At 70, Whoopi Goldberg is still shining bright on the big screen. Her impressive filmography boasts a diverse range of roles that showcase her remarkable talent and versatility. From critically acclaimed dramas to comedy classics, here are ten of her best films, featuring the actress in starring or supporting roles.
10. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
In this powerful drama, Goldberg plays Valerie, a soothing presence among the patients at a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. Her understated performance provides emotional grounding as she navigates the complexities of human relationships with her co-stars Vanessa Redgrave and Jeffrey Tambor.
9. Made in America (1993)
This comedy-drama follows Goldberg's character, Jane, a musician who embarks on a road trip with two women after a break-up. With its unique blend of humor and pathos, the film highlights Goldberg's ability to convey complexity and vulnerability.
8. Boys on the Side (1995)
In this road movie, Goldberg plays Jane, a free-spirited musician who joins her friends Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) and Holly (Drew Barrymore) on a journey of self-discovery. Her performance adds depth and warmth to the film's exploration of female relationships and identity.
7. The Long Walk Home (1990)
In this drama, Goldberg stars as a loyal servant in a 1950s Alabama household where racial tensions are palpable. Her nuanced portrayal brings attention to the often-overlooked experiences of African American domestic workers during this period.
6. Monkeybone (2001)
In this quirky fantasy film, Goldberg plays Death, a character whose role is equal parts bizarre and endearing. Her performance adds a touch of whimsy to the story, which explores themes of identity and mortality.
5. The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
This drama follows Goldberg's character, a detective investigating the disappearance of a young boy. With its rich emotional depth, the film showcases Goldberg's ability to convey empathy and understanding in her performances.
4. Sister Act (1992)
In this comedy classic, Goldberg plays Deloris, a sassy singer who joins a convent after witnessing a murder. Her performance brings energy and humor to the film, which also features an all-star cast including Maggie Smith and Kathy Najimy.
3. The Color Purple (1985)
This Oscar-winning drama marked Goldberg's film debut and cemented her status as a rising star. Her portrayal of Celie, a young woman struggling with poverty and abuse, is a powerful testament to her talent and range.
2. The Player (1992)
In this satirical comedy-drama, Goldberg plays a detective who becomes embroiled in the world of Hollywood politics. With its clever script and talented cast, including Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis, the film showcases Goldberg's ability to play complex characters with wit and charm.
1. Ghost (1990)
This romantic thriller cemented Goldberg's status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her performance as Oda Mae Brown, a medium who helps her client communicate with his deceased wife, is both nuanced and captivating, earning her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout her illustrious career, Whoopi Goldberg has consistently demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress. These ten films showcase her ability to tackle complex roles, convey emotion with subtlety, and bring humor and wit to even the most challenging characters.
10. Girl, Interrupted (1999)
In this powerful drama, Goldberg plays Valerie, a soothing presence among the patients at a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. Her understated performance provides emotional grounding as she navigates the complexities of human relationships with her co-stars Vanessa Redgrave and Jeffrey Tambor.
9. Made in America (1993)
This comedy-drama follows Goldberg's character, Jane, a musician who embarks on a road trip with two women after a break-up. With its unique blend of humor and pathos, the film highlights Goldberg's ability to convey complexity and vulnerability.
8. Boys on the Side (1995)
In this road movie, Goldberg plays Jane, a free-spirited musician who joins her friends Robin (Mary-Louise Parker) and Holly (Drew Barrymore) on a journey of self-discovery. Her performance adds depth and warmth to the film's exploration of female relationships and identity.
7. The Long Walk Home (1990)
In this drama, Goldberg stars as a loyal servant in a 1950s Alabama household where racial tensions are palpable. Her nuanced portrayal brings attention to the often-overlooked experiences of African American domestic workers during this period.
6. Monkeybone (2001)
In this quirky fantasy film, Goldberg plays Death, a character whose role is equal parts bizarre and endearing. Her performance adds a touch of whimsy to the story, which explores themes of identity and mortality.
5. The Deep End of the Ocean (1999)
This drama follows Goldberg's character, a detective investigating the disappearance of a young boy. With its rich emotional depth, the film showcases Goldberg's ability to convey empathy and understanding in her performances.
