The Story Behind Her Name
The distinctive name “Whoopi” draws an amusing connection to the whoopie cushion, inspired by the practical challenges of live stage performances. Whoopi Goldberg herself recounted how the natural bodily reactions during performances led her peers to liken her to the humorous device, thus birthing her stage name.
Initially considering “Cushion” with a French twist as her last name, she ultimately opted for “Goldberg” upon her mother’s advice, reflecting her diverse ancestry, which she believed included Jewish heritage alongside her African American roots.
