The Heartbreak and Perseverance of Whoopi Goldberg | The Don Lemon Show

Don Lemon is joined by The View Co-host and EGOT winning actress Whoopi Goldberg to get an in depth look at her new book, "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me." Whoopi opens up about her grief following the loss of her mother and brother, and her journey to becoming the influential figure she is today. She discusses her childhood, struggles with drug use, her incredible weight loss & how she landed the role on Star Trek.
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00:00 - Intro
00:21 - Weight Loss
01:48 - Whoopi’s New Book on Grief
05:20 - What Inspired “Bits and Pieces”
06:57 - What’s Your Favorite Memory?
11:31 - Feeling Lost or Lonely
14:59 - Relationships with Mothers
22:11 - Feeling Grief Differently
24:43 - Using Drugs
30:06 - Whoopi Values Her Alone Time
32:35 - Getting Her Spot on Star Trek
36:10 - Acting to Talk Show Host with The View

[@Timmy1557]

I delivered food to Whoopie a few years back..She was so nice, and took a selfie with me, and left a very nice tip. She told me at first, no im not whoopie, I just look like whoopie.😅😅

[@amorl4520]

Cool!!

[@amorl4520]

She seems grounded

[@elyshadawson7517]

That’s really neat. She strikes me as the type of celebrity who would be down to earth in person.

[@LisaLisa-2023]

LOL Whoopie is funny, genuine and direct. She is funny without even trying!

[@pmmk24]

What an awesome experience !

[@spati0809]

I love what Whoopi’s says “We are lucky because we had people we loved and they loved back” That resonates.

[@jasons5915]

Yeah I loved it too. Probably one of the most boring interviews I’ve ever seen.

[@kathleenhurd205]

Yes....

[@tonnieverse4038]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....It is a rare experience..for many...including myself...

[@gaylefranklin]

I saw her walking into a restaurant in New Jersey a few months ago. I just smiled and nodded and she smiled that famous smile right back. Later, as I was eating at my table, someone patted my back as they walked by. I looked up and it was Whoopi, who again smiles on her way out of the place. She seemed like a very sweet lady.

[@wolfdreams2000]

That's awesome 💜 Clearly, she appreciated the respect you gave her by letting her eat in peace like she's not famous. I go home to NJ a few times monthly to visit my fam, maybe I can be as fortunate 😊

[@gaylefranklin]

@@wolfdreams2000 yeah! You know, I was thinking about this earlier today. Sometimes, ppl give off “good people” energy, vibes.. whatever. And she definitely did. It makes me hope I do the same. I couldn’t imagine bothering anybody at a table eating… I got secondary cringe thinking about it. 😂😂😂

[@evakober9873]

I saw her in a few places in NJ and NYC but respected the fact she loves her privacy. I love you Whoopi ❤

[@TG-hf1gx]

Your sweet memory made me teary🥺 your respect for her; her gratitude for you... If we all could interact that way more often🤗 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@gaylefranklin]

@@TG-hf1gx that’s sweet of you to say.🥰

[@Tiano102007]

I do not think we appreciate enough who and what she means to our world. Thx Don for this

[@rosalynmotley6076]

When mom pass a part of me pass too😂

[@annbyer3023]

Luv, luv,luv her❤️❤️

[@mcole8897]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@user-qj5xr8pu5x]

People need to start talking about themselves! Because who is “we”??????

[@catali033]

Absolutely.

[@Edward_Strong1982]

I absolutely love Whoopi. I hate how being on the view has had people to talk so badly of her. Shes definitely a legend in the industry and a great person

[@hartubmoses6645]

Whoopi being on the View is the trolls problem, not hers. Maga people trolls the View and certain progressive shows just so they can try to tear it down. Only emotionally unstable people watches shows they hate, and so-called conservative folks especially love hating on black women.

[@sos9020]

Well, politics has a way of bringing the worst out of people.

