Skip to content

Top Navigation

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • News
  • Fashion
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore InStyle

InStyle InStyle InStyle InStyle
  • Explore

    Explore

    • The 8 Breakout Hair Color Trends of Winter 2021

      Expect to see these shades all over Instagram. Read More Next
    • What Is a Capsule Wardrobe? 10 Tips to Help You De-Clutter Your Closet

      Fashion designer Misha Nonoo weighs in on the essential items that'll make your 'nothing to wear' days a thing of the past. Read More Next
    • "Maskne" Is a Thing — Here's How to Fight Face Mask Breakouts

      As if stress breakouts weren't bad enough. Read More Next
  • News
  • Fashion

    Fashion

    See All Fashion

    How to Find the Best Color to Wear For Your Skin Tone

    It's not as tricky as you think.
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Street Style
    • Look of the Day
    • Fashion Week
  • Celebrity

    Celebrity

    See All Celebrity

    The 35 Most Naked Dresses of All Time

    Naked dresses are perhaps the most impressive of all red carpet feats. While they may not always make the best-dressed list, they do require a certain breed of celebrity to pull off. Not only do you have to have the balls to risk a wardrobe malfunction, but you have to do it with enough confidence that you look fierce — not terrified — in the photographs. Take Naomi Campbell's appearance in Valentino's couture show during the spring/summer 2019 presentation. The legendary model gracefully strutted down the runway in a see-through gown with a ruffle skirt. (Click through the gallery for the NSFW photo).  Get the inside scoop on all your favorite celebrities with our FREE daily newsletter, InStyle Celebrity. Breaking news, relationship updates, hairstyle inspo, fashion trends, and more direct to your inbox! Let's not forget Rihanna’s infamous CFDA dress either. The girl rocked a completely sheer dress without a bra — and later remarked that her only regret was not wearing a bedazzled thong to match. That, my friends, is dedication. Then, there was the year 2015, when the Met Gala saw not one nor two but three naked dresses on the red carpet, all worn by Hollywood’s hottest A-listers. Jennifer Lopez, above, bared her famous curves in a custom Atelier Versace illusion gown. Beyoncé was nearly naked in Givenchy. And Kim Kardashian West almost looked modest in comparison in her sheer Roberto Cavalli dress, because no one’s getting naked without KKW joining in. Click through to see the best naked dresses of all time.
    • Awards and Events
    • Celebrity Transformations
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Music
  • Beauty

    Beauty

    See All Beauty

    13 Steps You Can Take to Stop Stubborn Cystic Acne, According to Experts

    If you're struggling with breakouts on your chin and jaw area, read this. 
    • Makeup
    • Best Beauty Buys
    • Health & Fitness
    • Skincare
  • Hair

    Hair

    See All Hair

    The 5 Haircut Trends That Will Dominate 2020

    The beginning of the new year comes with the irresistible urge to start over fresh, which means it's a great time to get a haircut.  This decade's first big hair trends include looks at every length that can be tailored to your hair texture and personal style. For anyone with a blunt bob — the most popular haircut of the past few years — you probably already guessed that the cut will still be going strong into the next decade. But there will be a few tweaks. As seen on Kerry Washington, 2020's bob has textured, softer edges, and looks amazing whether you part it down the middle or off to the side.  RELATED: The 10 Hairstyles You'll See Everywhere This Winter But if you swear that 2020 is going to be the year you finally grow out your hair, let Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian's extra-long lengths be your inspiration. Or, you can get the look instantly with the help of some clip in extensions.  To help you figure out how to wear your hair in the new year, we've rounded up the five biggest haircut trends of 2020, so you'll be sure of what you want before you head to the salon in January.  VIDEO: The Five Biggest Haircut Trends of 2020
    • Celeb Hairstyles
    • Color Ideas
    • Long Hairstyles
    • Medium Hairstyles
    • Short Hairstyles
  • Lifestyle

    Lifestyle

    See All Lifestyle

    Your Essential Keto Grocery List

    If you're embarking on the keto diet, here are the must-have items to add to your cart.
    • Travel
    • Weddings
    • Books
    • Food and Drink
    • Home and Decorating
  • Politics & Social Issues

    Politics & Social Issues

    See All Politics & Social Issues

    Of Course Kamala Harris Is Ready to Be President

    The senator has been criticized for seeming too ambitious — but that's kind of the point.
    • Women in Politics
    • Women's Movements
    • Equal Pay
    • Motherhood & Parenting
    • Charity
    • Career
    • Choose 2020
  • Pop Culture

    Pop Culture

    See All Pop Culture

    Introducing InStyle's First Podcast: Ladies First with Laura Brown

    Join editor in chief Laura Brown as she talks to trailblazers like Emily Ratajkowski, Michelle Pfeiffer and Storm Reid about their historic "firsts" in the industry.
    • TV Shows
    • Movies
    • Books
    • Music
    • Social Media
    • Ladies First Podcast With Laura Brown
  • How To
  • Shopping

