Whoopi Goldberg’s Family, Relationships, and Friendships: The Full Story
Whoopi Goldberg has spoken often about the importance of family, friendships, and relationships in her life. She built her career with help from friends and connections, and her family background played a big role in shaping her. These personal ties have supported her through success, challenges, and change.
Family and Early Life
Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson in New York City in 1955. Her mother, Emma Harris, worked as both a teacher and a nurse, while her father, Robert James Johnson, was a clergyman. Goldberg grew up in a single-parent household after her father left.
Her mother raised her and her brother, Clyde, in Manhattan. Goldberg attended local schools and later studied drama at HB Studio. The support she received at home influenced her early interest in performing.
Whoopi Goldberg has one biological daughter, Alex Martin, who was born in 1973. Alex has worked as an actress and film producer. Goldberg became a mother before gaining fame, and her daughter has often accompanied her to public events.
Goldberg has no current spouse. She was previously married three times but has not remarried since her last divorce. She currently lives in New York.
| Name | Relation | Birth Year |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Harris | Mother | Unknown |
| Robert J. Johnson | Father | Unknown |
| Clyde Johnson | Brother | Unknown |
| Alex Martin | Daughter | 1973 |
Relationships in Goldberg’s Life
Whoopi Goldberg has had several public relationships and marriages. She married Alvin Martin in 1973, and together they had a daughter, Alex Martin. Their marriage ended in divorce in 1979. She later married David Claessen, a Dutch cinematographer, in 1986. This marriage lasted until 1988.
Goldberg married Lyle Trachtenberg, a union organizer and actor, in 1994. They divorced in 1995. Beyond her marriages, Goldberg had relationships with men in the entertainment world, including actor Ted Danson and Frank Langella. Many of these relationships became public due to her fame.
Goldberg has often shared that she is more comfortable being single. She has said that marriage was not a good fit for her, and her relationships often ended due to differences in expectations or lifestyle. She is known for her openness and honesty about her personal life.
| Name | Relationship Type | Time Period |
|---|---|---|
| Alvin Martin | Ex-Husband | 1973–1979 |
| David Claessen | Ex-Husband | 1986–1988 |
| Lyle Trachtenberg | Ex-Husband | 1994–1995 |
| Ted Danson | Ex-Boyfriend | Early 1990s |
| Frank Langella | Ex-Boyfriend | Late 1990s |
Friends and Longstanding Connections
Whoopi Goldberg has built lasting friendships in the entertainment industry and beyond. She became close to Robin Williams after working together on Comic Relief. Their friendship lasted until Williams’ death in 2014. Goldberg has also known Billy Crystal for decades, and they teamed up on stage and television.
Another close friend is Joy Behar, whom she met through their shared role as hosts on The View. Goldberg values friends who support her and challenge her directly. She often says that strong friendships are necessary for staying grounded.
Even after losing friends to death or drifting apart, Goldberg keeps their memories alive in her conversations and tributes. Her friendships have helped her navigate both public and private life.
| Name | Known Since | Profession |
|---|---|---|
| Robin Williams | 1980s | Actor/Comedian |
| Billy Crystal | 1980s | Actor/Comedian |
| Joy Behar | 2007 | TV Host/Comedian |
