‘The View’ cohost was originally born Caryn Johnson, but wanted a name that ‘sounded more interesting.’
View gallery
Image Credit: John Parra/Getty Images for GBK Productions
Whoopi Goldberg is ready to shine a light on how she got her stage name. In her new memoir titled Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me, The View cohost recalled the moment she didn’t want to be called her birth name, Caryn Johnson.
“Once I started getting parts in plays, I wanted a name that sounded more interesting,” Whoopi wrote in her book via Us Weekly. “Caryn Johnson wasn’t it.”
While working at various stage shows, Whoopi said that some people started calling her “Whoopi” because she “would sometimes let loose with a fart. I added ‘Cushione’ to it — with a French pronunciation.”
“I explained to her the whole farting thing,” Whoopi continued in her book. “‘Well, if you’re going to change your name and want people to take you seriously, you need a more substantial name,’ my mother advised me. I said, ‘Oh, really, great namer of the stars? What do you think it should be?’ She said, ‘Well, you should take one of the names from the family tree. How about Goldberg? That has a nice ring to it.’ That became my name.”
Whoopi Goldberg (Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
From that point on, “only my family and a few people who knew me early in my life still called me Caryn.”
Back in January 2024, Whoopi first announced her newest book project would honor her late mother and late brother Clyde K. Johnson. “This book is dedicated to my mother and my brother and our time together as a small, funny little unit,” she told People at the time. “It’s dedicated to anyone who’s found themselves on a scary path not of their choosing or dealing with loss.”
Whoopi’s mother died in 2010 after suffering a stroke. She was 78. Five years later, the actress mourned the death of her brother, who suffered a brain aneurysm at the age of 65.
“This book is dedicated to everyone who is just trying to figure out the small stuff,” Whoopi added, “as well as the stuff where you have to be more than you thought you could be and it’s dedicated to love.”
News
Breakiпg: Whoopi Goldberg aпd Joy Behar’s ‘The View’ Coпtracts Not Reпewed for 2024: ‘We’re Cleariпg Oυt Toxic Elemeпts from the Show – easylove
In a surprising turn of events that has left fans and industry insiders alike buzzing with speculation, ABC has announced that it will not be renewing the contracts of Whoopi Goldberg and Joy Behar, two of the most iconic co-hosts…
Everyone Is Destroying The WNBA After They Announced Their Odd Choice For All-Star Game Halftime Performer
Fans were not happy after finding out the halftime performer for this weekend’s 2024 WNBA All-Star Game. WNBA All-Star Game poster (Photo via @WNBA/X) The league has experienced an upsurge in interest following the arrival of rookies Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who are both…
VIDEO: Cameras Caught A Pissed Off Caitlin Clark Slamming Her Water Bottle & Scaring The Towel Girl After Breaking WNBA Record
It was a good and bad night for Caitlin Clark. Clark made a name for herself in college by scoring as she became the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer earlier this year. Caitlin Clark (Photo via juicifer_/Twitter) It appears she has gotten…
Shocking Insider Reports Reveal the Reason Why Klay Thompson and Gary Trent Jr. Trades Didn’t Work Out With the Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers began the summer hoping to improve their roster. Although they failed to sign any A-listers, they were connected to several players during free agency. Reports suggest the Lakers were interested in Klay Thompson and Gary Trent Jr. Jr. Klay…
VIDEO: Jayson Tatum Reveals The Secret To Becoming The ‘Next Face’ of NBA After LeBron James And Stephen Curry
Over the past decade, LeBron James and Stephen Curry have been the quintessential faces of the NBA. No player has been able to match the charisma and aura that the two stars carry. However, Jayson Tatum seems to have cracked the secret recipe the…
Report: Phoenix Suns Veteran Isaiah Thomas Recently Worked Out for Eastern Conference Powerhouse in Las Vegas Amid Trade Rumors
Isaiah Thomas joined the Phoenix Suns midway through last season. Meanwhile, he is now amid speculation about his future destination as the offseason progresses. Following his brief stint with the Suns, Thomas has captured the attention of various NBA teams looking to bolster…
End of content
No more pages to load