Whoopi Goldberg’s life is a testament to resilience and success, but nothing compares to the joy she feels as a mother to her only daughter, Alex Martin. While Whoopi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary—hosting The View, winning an Oscar for her role in Ghost, and becoming a household name—her proudest achievement remains being a mom. Let’s dive into their story and explore what makes this mother-daughter relationship so special.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Journey to Motherhood: Introducing Alex Martin
The legendary star of Sister Act added another title to her impressive resume when she became a mom during her marriage to her first husband, Alvin Martin. In 1973, just after tying the knot, Whoopi and Alvin welcomed their beloved child, Alex. Unfortunately, the marriage didn’t last forever, and the couple parted ways in 1979 after six years together.
Even though Whoopi is now one of the most celebrated stars in Hollywood, life wasn’t always glamorous for Alex growing up. During a candid 2015 interview with the Grio, Alex opened up about the struggles they faced during her childhood. “I remember what it was like because my mom has her [Welfare] cards framed,” Alex shared. “I seriously remember that. We lived in a one-room space, slept in the same bed, and drove across the country in broken-down cars because we couldn’t afford plane tickets or movie tickets.”
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But things started to change for the better in the mid-1980s. After years of hard work and determination, Whoopi’s career skyrocketed following her breakout role in The Color Purple in 1985. From there, she went on to star in iconic films like Fatal Beauty, Ghost, and Sister Act, solidifying her place in Hollywood history. Yet, despite her fame, Whoopi and Alex remained incredibly close. “We talk multiple times a day,” Whoopi gushed about Alex during a 2015 appearance on The Wendy Williams Show. On The View in 2016, Whoopi even referred to Alex as her “best friend.”
Whoopi’s Marital Journey Beyond Alvin Martin
While Whoopi’s first marriage with Alvin produced Alex, her later marriages didn’t result in more children. She married David Claessen in 1986, but the union ended in 1988. Then, in 1994, she wed Lyle Trachtenberg, though that marriage also came to an end in 1995. Throughout all these ups and downs, Whoopi’s bond with Alex remained unshaken.
In May 2024, Whoopi reflected on one of the most valuable lessons she learned as a parent. “She taught me to pick my battles,” the TV host told People. “That’s what I learned from my child—focus on what truly matters and let go of the rest.”
“You don’t have to fight every battle because you can’t win them all,” Whoopi continued. “But when you see something worth fighting for, go after it. That’s the lesson my baby girl gave me.”
Alex Martin’s Career and Family Life
Alex has carved out her own path, proving that she’s more than just Whoopi’s daughter. Alongside pursuing acting, she appeared in notable films such as Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, American Intellectuals, and Strange as Angels. But Alex isn’t just an actress—she’s also a dedicated mom and grandma.
In 1989, Alex became a mother herself when she welcomed her first child, Amarah Skye, from a previous relationship. Later, she married Bernard Dean in 2011, and together they raised two more children, Jerzey (born in 1995) and Mason (born in 1998).
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In 2014, Amarah made Whoopi a great-grandmother when she gave birth to Charli Rose. Sharing the news on The View, Whoopi beamed with pride. “I have a crazy announcement. I’m proud to introduce you to the newest addition to my family,” she said. “This is my great-granddaughter, and she came into the world on Saturday.”
Whoopi even shared a sweet video of herself feeding Charli Rose on Instagram, expressing her excitement about this new chapter in her life. “Everyone meet the new addition to my family, Charli Rose,” she said. “I’m doing something I haven’t done in 40 years—feeding a baby!”
Alex’s Foray Into Reality TV
In addition to her acting career, Alex ventured into the world of reality television in 2015 with the series According to Alex, which her mom produced. The show offered viewers a glimpse into Alex’s life as she balanced being a business owner and creating her own nail polish line called Nail Buzz. Though the series only aired for six episodes, it showcased Alex’s entrepreneurial spirit and allowed fans to connect with her on a personal level.
