Unveiling the Fascinating Origins of Whoopi Goldberg's Stage Name in 'Bits and Pieces' Memoir

Whoopi Goldberg Shares Interesting Story Behind Stage Name in New Memoir

Whoopi Goldberg. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue

The reason behind Whoopi Goldberg's name is actually based on a personal experience in her life. "When I began getting roles in plays, I felt like I needed a more captivating name. Caryn Johnson just didn't cut it," Goldberg, who is 68 years old, shared in her memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, which was published on Tuesday, May 7th.

During her time working in different stage shows, Whoopi Goldberg revealed that she earned the nickname "Whoopi" because of her occasional flatulence. She later added "Cushione" to the nickname, pronouncing it in a French way.

After receiving her first review from journalist Welton Jones, Whoopi remembered her mother, Emma Harris, questioning the name change.

Goldberg wrote about a conversation she had with her mother on the phone. She explained to her mother that "Whoopi Cushione" was her nickname, similar to "whoopee cushion" with a French accent.

Her mother was curious about the name and asked more questions before suggesting a different name.

Goldberg recalled how she had a conversation with her mother about changing her name. Her mother advised her that if she wanted to be taken seriously, she needed a more substantial name. Playfully, Goldberg challenged her mother's naming skills and asked for a suggestion. Her mother recommended using a name from the family tree, like Goldberg. And that's how Goldberg became her name.

After that conversation, only her family and a few people who knew her early in life continued to call her Caryn.

Goldberg's memoir is a tribute to her late mother and brother, Clyde K. Johnson. Harris passed away at the age of 78 in 2010 after suffering a stroke, while Johnson died at 65 in 2015.

In the introduction of Bits and Pieces, Goldberg expressed her desire to share the story of her close-knit family, especially focusing on her mother. She emphasized the significant role her mother played in shaping her life and went on to share more about her childhood experiences.

Growing up, I didn't fully grasp the challenges my mother faced to provide for us. My parents had split up, and I didn't have my father around. Despite her efforts to seek support through the legal system, the courts weren't prioritizing assistance for Black women in our situation. Affording a lawyer to help was out of reach for us.

My mother made a conscious decision not to seek welfare assistance because she didn't want to deal with the negative perception associated with it.

“I saw her cry once or twice about being unable to pay her taxes,” Goldberg added. “But as a kid, I never grasped that we were always one paycheck away from the worst-case scenario.”

Editor's P/S:

Whoopi Goldberg's journey to finding her iconic stage name is a testament to her resilience and creativity. Her initial adoption of "Whoopi Cushione" as a nickname, due to her flatulence, showcases her ability to embrace her imperfections with humor. However, her mother's suggestion to use a family name, Goldberg, ultimately gave her the professional credibility she sought. This decision reflects the importance of family and heritage in shaping one's identity.

Goldberg's memoir also sheds light on the struggles faced by Black women in the past. Her mother's determination to provide for her family without seeking welfare assistance, despite the challenges, highlights the strength and resourcefulness of underprivileged communities. Goldberg's candid account of her childhood experiences provides a valuable perspective on the systemic barriers that continue to affect Black families today, making her story both inspiring and thought-provoking.