As a towering figure in the entertainment industry, Whoopi Goldberg’s name resonates with I’d say, all of us. Here’s my exclusive UK interview for you, the readers of Cardiff Times.
Q: Have you ever had the opportunity to perform in Wales before, and if so, what was that experience like for you?
A: The truth of the matter is: it’s possible, but I don’t remember everywhere I’ve performed in the UK, cause there have been several different places, but they’ve not all been together… so it’s been a little while! But I’m looking forward to it because I think I have some fun stuff to talk about… mostly about myself, my foolishness, and my crazy little weird life. So, I’m looking forward to it, and maybe I’ll have a new adventure in Wales!
Q: Your candid and unfiltered style on The View is legendary, and I’ve heard your tour will be packed with captivating stories. How did you select the tales you’ll share, and what guided your choices for which moments to highlight?
A: Let me be very clear, I’m not bringing any stories from the View. That’s a whole other… that’s a different world from what I’m doing right now. I’m coming, and I’m talking about myself and the stuff that’s got me going nuts. You know, ageing, all those great things! That’s what I’m into. That’s what I’ll be talking about. And, errr.. hopefully people will be able to relate to some of this stuff because it doesn’t really matter where you are. When you’re growing up, it’s tough, man! It’s hard to be a grown-up; that’s what we’re all facing, and that’s what I’m talking about.
I’m also looking forward to just sitting on stage with Jennifer Saunders. Who, to me, is just one of the all-time great funny women. And just talking to her, I haven’t talked to her for forever, so I’m excited about it. I’m very, very excited about it.
Q: What is the most audacious or unconventional question you’ve ever been asked?
A: I’m not sure… You know, I’ve been around a long time, and people have asked me any number of insane questions, and I’ve probably given equally insane answers. But I don’t really remember them. It’s like when people come up and say lines to me from my movies; oftentimes, I have no idea what they’re talking about. This is what happens when you get old!
Q: Of all the prestigious accolades you’ve earned—an Oscar, Emmy, Tony, Grammy, or another honour—which holds the deepest personal significance for you?
A: Any time I can work, it means a lot to me. If somebody gives me an award for it, for ten seconds I’m sceptical, but then I figure this is what they wanna do and I’m open to it. Because rewards are great, but you know, they’re subject to other people’s opinions. So, I try to stick to my own opinions, and all the awards are hidden on the third floor of my house. It’s like a treasure… You have to go for a … what do you call it… a treasure hunt! But they’re all there.
Q: Which of your performances have you found to be the most fulfilling, which posed the most significant challenge, and what made these experiences stand out in your journey?
A: I think the most challenging was in a film called ‘For Coloured Girls’. And the most rewarding was ‘The Lion King’, ’cause I got to hang out with my… little kid, little granddaughter. She must’ve been maybe six or seven or something. And we’re sitting there, and James Earl Jones is sitting next to us, and I introduce her, and I say: “Hey! This is Simba’s dad. He’s playing Simba’s dad”, and he says, “Hello Amara”, in this very James Earl Jones voice, and she freaks out! And I say to her, “What’s the matter?” and she whispers back, “…Darth Vader!”. You know? That’s the kind of stuff that’s rewarding to me. I appreciated the fact that he freaked her out a little bit. Not because (laughs) he was Simba’s dad, but because he was Darth Vader. Gotta love it!
Whoopi Goldberg: Live – Utilita Arena, Cardiff, Friday, 5th September.
Image courtesy of Timothy White
