Iconic comedian set for UK return after 10 years and teases 'truths'
A huge stateside star is set to return to the UK for the first time in almost a decade. The intimate experience will see a UK audience able to grill the comedian-turned-actress for the first time in nearly 10 years - and they've been told to expect "stories, laughs and truths".
Iconic Sister Act actress Whoopi Goldberg, 69, heads back to the UK in September. A release for her two-date tour says: "Audiences are invited to experience an intimate evening with the multi-award-winning actress, author, and producer as she reflects on her extraordinary career and trailblazing journey, delivered with her trademark wit, warmth and razor-sharp candour."
It also revealed fans will get a chance to act the star questions in a Q&A segment, calling the experience "a rare and unmissable opportunity to witness a living legend up close".
Speaking ahead of the events in London and Cardiff, the host of stateside lunchtime chat show The View said: "I've always loved performing for UK audiences.
"I can't wait to take the stage at these two incredible venues and share some stories, some laughs, and maybe even a little truth."
As well as her roles on screen, Whoopi is also a bestselling author, producer, successful entrepreneur and noted humanitarian.
In recent months, Whoopi's comments on The View have led to a number of controversial moments. And at this year's Oscars, the star was jokingly told to "behave" by her daughter.
Whoopi gave Oscar aides a fierce side-eye on the red carpet when told to "move over further to the right". In response her daughter Alex Martin quipped, "I'm bad," prompting Goldberg to humorously retort, "I'm a good girl", according to lip reader NJ Hickling. The playful banter continued with Alex warning, "Hey behave, you're on camera," leading to laughter between the two.
And last year some of her followers were only just realising her name is actually her stage name. After decades in the industry, some fans were stunned to realise Whoopi's real name is Caryn Elanie Johnson.
In her memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, the Oscar winner shared the truth behind her unusual stage name after she had received countless questions about it throughout her long career.
She wrote: "Once I started getting parts in plays, I wanted a name that sounded more interesting. Caryn Johnson wasn't it. Some people at the Rep called me Whoopi because I would sometimes let loose with a fart. I added 'Cush-ione' to it, with a French pronunciation.
"Then, I got a review written by journalist Welton Jones. It was a good one, so I sent it to my mother. Later, when we talked on the phone, she said, 'What is this Whoopi Cushione?'
Her mum suggested changing Cushione to Goldberg to create a 'more substantial name' so she'd be taken more seriously by the industry."
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