    Shopping

    See All Shopping

    The 13 Best Shapewear Pieces to Shop, According to Thousands of Customer Reviews

    Upgrade your lingerie drawer with these top-rated body shapers.
    • Celebrity Looks
    • Clothing
    • Accessories
    • Beauty
    • Home and Decor
    • Holiday Gift Guides
  • Video
  • In The Mag

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now / Your Account
  • Newsletter
  • Email Preferences this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout

More

  • Give a Gift Subscription this link opens in a new tab
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home Chevron Right
  2. Celebrity Chevron Right
  3. Happy Birthday, Whoopi Goldberg: See the EGOT Winner's Life in Photos

Happy Birthday, Whoopi Goldberg: See the EGOT Winner's Life in Photos

By Jane Asher
Updated Nov 13, 2016 @ 7:30 am
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Neilson Barnard/Getty

Actress, comedian, talk show host, Broadway star, and all-around awesome human being, Whoopi Goldberg turns 61 years old today, and to commemorate the momentous occasion, we're taking a look back at her impressive EGOT life in photos.

What's an EGOT, you ask? When an actor or entertainer manages to win an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony, they are inducted into the (unofficial) EGOT club, which today includes just 12 entertainers (among them are Audrey Hepburn, actor-director Mel Brooks, and composer Richard Rogers).

Goldberg's first win came in 1985, a best comedy album Grammy Award for Whoopi Goldberg – Original Broadway Show Recording. She then made her her mark on Hollywood the same year in the moving film The Color Purple, starring alongside Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover as Celie Johnson, a young African-American woman growing up in the South. The movie premiered to critical success and the rising actress won a Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Drama.

She went on to star in 1990's Ghost, for which she won an Oscar in the best supporting actress category. In 2002 she won an outstanding special class program Daytime Emmy for hosting Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel, an AMC special.

That same year Goldberg won her Tony Award, the final piece of the EGOT puzzle, as a producer of the Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won best musical in 2002.

VIDEO: Emmy Awards 2016: See the Stars on the Red Carpet

Happy birthday to the extremely talented entertainer! Take a look at her best on and off screen moments from over the years below.

Start Slideshow

1 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The Color Purple, 1985

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Goldberg's first major movie role as Celie Johnson won her a Golden Globe Award for best actress in 1986.

1 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

28th Annual Grammy Awards, 1986

Credit: Ron Galella/WireImage

Goldberg holds a Grammy Award for best comedy recording, her first trophy on her way to EGOT status.

2 of 10

3 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Ghost, 1990

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Goldberg starred alongside Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze as Oda Mae Brown, a medium who helps a murdered Swayze make things right and connect with his mourning girlfriend (Moore) in the mortal world.

3 of 10

Advertisement

4 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

63rd Academy Awards, 1991

Credit: Ron Galella, Ltd./WireImage

Goldberg won an Oscar in the best supporting actress category for her work in 1990's Ghost.

4 of 10

5 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sister Act, 1992

Credit: Gado/Getty

Another one of Goldberg's career-defining roles is Deloris, a singer from Reno who witnesses a murder and is then hidden in a convent under a witness protection program. Many laughs and many songs ensue.

5 of 10

6 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Girl, Interrupted, 1999

Credit: Alamy Stock Photo

Although many people remember this film for Angelina Jolie's enigmatic and Oscar-winning performance as Lisa, we can't forget Goldberg's turn as nurse Valerie.

6 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Host of the 74th Academy Awards, 2002

Credit: TIMOTHY A. CLARY/AFP/Getty

Goldberg hosted the show for the fourth and final (as of now) time in 2002.

7 of 10

8 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

56th Annual Tony Awards, 2002

Credit: James Devaney/WireImage

Goldberg completed her EGOT with a Tony Award for her production work on Thoroughly Modern Millie, which won best musical that year.

8 of 10

9 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

The View, 2007 to Today

Credit: Heidi Gutman/ABC

Goldberg first joined The View as one of the show's hosts in 2007 and won a Daytime Emmy for her work on it in 2009. She's still going strong as a moderator on the show today.

9 of 10

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 10

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Walking the Opening Ceremony Fashion Show, 2016

Credit: JP Yim/Getty

Goldberg walked in the politically charged Opening Ceremony fashion show at NYFW in September 2016. The EGOT champ killed it, as per usual.

10 of 10

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jane Asher

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 10 The Color Purple, 1985
2 of 10 28th Annual Grammy Awards, 1986
3 of 10 Ghost, 1990
4 of 10 63rd Academy Awards, 1991
5 of 10 Sister Act, 1992
6 of 10 Girl, Interrupted, 1999
7 of 10 Host of the 74th Academy Awards, 2002
8 of 10 56th Annual Tony Awards, 2002
9 of 10 The View, 2007 to Today
10 of 10 Walking the Opening Ceremony Fashion Show, 2016

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
InStyle InStyle

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Accolades Licensing
  • Content Licensing
  • Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletter
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
  • Travel & Leisure this link opens in a new tab
InStyle is part of the Meredith Beauty Group. © Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. InStyle may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.instyle.com

View image

Happy Birthday, Whoopi Goldberg: See the EGOT Winner's Life in Photos
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.