Whoopi Goldberg fans are just realising what her stage name actually means

Whoopi Goldberg has been an international celebrity since 1983, but the origin of her stage name remains a mystery to many fans. Despite her fame, many people have admitted they never questioned her name – until now.

Born Caryn Elanie Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg is a multi-talented force in the entertainment industry, having conquered roles as an actor, comedian, author, and television personality. Now, in her memoir, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me, the Oscar winner has finally lifted the veil on the intriguing story behind her unique stage name.

The Sister Act star disclosed in the tell-all book: "Once I started getting parts in plays, I wanted a name that sounded more interesting. Caryn Johnson wasn't it.

She continued: "Some people at the Rep called me Whoopi because I would sometimes let loose with a fart. I added 'Cush-ione' to it, with a French pronunciation."

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However, it wasn't long before Goldberg dropped Cushione on the advice of a family member who wanted to ensure her hilarious moniker didn't get in the way of her success.

"Then, I got a review written by journalist Welton Jones," she added. "It was a good one, so I sent it to my mother. Later, when we talked on the phone, she said, 'What is this Whoopi Cushione?'"

Her mum suggested changing 'Cushione' to Goldberg to create a 'more substantial name' so she'd be taken more seriously by the industry.

"She said, 'Well, you should take one of the names from the family tree. How about Goldberg? That has a nice ring to it.' That became my name. Only my family and a few people who knew me early in my life still called me Caryn."

In another interview, she talked about how the name Goldberg is a "part of her family". "My mother did not name me Whoopi, but Goldberg is my name – it's part of my family, part of my heritage, just like being Black," she once said. She also commented: "I just know I am Jewish. I practice nothing. I don't go to temple, but I do remember the holidays."

Goldberg has also spoken out about how people tend to question her Jewish heritage. She has previously said her family is "Jewish, Buddhist, Baptist, and Catholic."

Commenting on this revelation, one Reddit user said: "Her name is the perfect mix of whimsy and strategy." Another user added: "Today I learned Whoopi Goldberg isn't her real name. I'm totally being serious. I genuinely thought that was her real name. A third user said: "It's sad that Peter Cushing is dead. I always thought Whoopi Goldberg ought to have married him."