Whoopi Goldberg candidly revealed that many of her most iconic roles, including Ghost and Sister Act, only came to her because other actors turned them down. In the Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, the Oscar-winning actress discusses Hollywood’s casting process, her rise to fame, and the real reason she refuses to return to the Kennedy Center.
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Whoopi Goldberg’s Hollywood Journey: How Missed Opportunities for Others Became Her Biggest Wins
Whoopi Goldberg is one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actresses, but her road to success wasn’t as smooth as many might assume. In the new Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, Goldberg opens up about how she landed some of her most well-known roles—not because she was the first choice, but because other stars passed on them.
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From Jumpin’ Jack Flash to Ghost, the Academy Award-winning actress found herself stepping into roles that had originally been intended for others. Rather than seeing it as a setback, Goldberg used it to her advantage, proving that the industry’s rejections could turn into golden opportunities. But her candid remarks about this process—some of which carried a sharp, almost condescending tone—have sparked discussion among fans and critics alike.
Whoopi’s Rise to Stardom: The Roles That Almost Weren’t Hers
Goldberg’s breakthrough came in 1985 with The Color Purple, a critically acclaimed film directed by Steven Spielberg. Her powerful performance earned her an Oscar nomination, solidifying her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. But even with such a prestigious nod, she soon realized that success in the industry often depended on luck, timing, and, in her case, the decisions of other actors.
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In the documentary, Goldberg details how she actively sought out roles that had been greenlit but later abandoned by other stars. Some of the biggest films of her career only came her way because well-known actors turned them down:
- Jumpin’ Jack Flash was originally meant for Shelley Long, but when Long declined, Goldberg took over the role.
- Burglar was set for Bruce Willis, but when he backed out, Goldberg stepped in.
- Fatal Beauty could have starred Cher, but she turned it down, opening the door for Goldberg.
- Sister Act, one of Goldberg’s most famous roles, was first offered to Bette Midler, who declined before Goldberg took over.
- Ghost wasn’t originally intended for her either, but Patrick Swayze personally insisted she be cast, which led to her Oscar win.
Rather than waiting for Hollywood to embrace her with open arms, Goldberg carved her own path by embracing these second-choice roles and turning them into box-office hits.
From Oscar Winner to Hollywood Legend: Whoopi’s Perspective on the Industry
Goldberg’s ability to turn passed-over roles into career-defining performances is a testament to her undeniable talent. However, her comments in the documentary suggest a mix of humor, confidence, and perhaps a hint of resentment. While she acknowledges the circumstances that led to her success, her tone when referring to the actors who rejected these roles has been perceived by some as dismissive.
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The documentary also touches on Goldberg’s thoughts about Hollywood’s casting dynamics and how opportunities for Black actors were historically limited. She notes that even after her Oscar nomination for The Color Purple, she still wasn’t at the top of Hollywood’s A-list for major film roles. This reality pushed her to think outside the box and seize opportunities wherever they arose, even if they were initially meant for someone else.
Her experience serves as a powerful reminder of Hollywood’s unpredictability—where one actor’s rejection can become another’s career-defining moment.
Whoopi’s Legacy: Why Fans Are Divided on Her Comments
Goldberg’s remarks in Number One on the Call Sheet have sparked mixed reactions. Some fans admire her honesty and resilience, seeing her journey as proof that talent and perseverance can overcome industry biases. Others, however, feel that her comments about the actors who turned down these roles come across as overly dismissive.
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Regardless of interpretation, there’s no denying Goldberg’s lasting impact on Hollywood. She remains one of the few entertainers to achieve EGOT status (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony Awards), solidifying her place among the industry’s greatest.
Her journey is a testament to the idea that success isn’t always about being the first choice—it’s about making the most of every opportunity that comes your way.
Whoopi’s Journey Proves That Hollywood Rejections Can Lead to Iconic Success
Whoopi Goldberg’s revelations in Number One on the Call Sheet shed light on how unpredictable Hollywood can be. While many of her biggest roles were initially meant for others, she transformed them into unforgettable performances that defined her career.
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Her candid, sometimes cutting, reflections on this journey have sparked debate, but they also highlight an important truth: success isn’t just about being the first pick—it’s about proving why you were the right pick all along.
Love her or not, Whoopi Goldberg’s career is a masterclass in resilience, talent, and seizing the moment. What do you think of her comments? Share your thoughts below!
