At a Glance
- Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg reunited on the January 14 episode of The View to discuss their 1985 film The Color Purple.
- Both stars reflected on how the movie launched their careers and shaped their personal growth.
- Winfrey revealed that playing Sofia helped her feel comfortable in her own body for the first time.
- Why it matters: Their candid conversation highlights the lasting impact of The Color Purple on Hollywood and personal identity.
Intro
Nearly four decades after starring together in The Color Purple, Oprah Winfrey and Whoopi Goldberg reunited on The View to reflect on how the film changed their lives. The emotional conversation revealed how the 1985 classic helped both women find confidence and purpose in their careers.
A Historic Reunion on The View
Winfrey appeared on the January 14 episode to promote her new book Enough: Your Health, Your Weight, and What It’s Like to Be Free, co-authored with Dr. Ania Jastreboff. The discussion quickly turned to The Color Purple, where Goldberg played Celie and Winfrey portrayed Sofia.
“We were in that movie as babies,” Winfrey, 71, said with a smile. She described how her character “owned the weight” and carried it as part of her identity, which deeply resonated with Winfrey’s own struggles.
Finding Comfort Through Character
Winfrey shared a powerful revelation about her experience playing Sofia. She explained that as someone frequently ridiculed about her weight, stepping into Sofia’s shoes provided unexpected comfort.
“Just recently, I was talking to somebody, and they asked me, ‘Have you ever felt comfortable?’ And I said, ‘The only time I ever felt comfortable was when I wasn’t myself. I was terrifying somebody else, and it was hers,'” she recalled. “And it really helped.”
Parallel Career Beginnings
Goldberg, 70, remembered that while she was already working in film, Winfrey was transitioning from television to movies when they met on set.
“Oprah was already working in television, and I was doing stuff on stage, and we came together like this,” Goldberg said.
During filming, Winfrey received life-changing news. She left set to sign the contract for what would become The Oprah Winfrey Show.
“Whoopi, remember, I left to go sign the contract, in the middle of filming, and I said, ‘I’m gonna go do this. I gotta go sign the contract to do this talk show,’ and you were like, ‘What is it? What is this? What are you doing?'” Winfrey recalled.
The Support System Behind Their Success
Goldberg emphasized how crucial their support network was during this pivotal time. “It was amazing. Our lives, sort of… I guess that was the first time people saw us,” she said. “We had people surrounding us who really wanted us to succeed.”
Both women acknowledged how The Color Purple served as a launching pad for their future success. The film not only showcased their acting talents but also positioned them as influential voices in entertainment.
Evolution Over Four Decades
Looking back at their journey, Goldberg reflected on how much they’ve both changed since 1985.
“It’s interesting because you look at us from The Color Purple, then you look at us here. Yeah, and then you look at us now. Beautiful. In the middle, we’ve evolved. Yeah, yeah, I was tired. That’s why,” she said with a laugh.
The Lasting Impact of The Color Purple
The reunion highlighted how The Color Purple remains a cultural touchstone. For Winfrey, the experience of playing Sofia provided a rare moment of self-acceptance during a time when she faced constant criticism about her appearance.
Their conversation demonstrated how the film not only launched two of the most influential careers in entertainment but also provided a space for personal growth and self-discovery. Both women credit the movie with helping them find their voices and establish their places in Hollywood history.
Key Takeaways
- The Color Purple marked a crucial turning point for both Winfrey and Goldberg
- Winfrey found unexpected confidence through her role as Sofia
- The film’s impact extended far beyond their acting careers
- Their reunion shows how shared experiences can bond artists for decades
- Both women continue to influence entertainment and culture 40 years later