[@hartubmoses6645]

Hackers I believe removed my comment, I will repeat most of it. Certain people like trolling certain shows and the View is one of those shows, and these people do not like seeing black women with a platform or in a position of power.

[@fidah18]

In my opinion, Don Lemon benefited from this interview during his healing process

[@EagleHeart8]

I watch the View only bc Whoopi is on it.

[@CANDYSOULonline]

same

[@DJShawn1980NYC]

The one & only reason - When Whoopi goes, I will follow

[@tyestrong5726]

You do not like Don?

[@LisaLisa-2023]

When Whoopi came on the View as moderator, this long running show ascended. Whoopi has elegance and courage, is forthright, and is charismatic (I think I just described Don's attributes too).

[@EagleHeart8]

@@tyestrong5726 I love Don!!

[@carmennic8635]

YESSS! I've always loved Whoopi! Here for her!!! Jumpin Jack Flash girl in the house!

[@locadisa]

Ghost medium!

[@shereenmhlongo6365]

❤❤😢😢😢😊😊😊😊🎉😂😮😂😂😂🎉🎉❤🎉

[@hotego34]

What was that line when she was in payphone booth

[@lynnspeelman5645]

Burglar and Fatal Beauty too 👍 Corina Corina Sister Act the list goes on!!!!

[@TG-hf1gx]

Yes!📽️ She bit the heck outta that groin!🤣🤣🤣

[@JacobElyachar]

This was a fabulous conversation between you and Whoopi, Don!!

[@TortoiseJames]

Don Lemon...Keep flying, man. It did my heart good to realize you have your own platform. Your sense of compassion and empathy have always made you a TOP NOTCH journalist. I'm happy for you, Brother. You deserve this. 💪🏾

[@LisaLisa-2023]

👍🧡

[@LULOHANFYAH]

Don was the best part of CNN. I am so glad to see him doing his own thing. He seems calmer and freer. This is a much better format for him! I wish him great success!!!

[@snyderj57]

I lost my older brother and both parents within a very short time. I was extremely close to all of them. It has been over 12 years. I still feel an emptiness inside. This conversation has been healing. I am a dedicated "The View" watcher. Whoopi is an old soul.....very wise and honest.

[@ishaonpurpose]

❤

[@allanahquinn7277]

I’m so sorry for you. I hope you have lovely memories of them to make you smile.

[@tanyabrown791]

Thank God her mom stood up for her when they said,”She’s not trying.” Mom said,”I think she is.”

[@beemonique8466]

My Mama passed October 2022 and Im her only daughter. Mother's Day is Sunday 😢 I miss you so much Mama💞

[@yvetterenee8256]

I'm sorry for your loss. I pray that you'll have peace and joy today. ❤️🙏🏽 It gets easier as time passes. I celebrate the holidays differently now.

[@beemonique8466]

@@yvetterenee8256 Thank you

[@Fruit17-ip4vl]

Beemonique! I am praying for you! She has a beautiful daughter in you! 😎She did her job! Many blessings and May The Lord continue to bless and keep you! 🙏🏼😇

[@hanaayr]

I have just one baby, and I was happy about that, but now I hurt imagining that my son will be at my funeral without any siblings. I'm single and too old to have kids.

[@TortoiseJames]

Praying for you!

[@tnr1173]

Both my parents have passed. The most heartbreaking feeling was realizing the people who loved me the most are no longer here. It gets me every time. Thanks for this Don. Whoopi is fabulous.

[@LULOHANFYAH]

Yeah there is usually no love like a parent's love. We've got to appreciate them... and every special person that comes into our lives for however long we have them. Tomorrow isn't promised to anyone.

[@MarkTara]

THAT is what we need more of. Heartfelt conversation. Period!

[@darlaleasure4924]

Hugs Whoopi for going through that and your mom ❤.

[@kristencarlbon4561]

I used to deliver flowers to Whoopi Goldberg when she lived in Berkeley. I remember she had two little white dogs.

