing and Publishing
Goldberg is also an accomplished author. She has written several books, including The Sugar Plum Ballerinas series for children, Whoopi’s Big Book of Manners, and The Unqualified Hostess.
In 2024, she released her memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, which reached #5 on the New York Times Best Seller list for hardcover nonfiction.
While it’s unclear how much Goldberg has earned from her books, the success of her written works has certainly contributed to her wealth and solidified her reputation as a multifaceted entertainer.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Goldberg has ventured into several endorsement deals throughout her career. She appeared in advertisements for brands like Slim-Fast, Poise, and Gap, though her Slim-Fast contract ended early after a controversial joke. Her most recent endorsement deal is with Nurtec, a migraine medication.
In addition to endorsements, Goldberg has expanded her brand through business ventures, particularly in the cannabis industry.
In 2016, she co-founded Whoopi & Maya, a medical cannabis company aimed at helping women with menstrual pain.
Although the company ceased operations in 2020, Goldberg and Maya Elisabeth launched a new cannabis line, Emma & Clyde, in 2024, named after Goldberg’s late family members.
Goldberg has also developed a clothing line, Dubgee, focused on comfort and inclusivity, offering a range of sizes. She has spoken about being hands-on with the designs, ensuring that the clothes reflect her personal style and values.
Real Estate: A Significant Investment
Goldberg’s real estate portfolio is another source of her wealth. She owns a 23-room mansion in West Orange, New Jersey, which she purchased for $2.8 million in 2009.
She also owns properties in California, including a Pacific Palisades home she listed for $8.8 million in 2018 after buying it for $2.5 million in 1993.
In Vermont, Goldberg purchased a 745-acre farm in 2004, later listing it for $2.3 million after extensive renovations.
She made a profit from a Berkeley, California home, which she sold for $1.275 million in 2015, having bought it for $335,000 in 1985.
Her extensive property holdings contribute to her overall net worth, further solidifying her financial stability.
