Thanks to her unique blend of wit, charisma, and boldness on the big screen, Whoopi Goldberg was one of the most influential figures of the 80s.
Today, Whoopi Goldberg is known for the many different films that she appeared in throughout the 80s and 90s, but it was her breakout performance in The Color Purple that had the biggest impact on her career. She regularly took on complex roles in an industry that was dominated by stereotypes. Yet, over the decades she transcended race and gender boundaries in Hollywood to become a cultural icon of the 80s.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Rise as an Influential Figures of the 80s
The 80s were without a question, a transformative period of time. This was especially true when it came to race and gender representation. The civil rights movements of the 60s and 70s helped to pave the way for increased visibility of African Americans in media. And, Hollywood slowly began offering more substantial rules to actors of color. Nevertheless, many black actors and actresses of the 80s were typecast into limited roles which made it a challenge for them to break into mainstream media.
All of this changed when Whoopi Goldberg made her groundbreaking appearance in The Color Purple. Her emergence as a multitalented actress and comedian was earth-shattering. There was the rise of blockbuster films, a growing interest in stand-up comedy, and an increased influence of media like MTV. The 80s were the perfect staging ground for the emergence of new voices. And, Whoopi Goldberg’s bold personality and wide-ranging talent were perfect for the decade.
How Whoopi Goldberg Became an Influential Figures of the 80s
Many factors helped Whoopi Goldberg to become influential figures of the 80s. These include her groundbreaking performance in The Color Purple, the popularity of stand-up comedy, and the increasing acceptance of minority actors in Hollywood.
Influential Figure of the 80s in the Color Purple
It was back in 1985 when The Color Purple was released to the world. The movie which was directed by Steven Spielberg was based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name. The film itself dealt with deep issues regarding race, gender, and identity during the early parts of the 20th century. Whoopi Goldberg portrayed Celie, a young black woman who survives both abuse and hardship as she seeks to become a singing sensation. In the end, she earned an Academy Award nomination for best actress.
More importantly though, her performance in The Color Purple established her as a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood. The film itself resonated deeply with audiences, especially black women. The film resonated with women across the country who saw their own struggles and resilience captured on the silver screen. And, Goldberg’s ability to convey vulnerability and strength while also adding a touch of comedy helped to make her one of the most popular actresses of the era.
Influential Figures of the 80s in Stand-Up Comedy
Long before she appeared in The Color Purple Whoopi Goldberg had already been making waves in the world of stand-up comedy. In fact, the year before she had her own one-woman Broadway show which showcased her incredible versatility as a performer. In her self-titled show, she portrayed a wide range of different characters from a junkie to a young black girl. She managed to highlight both her comedic timing and her ability to tackle serious social issues of the time. But more importantly, the show’s success allowed her to demonstrate her talent and her ability to address serious topics such as sexism, racism, and poverty.
Her fearless approach helped her to stand out amongst the male-dominated crowd of stand-up comedy during the decade. Like other legends of comedy during the 80s, she used her platform in order to challenge social norms, similar to that of Richard Pryor and Eddie Murphy.
Hollywood and the Silver Screen
After the release of The Color Purple Hollywood began to take notice of her talents. Up until 1985, actresses of color often face very limited opportunities on the silver screen. But her work in the film signaled a shift in Hollywood’s treatment of black women. This allowed her to land leading roles in both comedy and drama films throughout the decade. She appeared in movies like Jumpin’ Jack Flash which was released in 1986, and Clara’s Heart in 1988.
Perhaps what made Goldberg particularly influential in show business, was her refusal to be typecast. She was capable of portraying down-to-earth comedic characters in one film, and then jumping to another film to provide a deeply emotional or dramatic performance. She was very versatile in her acting skills, which quickly made her one of the most sought-after actresses of all time.
Whoopi Goldberg as an Influential Figures of the 80s
Without question, Whoopi Goldberg was an influential figure of the 80s. Not only was she popular in Hollywood, but also in comedy clubs around the country. She had a very distinct voice that was both metaphorical and literal. This helped her to redefine the roles of women and black actresses during the decade. Unlike most actresses of the time, she did not conform to Hollywood’s traditional expectations of femininity and instead carved out her very own path.
Through her critical acclaim, she managed to set new standards for what black women could achieve in the entertainment industry. After all, she wasn’t just a talented success, she was a symbol of major change. And, she inspired future generations of performers who would look to her as a trailblazer, role model, or idol.
How Whoopi Goldberg Changed Entertainment
There is no question that Whoopi Goldberg changed entertainment forever. Her achievements during the early 80s paved the way for greater diversity on the big screen. And, it challenged the narrow rules that were often available to black women. In the end, the cultural impact of her role in The Color Purple helped to open up doors for actresses like Viola Davis, and Lupita Nyong’o.
But, Whoopi Goldberg contributed to more than just the big screen. She spent a lot of our time and effort and stand-up comedy, which helped to influence countless performers over the years. Women around the country, saw her career blossom, as a result of her ability to blend humor with activism. And, her comedic performances both on and off the stage tackled very serious issues in a very unique way.
Still today, Whoopi Goldberg continues to influence the entertainment industry. One of her most notable roles in recent years was as cohost on The View That. There, she discussed politics, social issues, and entertainment with candor. As a result, she has continued to maintain her relevance as a prominent voice in the national conversation for more than 4 decades.
Conclusion
Whoopi Goldberg was so much more than just an actress and a comedian. She was a cultural icon who helped reshape the landscape of 80s entertainment. Her performance in both drama and comedy films showcased her unique ability to challenge the typecasting that had played Hollywood for decades. And, her hard work and dedication to her art helped to reshape Hollywood’s representation of black women in media.