[@TG-hf1gx]

So sweet☺️ Hi from SF, CA🙋🏾🌉

[@starLaSane]

My dad always said Whoopi was the most beautiful woman he ever has seen. Rip to my dad and all of your loved ones whom have passed on 🙏🏽❣️

[@sos9020]

Just look at that skin on her!!!! Hm.

[@BFick478]

Whoopi is the epitome of PEACE. I love her and her inner joy so much.

[@olivemercy9257]

This interview with Whoppi is amazing Don🥰

[@TheDonLemonShow]

Aww thank you!

[@christinawatley5405]

Love this talented kind beautiful person,,I've been a since I was a kid in the 1980s,,she's one I'd like to meet. Very nice interview hoping to see the book 🙂

[@danewillams6799]

When Whoopi tells the story about her mother never remembering her and her brother and never saying anything its actually sad and amazing at the same time.

[@sheilaahuggins4220]

@danewillams6799 Yes!!!! that story, that story, amazing, sad, loving just so many things. Just Wow

[@Eleanor-hn4vg]

Love you Whoopi 🙋‍♀️😘💕

[@donxman3365]

I felt the same way when my mother passed. I never cried... i thgt something was wrong with me. Then i realized, she was at peace n i was at peace. We had always said what we needed to say, i was always there.... i was at peace i did all i could for her and she knew it.

[@LaMarraPSmith]

I UNDERSTAND THAT. MY BROTHER LEFT US LAST NOVEMBER 2023, AND I KNOW HE CAME IN MY HOUSE( BECAUSE HE WOULD TURN ON THE LAMP LIGHT ) THIS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES, I KNEW IT WAS CHUCK.❤

[@user-nw2kz9it9k]

Hi Don looking in from Canada, thanks for having Whoopi, i just love her.

[@dustymuniz]

Whoopi is literally the definition of an ICON. This book has been hard to put down! I grew up watching so many of her movies. Phenomenal actress and sych a REAL person.

[@carolmorris2705]

When you were talking about grief, I thought about losing my parents within months of each other. I felt like an orphan at the age of 59. I’m 74 and still cry although I have so many wonderful memories. Not a day goes by that I don’t think of them.

[@LisaLisa-2023]

I understand how you feel. It doesn't matter what age we were when our parents died. We want them with us forever. ❤

[@lindabuck2777]

Isn’t it strange to outlive our moms or dads. My son and I are only ones left. He’s had no children, so our line will die out, which I find strange too. Blessings of love and peace🙏🏻❤️🦋💐

[@thecrazyhouse1503]

Yes I’m going thru that as well it’s been 10 years but i can’t get over it she was only 51 years old and I’m 35 now but i can’t get over it i feel horrible everyday cause i need her here to help me and talk to me for my babies it’s hard with no support

[@yvettethomas4329]

Whoopi is an ageless beauty ❤❤❤

[@brendahenderson-zk8qn]

Yes she Is ,that’s my girl ♥️

[@apellesvillain8302]

This rich entitled cis woman.😂🙅🏾🙅🏾

[@crysbuchan8865]

Oh Mr. Lemon! How lucky you are to have this deeeeeep conversation with Ms G. Thank you for sharing it. Makes me feel normal when I’m suddenly filled with emotion about my mom who has been gone for three years now.

[@miag6211]

I love you DON AND MS GOLDBERG 🍋🍋🍋🍋🍋

[@sarahabib1004]

Two legendary people in one interview

[@snikerbater]

Legendary? Yes they will both go down in history as total fruit cakes!

[@jasons5915]

Who is upvoting this? There’s nothing legendary about Don. You could argue Whoopi but it’s a stretch.

[@bonitahobbs2374]

Dos❓❗❗WHOOPI has proof beyond proof, beyond NOT NEEDING PROOF!!!!

