Whoopi Goldberg, the renowned actress, comedian, and television personality, has had a colorful personal life marked by three marriages and several significant relationships. Her journey through love and divorce offers a glimpse into the complexities of relationships in the spotlight, and why she ultimately prefers to keep to herself, proving that being single can sometimes beat out the alternative. Here’s a detailed look at Whoopi Goldberg’s marriages and notable relationships.
Whoopi Goldberg’s First and Second Husbands
Whoopi Goldberg, born Caryn Elaine Johnson on November 13, 1955, in New York City, began her career on stage before transitioning to film and television. Her first marriage was to Alvin Martin in 1973 when she was 18 years old. The couple had a daughter, Alex Martin, in 1973, but their marriage ended in divorce in 1979 after six years. Despite the end of their marriage, Whoopi remained close to her daughter, Alex, who has three children of her own.
After her divorce from Alvin Martin, Whoopi Goldberg found love again with David Claessen, a Dutch cinematographer. However, their marriage was short-lived, and they divorced in 1988 after just two years together. Despite the brevity of their marriage, David Claessen remains a significant part of Whoopi’s past.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Third Marriage with Lyle Trachtenberg
Whoopi Goldberg’s third marriage was to Lyle Trachtenberg, an American actor and union organizer. The couple married in 1994, but their marriage ended in divorce just a year later in 1995. Despite the short duration of their marriage, Lyle Trachtenberg remains a notable figure in Whoopi’s personal life. In addition to her three marriages, she had several significant relationships that have captured public attention.
One of the most notable was her relationship with Ted Danson, the star of “Cheers.” Whoopi and Ted began dating in 1992 while working together on the film “Made in America.” Their relationship was highly publicized, and they were even rumored to be planning a wedding once Ted’s divorce was finalized. However, their relationship ended in 1994, and Ted Danson later admitted that external pressures played a role in their breakup. She was also in a relationship with Frank Langella from 1995 to 2000.
Whoopi’s Goldberg Views on Marriage
Despite her multiple marriages, Whoopi Goldberg has expressed a preference for being single. In a 2016 interview with the New York Times, she revealed that she has only been in love once and that she is much happier on her own. She’s famously gone on record saying “I don’t want somebody in my house.” Goldberg enjoys the freedom of spending time with someone without the commitment of marriage. The Academy Award winner stated that she tried to conform to societal norms by getting hitched. However, she realized she wasn’t cut out for the married life.
Whoopi Goldberg’s marriages and divorces, along with her significant relationships, give a perspective into the challenges and joys of finding and maintaining love. Despite the ups and downs, Whoopi Goldberg continues to thrive in her career and personal life, being one of the most influential figures in Hollywood today.