6 Of Whoopi Goldberg's Most Iconic Roles in Honor Of Her 66th Birthday!

Celebrate the EGOT-honored actress, comedian, host, and humanitarian as she celebrates another rotation around the sun.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 01: Whoopi Goldberg attends the ColorComm 10 Year Anniversary Luncheon at Daniel on October 01, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for ColorComm)

By Rivea Ruff · Updated November 13, 2021

Whoopi Goldberg has now been a fixture in the entertainment industry for four decades. From her early days in the ’80’s with Oscar-nominated dramas like The Color Purple and comedy classics like Jumping Jack Flash, into the 90’s when she became a Millenial icon with her roles in the Sister Act series and Ghost, to the current day with her keeping it real and raw on The View and starring in cultural events like the upcoming comedy series Harlem, Goldberg has inspired generations.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 13: Whoopi Goldberg attends 2021 Costume Institute Benefit – In America: A Lexicon of Fashion at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on September 13, 2021 in New York City. (Photo by Sean Zanni/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images)

Thankfully, this industry icon has been given her flowers over the years in the form of big wins for 2 Emmys (in 2002 for Outstanding Special Class Special for Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel and in 2009 for Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host for The View), a Grammy (in 1986 for Best Comedy Album for Whoopi Goldberg: Original Broadway Show Recording), an Oscar (in 1990, Best Supporting Actress for Ghost), and a Tony award (in 2002, Best Musical for Thoroughly Modern Millie), making her a rare EGOT-recipient.

As she celebrates her 66th birthday today, take a look back at some of her most iconic film roles over the years.

The Color Purple

Whoopi wowed both film fans and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences with her portrayal of Celie, the protagonist and narrator of Stephen Speilberg’s critically acclaimed adaptation of Alice Walker’s classic novel of the same name. As Celie moves from abused and insecure to strong-willed and unbreakable through an upbringing in the rural Jim Crow south, we can’t help but root for her.

Photo Credit: Warner Brothers

Sister Act / Sister Act 2

You’d have to literally live under a rock to not resonate with Sister Mary Clarence! Sister Act and its beloved sequel Sister Act 2 followed the plight of a Las Vegas lounge-singer fleeing to witness protection in a West-Coast convent after witnessing her mobster boyfriend getting mixed up in a major crime. Whoopi’s portrayal of the wise-cracking faux nun who gives her new sisters the gift of song has fans STILL clamoring for a third installment nearly 30 years later.

Ghost

Whoopi’s iconic 1990 portrayal of Oda Mae Brown, the supposedly faux-medium who discovers she has the true gift of clairvoyance through a run-in with a recently deceased spirit (Patrick Swayze), still resonates to this day. Everyone knows exactly where the phrase “Molly…you in danger girl” comes from, and the exact appropriate situations in which to use it three decades later. And who could ever forget the bright pink “power suit” she wore to the bank to withdraw millions?

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WATCH | Beads, Beats & Black Girl Magic

By Essence · Updated March 12, 2025

The road to the ESSENCE Festival of Culture™ is paved with beads, the lively sounds of brass bands, and the unstoppable spirit of the Mystic Krewe of Femme Fatale. For the fourth time, ESSENCE, Femme Fatale, and Coca-Cola® are joining forces to UPLIFT AND SHARE THE MOMENT—launching an unforgettable journey to EFOC with a spectacular Mardi Gras celebration like no other! This year, we’re cranking up the excitement by giving you an exclusive peek behind the scenes for the very first time!

Founded in 2013, the groundbreaking all-female Mardi Gras krewe made history as the first established by African American women for African American women—but its spirit of inclusivity welcomes everyone to join the fun!
Femme Fatale goes beyond the parade route, fostering a year-round sisterhood rooted in service, mentorship, and cultural pride. Through leadership programs, community outreach, and signature initiatives like Say Yes to the Prom Dress, the krewe uplifts and supports women of all ages. The hard work and dedication put into preparing for Mardi Gras is just as important as their year-round efforts.

Year after year, Femme Fatale goes all-in to refresh their floats, costumes, and throws, ensuring that each parade is an unforgettable experience. The process starts months before the parade, with members brainstorming ideas, designing intricate costumes, and collaborating with artisans to create custom throws.
The work that goes into it is a true labor of love—each costume, throw, and float serves as a reflection of the krewe’s creativity, passion, and dedication to putting on a show that reflects their commitment to the community.
And when it all comes together, the result is nothing short of pure joy! Like the ESSENCE Festival of Culture, Mardi Gras is a celebration of life, culture, and unity—an explosion of color, music, and energy that brings people together in a way that’s truly unforgettable.