[@jessicacoker7460]

Uhm neither lol ​@@jasons5915

[@ritchieb1612]

Black folk rejoice at these two people who represent the community!!! Good God almighty, thank you Jesus

[@anabelasoares2835]

I lost my mom, my sister and my cousin in that order 😢😢

[@NappyChile]

❤Whoopi ❤ & 🍋 Don Lemon 🍋

[@beverlyguarino7641]

I found a lot of comfort listening to you and Whoopi, today. I identified with the subjects of abuse, loss, the depression. I felt like I just attended the best counseling session EVER! Thank you!!!! 💜

[@sandranynj7118]

Whoopie and Don together, this is great. Love the stories here.

[@rhondaking6576]

GOOD AFTERNOON ALL LEMONS 🍋🍋🍋🍋 HELLO DON AND MS. GOLDBERG ❤❤

[@locadisa]

Proud to be a Lemonhead!❤

[@LisaLisa-2023]

Hi Rhonda - Don's Lemon Nation has grown quickly since his very first show. That didn't surprise me, he is a very thoughtful and responsive journalist and Lemon host. 🤩

[@MsKclark2]

Member of The Lemon 🍋 🍋 🍋 🍋 Nation patiently waiting for you Don Lemon!!!❤❤

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Mom's are the best.

[@tanyabrown791]

“we have people who loved us who loved us back. Stay connected to the people that love you.”

[@erichill612]

That spoke to me as well.

[@tonyshayne8629]

Such a great interview that was actually one of the best interviews I've ever seen with Whoopi Goldberg Ms Goldberg is a beautiful soul thanks Don

[@sherrypettye1669]

I watch the View only because of Whoopi is on their 😊😊

[@naylas3908]

On their what? Or do you mean: on there?

[@issiewizzie]

Thanks everyone this is serious therapy for some of us

[@adamk2101]

What a lovely interview …… I felt like I was sitting in the couch with both of you ….. thank you Don,

[@TheDonLemonShow]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@cherylspann3275]

Thank you Don Lemon for this interview! Whoopi is my favorite actor and I would love to meet her one day. I can truly relate to the emptiness without my Mother. I admire Whoppi's talent and style, especially her shoe collection! One day, I hope to be in the audience of The View!!!

[@minckypasricha1930]

Hi Whoopi, I was watching you last night on Star trek The Next Generation

[@florencematadi]

I have been trying to look back, yea. According to Whoppi Goldberg, this could happen to everyone "HAPPY MOTHER DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS "

[@CynthiaRitchard-ol9ul]

My mom showed up after she died. I was Awake sitting on my bed. She was young Again with black hair. Her hair was Grey, When she died. I was glad to see her!

[@christinekelley-ledbetter3562]

I'm definitely looking forward to this! I've always been a whoopi fan!

[@sharonthomas9851]

Beautiful interview. Thank you Don and Whoopi.

[@TradeWynn65]

The friend in my head. Ms. Goldberg you are the best🎉

[@eddiedoezit6751]

You know she's 68 years old... wonderful woman!!!

[@highatruthart]

Beautiful Conversation Thank you both for Sharing 💙 I recently lost my Oldest Brother I was one of 4 .I was Number 4. Everyone in my immediate Family have all passed . I really needed to hear this . LemonNation 🍋💙🍋💙🍋

[@scarletme1845]

I absolutely lovvvvvved this interview. It was so authentic yet professional. The warmth between you and Whoopi shone through.

[@1agelessbeauty]

Wow. What a profound interview. I've loved Whoopi since forever. I've watched so many of her movies. But I especially loved her in "jumping Jack flash," and "The color purple." She is a treasure. IMO.

[@kathleenpichler5333]

Truly enjoyed the show! Thank you for having Whoopi on to discuss grief etc.

[@karengutloff2004]

Great interview. Don Lemon is a great interviewer. And both Don and Whoopi were vulnerable.

