Life is full of unexpected twists, and Whoopi Goldberg knows this all too well. In her new memoir, the beloved star shares an incredible story about her late mother, Emma, and her brother, Clyde. After Emma’s sudden passing in 2010, Whoopi and her older brother decided to scatter her ashes at Disneyland's iconic “It’s a Small World” ride. "We got away with it," Whoopi reveals in her book, "but I later confessed to a park employee. They weren’t exactly thrilled, but they weren’t shocked either." It’s a moment that shows how deeply Whoopi and her brother wanted to honor their mother in a way that reflected her playful spirit.
The memoir, titled Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, is set to release on May 7 and delves into Whoopi's complex relationships with her mom and brother, both of whom she lost over the years. "I’m not angry," Whoopi says, reflecting on their absence, "but I do feel a deep sense of loss. My mom and Clyde were my anchors. When they were gone, it felt like I was stepping into adulthood in a way I never imagined." At 68, Whoopi shares how her family shaped her life and career, even during the most challenging times.
Whoopi was born Caryn Johnson in New York City, and her early years were filled with joy and security. Her mother, Emma, worked tirelessly to shield her children from their family’s financial struggles. Despite their modest means, Emma ensured her kids had magical Christmases, complete with gifts under the tree and trips to see the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. "My mom was my hero," Whoopi recalls. "She made sure we always felt loved and safe, even when things were tough." Emma also helped Whoopi cope with dyslexia by reading to her every night, creating a bond that would last a lifetime.
Read also:Colter Shaw Heads To The Big Apple In Upcoming Tracker Episode
However, life took a dark turn one afternoon when Whoopi came home from school to find her mother in the midst of a mental breakdown. Her quick thinking likely saved Emma’s life, but it marked the beginning of a two-year separation for Whoopi and her brother. When Emma finally returned home after undergoing electroshock therapy, she didn’t recognize her own children. "It was like having a stranger in our living room," Whoopi explains. "She looked and sounded like my mom, but she wasn’t the same person. It was heartbreaking."
Whoopi Reflects on Her Own Journey
In Bits and Pieces, Whoopi doesn’t shy away from examining her own life and the impact of her choices. As the first Black woman to achieve EGOT status, she admits her success came at a cost. Her relationship with her daughter, Alexandra, has been strained at times, something Whoopi now acknowledges with honesty. "I realized I put my daughter through what I went through as a kid," she says. "When my mom was hospitalized, I was left without her. Later, when I became a working mother, I was often away from Alex. It’s something I’ll always regret."
Today, Whoopi is not only a mother but also a grandmother to three and a great-grandmother. Yet, despite her many roles, she has no desire to seek another romantic partner. "I’ve been married three times, and it’s clear to me now that marriage just isn’t my thing," she says. "You have to be fully committed to someone for that to work, and I’ve never had that kind of commitment. My family is my priority, and I’m happy being single."
Looking Back, Moving Forward
Whoopi’s memoir isn’t just a tribute to her mother and brother; it’s also a chance for her to process her own journey. From her childhood in New York to her rise as a Hollywood icon, Whoopi has faced challenges that would break most people. Yet, she’s emerged stronger, wiser, and more grounded. "Writing this book was cathartic," she says. "It allowed me to reflect on my life and the people who shaped it. I hope readers can see themselves in my story and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone."
As Whoopi looks to the future, she remains focused on her family and the legacy she wants to leave behind. Whether it’s through her work, her words, or her actions, she continues to inspire millions around the world. "Life isn’t always easy," she says, "but if you have love and support, you can get through anything."
