Whoopi Goldberg is stepping back in time to reflect on her incredible journey through life as she gears up for the release of her latest memoir. In a candid and exclusive interview with Closer, the beloved star opens up about the most important life lesson her mother, Emma Johnson, imparted during her childhood.
When asked about her mom’s most significant advice, Whoopi, now 68, recalls with a smile, “Don’t be a d–k! That’s the thing that she taught me. You’ve got to try to be the best person you can be.” She continues, “And so I’ve tried. I’m not always successful, but you know, I keep trying.” Whoopi shared these heartfelt thoughts at the Garden of Laughs Comedy Benefit, which took place on Wednesday, March 27, to support the Garden of Dreams Foundation.
A Glimpse Into Whoopi's Memoir: "Bits & Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me"
As one of the most iconic faces in entertainment, Whoopi recently authored a deeply personal memoir titled Bits & Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, set to hit shelves on May 7. In this book, she revisits some of the most cherished and unforgettable moments she shared with her late mother, Emma Johnson, who passed away in 2010. The memoir is dedicated to her mother, a tribute to the woman who shaped her life.
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Whoopi opened up to Closer about the emotional process of writing the book. “I was just so happy to remember all those moments because when people go, you don’t have those conversations anymore. Suddenly, you’re left trying to piece together memories like, ‘When did that happen?’ or ‘Did I even make this up?’ It’s a whirlwind of craziness, but I’m so glad I was able to get it all down on paper,” she said.
In Bits and Pieces, Whoopi paints Emma as a guiding light who provided her children with the love, care, and wisdom necessary to thrive in life. “She always encouraged us to be true to ourselves,” Whoopi explains. Writing this memoir wasn’t just an exercise in storytelling—it was a form of therapy for her. “It really was,” she admits. “I had to figure out how to remember all these things and talk about my mom and my brother, whom I mention all the time, but people don’t really know much about them or us as a trio. That’s how I grew up—with the three of us.”
An Intimate Look at Whoopi's Childhood
The memoir is described as an “intimate and heartfelt” account of Whoopi’s life. Within its pages, she shares deeply personal stories of growing up in the projects in New York City. Despite the challenges they faced, Emma ensured her children had enriching experiences. Trips to Coney Island, the Ice Capades, and museums became regular occurrences, and every Christmas was a magical event.
Whoopi reflects on the struggles of her youth, acknowledging that even today, she doesn’t fully understand how her mother managed to provide such a rich childhood. “It wasn’t until I was much older that I realized just how traumatic some of those struggles were,” she reveals. The memoir delves into these complexities, offering readers a fuller understanding of Whoopi’s journey.
Why This Memoir Matters
Bits and Pieces is more than just a collection of stories—it’s a testament to the power of family, resilience, and self-discovery. Through her words, Whoopi invites readers into her world, sharing both the joys and hardships that shaped her into the remarkable woman she is today. For fans of Whoopi and anyone interested in compelling memoirs, this book promises to be a must-read.