[@teetreadwell9290]

Don, you are an absolute savage in the most kind, calm, and relatable way. You give people space to talk without interrupting. This format is like a chefs kiss and suits you well in this time in your career.

[@bethh.9647]

I'm here. Love to all Lemons!

[@locadisa]

❤❤

[@janebaldinger3137]

🙌🏼♥️💥

[@sos9020]

Heeey, hope u are feeling well today. God be with u.

[@NadiaZoe1111]

"Hit n run" 😂😂😂 Lord have mercy, Ms Whoopi you have me 😂😂 so hard

[@sheritamitchell1036]

Caught this interview Sunday, May 12th, Mother's Day, and my first one without my mom in 69 years. It was certainly comforting and enlightening...Thank you both!

[@sdc1116]

Awesome interview. I love Whoopi. Congratulations Beautiful, continued blessings to you.❤🙏🏾

[@Dee038]

I was in New York to see The Wiz 👏🏽👏🏽and I was praying that I would run into this Living Legend. 💕

[@hotego34]

Don you should have given instructions for this episode... I just got my eyelashes done and boy boy I have tears just falling 😭 😢 .

[@TheDonLemonShow]

I am sorry I didn't give warning. I loved this episode too

[@vit3167]

This is what we need, admire the best. Don thank you, you're better here.

[@cynditurli6274]

Yessss Don and Whoopi!!!! Turned on notification so I don’t miss it🍋🍋🍋

[@sheilahwhite3343]

I can relate to both of You Don.Aug 10th/23 .9 months ago.I lost My Daughter do to a bad car accident.She was a physiotherapist.My Heart is smashed.I only had the two Daughter's.There's a big hole , I'm sure in My Heart.God Bless Both of You.❤❤

[@brendabrenda9052]

I have always loved the relationship between Whoopi and her mother. Such a beautiful, loving experience. 💕

[@rmp9417]

Adorable to watch two old friends with such love & affection thank you both so much all my love

[@TheDonLemonShow]

You are so kind

[@mrssheilasworldoffuninspir1919]

Happy Mother's Day Whoopie!! We love you!!!🎉🎉❤❤❤

[@lydiachowa459]

What an extraordinary life Whoopi. You are an inspiration!

[@tinamcgaskey8267]

Cancelling a few calls to watch this interview!!!

[@sarahabib1004]

I cancelled everything to watch this

[@sos9020]

Please call them up later...

[@LisaLisa-2023]

LOL, that is great!! I skip my chores to try to catch his shows with you all.

[@janicewaite9144]

I love Whoopi and Don! Great interview ❤!

[@Gill-vm9ms]

This was such a warm,cool, calm and soothing conversation. ❤

[@landocalrisian2014]

🎯🎯

[@LyneseTheDame]

We are part of the lemon nation💛🍋💛🍋💛🍋💛🙏🏽 great interview with one of the legends

[@KevinETaylor]

Whoopi really did change my life. At 21, (1985, I'll be 60 this year) when her HBO special came out, SHE SHIFTED THE PLANET FOR MY BRAIN! She is so insightful. Now I see where it originates. HER FAMILY. :) Hugs. And BRAVO to you @DonLemon! We took at photo at the NATIVE SON AWARDS last year and I want a copy of that photo. It's on YOUR PHONE LOL

[@CityBohoGirl]

I lost my father in 1999. I was young. He was old and sick but an amazing father. Fatherlessness, is brutal too. Both beautiful people.

[@cindeed4422]

Around the world in 80….. days. I remember her stand up! She’s come a long way. When I lost my mom, it actually gave me hope. And I wrote a book about it.

[@brigitteafridi2361]

Hey Lemonheads ! Hope you’re all doing a well !

[@tulsacaupain2882]

Thank you for asking and I hope you also are doing allright. Do 't worry about the grammar. English is not my first language.

[@locadisa]

Hey,Hey,Hey!❤❤

[@janebaldinger3137]

♥️♥️♥️💥

[@LisaLisa-2023]

Hi 🤩Its a treat coming here to Don's place with all of you.

