The Root 100: Everything You Didn't Know About Whoopi Goldberg

Goldberg’s first major breakthrough came with her one woman show celebrating Moms Mabley. Over the years, the Oscar winner has talked about her admiration for Mabley and how she always felt the groundbreaking artist didn’t get her due.

Her game-changing one woman show wasn’t something you saw from many female comedians. Not the actual show featuring multiple memorable characters, but the fact that legendary director Mike Nichols saw the vision and took a chance on a Black woman. This was the first of many doors the Tony winner kicked open.

Other actresses could have delivered a beautiful version of Celie. But only Goldberg could have made her iconic. Yes, Celie is a resilient, strong, awe-inspiring character, but it’s the New York native’s spirit that makes the film version unforgettable.

Following her Hollywood breakout in “The Color Purple,” Goldberg did a number of big budget comedies that were hit or miss at the box office. What makes them so notable is that in the early ‘80s Black actresses weren’t being offered leading roles like this. They went to white actors like Robin Williams, Steve Martin, Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd. It was another door only she could’ve kicked in and held open for the next generation.

With her career hitting new heights, the award-winning performer never forgot her humble beginnings and used her fame to help others. She, Billy Crystal and Robin Williams hosted the annual Comic Relief charity benefit, making the event appointment viewing while raising money for important causes.

The comedy icon once again showed off her dramatic skills when she joined the “Star Trek” universe as Guinan, a wise, mysterious alien who offers Jean-Luc Picard and the crew of the Enterprise blunt, honest advice whenever they need it.

“Molly, you in danger, girl.” With that one line, Goldberg was on her way to an Oscar-winning performance and launched thousands of memes.

Despite her stratospheric rise and unprecedented success, Goldberg never shied away from telling Black stories. It’s one of the many qualities that’s made her such an influential artist to generations of entertainers.

Who knew that the story of a lounge singer hiding out with a group of nuns and joining their choir would become a classic? Obviously, Whoopi Goldberg knew.

Very few sequels live up to the original, but “Sister Act 2" totally does. Teaming up Sister Mary Clarence with teenagers full of attitude was a brilliant return to the story and delivered even more unforgettable moments to the franchise. We’ve been hearing about a possible “Sister Act 3" for years, but Goldberg says the death of Maggie Smith means they’ll have to rework the script, leading to more delays.

As if she already hadn’t made enough history, Goldberg kicked down another door when she became the first Black woman to host the show by herself. In fact, she’s actually hosted the show four times, generally receiving positive reactions for her work. Unfortunately for her fans, she doesn’t seem like she’s itching to emcee the big event again.

The legend once again used her star power to make sure our stories are told, beautifully portraying Myrlie Evers in this story of the re-trial of the man who killed her husband, Medgar Evers.

After memorable supporting roles in films like “How Stella Got Her Groove Back,” “Girl, Interrupted” and “Kingdom Come,” Goldberg joined the talk show as its moderator, bringing some much needed levity to its “Hot Topics” discussions. She’s often one of the most interesting voices when it comes to current events and politics.

Even at this stage of her career, the Emmy winner isn’t done kicking in doors. She’s using her name and influence to launch the All Women’s Sports Network (AWSN). As she told Jimmy Fallon, “If women are playing it, we’re showing it.”

If you thought the 70-year-old was done entertaining audiences, you were wrong. She’s set to bring Miss Hannigan to the stage when she joins the upcoming holiday production of “Annie.”