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Often times, when somebody changes their name, it'll be due to family reasons or they'll simply go for a variation of their original name, but there's a world of difference between Caryn Elaine Johnson and Whoopi Goldberg. Here's the real reason why the star changed her name.
Caryn Elaine Johnson (born November 13, 1955), [1][2][3] known professionally as Whoopi Goldberg (/ ˈwʊpi /), is an American actor, comedian, author, and television personality. [4][5] The recipient of numerous accolades, she is one of few people to receive an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Tony Award, collectively known as the EGOT.
Whoopi’s real name is Caryn Elaine Johnson. She was born on November 13, 1955, to Emma Harris and Robert Johnson Jr. in New York City, New York. Whoopi had a childhood that was less than...
When Whoopi was born, she was given the more conventional name Caryn Elaine Johnson. She changed her last name to Goldberg because she thought it better represented her Jewish heritage; meanwhile, her first name comes from a far less serious place.
Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson in the Chelsea section of Manhattan on November 13, 1955. Her mother, Emma (Harris), was a teacher and a nurse, and her father, Robert James Johnson, Jr., was a clergyman. Whoopi's recent ancestors were from Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
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.
Whoopi has addressed the origin of her first and last name several times over the years. “ I happen to be gaseous ,” she told Reuters while prepping for a Broadway show in the late ’90s.
Quick Facts. Original name: Caryn Elaine Johnson. Born: November 13, 1955, New York, New York, U.S. (age 68) Awards And Honors: Academy Award (1991) Grammy Award (1985) Academy Award (1991): Actress in a Supporting Role. Golden Globe Award (1991): Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.
Whoopi Goldberg was born Caryn Elaine Johnson in the Chelsea section of Manhattan on November 13, 1955. Her mother, Emma (Harris), was a teacher and a nurse, and her father, Robert James Johnson, Jr., was a clergyman. Whoopi's recent ancestors were from Georgia, Florida, and Virginia.
Goldberg is a surname of German and Yiddish origin that can have biblical or geographic roots, or acts as a way to honor a matriarch in the family named Golda. The Sister Act star was not born with the stage name commonly associated with her; she was actually born as Caryn Elaine Johnson.