[@sashamatamoros2365]

This is interview with Whoopi Goldberg was Fascinating and Whoopie is not only an amazing actor … but she’s a remarkable individual.. she so free and comfortable in her own skin !!❤ it’s so refreshing to see this nowadays. God Bless her and family ❤❤❤ and Don Lemon is an Excellent interviewer I never looked at him before but I truly enjoyed him. Sometimes when a door closes God says it’s ok . I have another door for you to walk through 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@apellesvillain8302]

This rich entitled cis woman.😂🙅🏾🙅🏾

[@danasmith-page460]

Can't hardly wait for this interview!💥

[@evelynbarton6349]

What a privilege to have these two together ❤️ Love and Respect!

[@lexa_power]

Can’t wait for this show! Would love to see an interview with Brittney Griner next she also has a new book out! I love your journalism and enjoyed your interview with Rainn Wilson!

[@peakayharris8707]

Yes @lexa_power I too would love to see Don interview Brittney Griner. I would love to hear more of her thoughts on when Trump turned on her said she shouldn't have been released over others detained in Russia.

[@sarahabib1004]

That Rain Wilson interview was a nice surprise

[@peakayharris8707]

Whoopi looks great. Back down to her old fighting weight. And what she's saying about her back issues I can totally relate to. Age is a real mothah!!

[@faithkwaku]

Best decision Don made. Love his show

[@GreatGownsBeautifulGowns2018]

Whoopi is everywhere promoting this book. I can’t wait to read it.

[@marywilkins5865]

Hey Don u mention u was late 23:33 going to ur sister funeral because of traffic well Don in N.Carolina we don’t have that they stop the traffic for the funeral only the police leading the way and family and friends following, they call it respect for the family ❤

[@nm985]

Love some Whoopi for decades. I just bought this audiobook 📚❤️

[@christophermoore4262]

I Love The Legendary Whoopi Goldberg ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@dedebrown1028]

I only watch the View because of Whoopi too, no matter what.

[@Piscesstyle4040]

Best interview I saw for her book promotion 👏

[@peakayharris8707]

Watching Whoopi talk about not remembering people when they walk up on you. When people come up to and say Do you remember me?? My standard line is "Probably not, but I hope we had a good time.' 😅

[@friskycrewgerrusty]

Hey Don, thanks for this video, I recently lost my mom, and grandmother before that and stepdad before that all within 4 years, this interview made me feel at peace, Thanks Again, from Canada

[@LaMarraPSmith]

I LOVE WHOOPS STORY, LANDING A PART ON "STAR TREK".❤👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@landocalrisian2014]

THAT was a great story I never knew

[@jeannieves6275]

I knew the first time Seeing Whoopie on 📺 She Would be Big 🌟

[@ariesLily]

I love Whoopi! Great discussion.

[@honeyowletmoon9929]

One of my favorite characters. So wise

[@christinespiers-wy9kr]

My Mother and two brothers have passed away. I miss them each and everyday.😢

[@pmmk24]

Excellent interview !! It reminds me why I love Whoopie … she is an extraordinary woman and there is no one else like her in my book for so many different reasons . Thanks so much Don for having her as your guest. Keep up the good work - you are doing great ! 😊

[@tanyabrown791]

She is very unique. No body like her.

[@mistyfreeze2973]

So happy to see Don Lemon back! Whoopi is an amazing person, great interview!

[@paulanewton1520]

I enjoyed this interview with Don and Whoopi ❤

[@pjjohnson4702]

Congratulations!!! I have always had your back! Condolences to you! I lost my brother when he was 33 years old and I was 43! Im still hurt and it will never leave, but each day thank God for the good and bad memories of his life

[@dorothyedwards7225]

This was very insightful . Thank you Whoopi and Don!!🙏🙏😇

[@billysbaby1002]

Great interview. Love these two.