4. Sister Act (1992)
In this comedy classic, Goldberg plays Deloris, a sassy singer who joins a convent after witnessing a murder. Her performance brings energy and humor to the film, which also features an all-star cast including Maggie Smith and Kathy Najimy.
3. The Color Purple (1985)
This Oscar-winning drama marked Goldberg's film debut and cemented her status as a rising star. Her portrayal of Celie, a young woman struggling with poverty and abuse, is a powerful testament to her talent and range.
2. The Player (1992)
In this satirical comedy-drama, Goldberg plays a detective who becomes embroiled in the world of Hollywood politics. With its clever script and talented cast, including Julia Roberts and Bruce Willis, the film showcases Goldberg's ability to play complex characters with wit and charm.
1. Ghost (1990)
This romantic thriller cemented Goldberg's status as a leading lady in Hollywood. Her performance as Oda Mae Brown, a medium who helps her client communicate with his deceased wife, is both nuanced and captivating, earning her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
Throughout her illustrious career, Whoopi Goldberg has consistently demonstrated her versatility and range as an actress. These ten films showcase her ability to tackle complex roles, convey emotion with subtlety, and bring humor and wit to even the most challenging characters.
. She's always been a talented actress and comedian, and it's great to see her continue to showcase her range in films like this list. The thing is, though, the entertainment industry can be super competitive, especially for women of color... idk if she'd still be as prominent if the game was different 
. On a more positive note, I love that she's still able to bring so much depth and nuance to her roles - it's really inspiring to see someone push past 70 and keep crushing it 
.
. And what about all these feel-good biopsies about her life? You know, like that Oprah special where they asked her about her "inner child"... come on, it's just a clever ploy to keep us from questioning the true nature of her rise to fame 
. Mark my words, there's more to Whoopi Goldberg than meets the eye...
. I mean, 70 and still killing it in Hollywood? That's insane! She’s been in so many iconic movies over the years, from comedy classics like Sister Act to dramatic roles that showcase her incredible talent 
. I love how she can go from playing a sassy singer to a complex character in The Color Purple - it just goes to show how versatile an actress she is 
. And let's not forget about her Oscar win for Ghost 
... seriously, Whoopi Goldberg is the ultimate Hollywood icon 
.
. I mean, don't get me wrong, she's talented and all, but let's be real, some of these films are just kinda... basic 
.
I mean, 70 and still killing it? That's what I call dedication. And can we talk about her film choices for a sec? From drama to comedy, she's proven herself to be so versatile. I love how she's been able to tackle complex roles with such ease and conviction. The fact that these movies are classics is just a testament to her talent 
And have you noticed how many of these films deal with female empowerment and identity? It's like she's been paving the way for other actresses all along 
Anyway, I think it's cool that they're highlighting her classic roles but can we get some new material from her for once? 
. i mean, who else can make a character like death in monkeybone (2001) 
or the deep end of the ocean (1999) 
? her range is insane 
. she's more than just an actress, she's a storyteller 
?
, it's like she's the calming presence everyone needs 
. But what I love most about Whoopi is how she can make you laugh one minute and bring tears to your eyes the next 
. I love how these films showcase her range, from the more serious dramas like The Long Walk Home to the funnier ones like Sister Act. She's truly a talented actress who can bring energy and charisma to any role 
.
i mean, have you seen her in ghost? she was oda maebrown, a total game changer 
i think what impresses me most about her films is how versatile she is - from drama to comedy, she can totally own any role 
The only thing that really matters is what she thinks about her own career 
that performance is just iconic. and i love how she's been able to transition from drama to comedy and back again - she's like a chameleon on screen 
.
.
Whoopi is a total legend and her filmography is so inspiring! I mean, Girl, Interrupted (1999) is like one of my all-time fave dramas - she's just so understated yet powerful in that role 
What a talent, what an icon! 
think its gonna be rough for the world
and Made in America is like her ultimate road trip vibes 
. And dont even get me started on The Color Purple 
- Girl, Interrupted and Ghost are definitely two of her standout films. But what I think is really admirable about Whoopi is that she's always been unafraid to take risks and push boundaries in her work. She's a true original, and we're all lucky to have had the chance to see her talent shine over the years