A new Whoopi Goldberg documentary is in the works, directed by Gita Gundbir (Perfect Neighbor).
Imagine Documentary and Message Pictures will partner with Wan Ho Productions to tell Goldberg’s story. The untitled documentary will be an expansion of her autobiography, Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me. The film traces Goldberg’s rise to fame and is an intimate look at the comedian and actress’ life told through her observational truths today. Goldberg goes behind the scenes as he reimagines his 1984 Broadway debut, the one-man play “The Whoopi Monologues,” at Lincoln Center, scheduled to open later this summer. It also follows her as she balances her work with Tom Renardis, her producing partner of more than 30 years, develops new theatrical projects, spends time with her family and new great-grandchild, and builds a quiet parallel life in Italy.
“Whoopi Goldberg is a brilliant and groundbreaking storyteller who has shaped the world of entertainment for many years,” Gundbiel said. The two-time Oscar-nominated director added, “I am honored to work with Message Pictures partners Sam Pollard and Alisa Payne, Whoopi’s long-time producing partner Tom Leonardis, President of Whoopi, and Imagine Documentaries to bring her story to life in this documentary.”
“Imagine is thrilled to reunite with my friend and longtime collaborator, the extraordinary Gita Gundbil, Tom Renardis, and Message Pictures on this special occasion to celebrate the singular icon that is Whoopi Goldberg,” said Imagine Documentary President Sarah Bernstein. “The world needs more Whoopi!”
Goldberg made Oscar history more than 30 years ago when she won Best Supporting Actress for her role as psychic Oda Mae Brown in Ghost. She is the first black woman to win an Oscar in 50 years, since Hattie McDaniel became the first black woman to win in any category in 1940 (best supporting actress for “Gone with the Wind”). Since then, only three black men have ever won this honor: Sidney Poitier (1964 Best Actor for Lilies of the Field), Louis Gossett Jr. (1983 Best Supporting Actor for An Officer and a Gentleman), and Washington (1990 Best Supporting Actor for Glory).
She is one of 22 people in the entertainment world to have achieved EGOT status. In addition to the Oscar, Goldberg has won two Emmy Awards. She won the award once in 2002 for hosting the television special “Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel,” and again in 2009 for co-hosting “The View.” In 2002, she won a Tony Award for producing “Thoroughly Modern Millie.”
Aside from documentaries and hosting “The View,” Goldberg and Renardis are currently developing “Sister Act 3” for Disney+. is the executive producer of ABC/Hulu’s “Welcome to My Funeral” (tentative title). The show celebrates the lives of those who are alive and well with a mock funeral, including a pilot episode honoring Goldberg’s life.
Through his work, Goldberg continues to be a role model for many. Nearly 30 years after his historic Oscar win, Goldberg reflected on his proudest accomplishment in an interview with Variety, saying, “I’m still here. I didn’t disappear. I didn’t disappear. I’m still here and I’m still here doing my thing.”
The documentary’s producers are Bernstein, Leonardis, Gundbiel, Payne, Meredith Colefers, Sam Pollard and Justin Wilkes. Executive producers are Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
