Whoopi Goldberg has revealed shocking Hollywood secrets in the Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet. She disclosed that numerous A-list stars turned down roles that later became her career-defining performances. From Jumpin’ Jack Flash to Sister Act, she shared how major celebrities passed on these films, allowing her to make them iconic. Find out who missed out on Oscar-winning roles and why Goldberg believes they wouldn’t have done them justice.
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Whoopi Goldberg Reveals the Surprising Hollywood Rejections That Shaped Her Career
Hollywood is filled with stories of actors missing out on legendary roles, but few have been as candid about it as Whoopi Goldberg. In her latest appearance in the Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, Goldberg exposed how some of her most famous roles originally belonged to other stars who turned them down.
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During the documentary, the 69-year-old actor and comedian remarked, “You discover that you get what you get, and for me, I went and found stuff. I wanted to know what people were not gonna do. Things that they had greenlit and then said, ‘No, we’re not gonna do it ‘cause the person dropped out.’”
Goldberg’s revelations give insight into the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting, where opportunities can be lost or gained based on timing and personal decisions.
Big Stars Who Passed on Iconic Roles
Whoopi Goldberg’s filmography boasts a variety of hit films, but many of them were not originally meant for her. The award-winning actress disclosed that multiple Hollywood A-listers rejected roles that she later took and made legendary.
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- Jumpin’ Jack Flash – Originally intended for Shelley Long.
- Burglar – Bruce Willis was first in line but declined.
- Fatal Beauty – Cher was set to take on the role but opted out.
- Sister Act – Bette Midler turned it down, paving the way for Goldberg’s unforgettable performance.
Each of these films became significant in Goldberg’s career, showcasing her unique blend of humor, charisma, and dramatic depth.
The Role That Earned Goldberg an Oscar Almost Went to Someone Else
While Whoopi Goldberg’s performances are widely celebrated, one of her most defining roles was not originally written for her. She won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost (1990), a role she might have missed out on if not for Patrick Swayze’s insistence.
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“The role of Oda Mae wasn’t written for me, but then Patrick Swayze said, ‘I want her,’” Goldberg revealed. Thanks to Swayze’s support, she got the part, ultimately making history as the second Black woman to win an Oscar in that category—50 years after Hattie McDaniel’s groundbreaking win for Gone with the Wind.
Her portrayal of Oda Mae Brown remains one of the most beloved performances in film history, proving that sometimes, the right role finds the right actor against all odds.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Lasting Impact on Hollywood
Beyond her Oscar-winning performances, Whoopi Goldberg has built an impressive legacy spanning decades. Her versatility as an actress, comedian, and television personality has solidified her place in Hollywood history.
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She has appeared in significant films such as Till (2022), which she co-produced, and was a key figure in the Star Trek: The Next Generation series. Goldberg has also left her mark on Broadway and game shows like The Hollywood Squares. Moreover, as a host and panelist on The View, she has remained an influential voice in the entertainment industry.
In 2023, she delighted fans by making a cameo in the musical adaptation of her 1985 classic, The Color Purple, a role that originally earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in 1986.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Legacy and Hollywood’s What-Ifs
Whoopi Goldberg’s revelations shed light on the unpredictable nature of Hollywood casting. While big stars often reject roles for various reasons, her career is a testament to making the most of unexpected opportunities.
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Her ability to turn overlooked roles into unforgettable performances highlights her talent and resilience in the industry. The next time you watch Sister Act or Ghost, you might wonder how different those films would have been if the original actors had taken the roles.
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