Show summary Hide summary
- How the film will tell Whoopi Goldberg’s story
- Director, producers and production companies involved
- Why this director and team matter
- Imagine Documentaries’ experience with biographical films
- Whoopi Goldberg’s journey and public life, as captured by the film
- Where this project fits into Goldberg’s current slate
Filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir is set to chronicle the life of Whoopi Goldberg in a new documentary that builds on Goldberg’s memoir and offers fresh, intimate access to the EGOT-winning entertainer. The project unites Gandbhir’s Message Pictures with Imagine Documentaries and other partners to craft a portrait of a performer whose career spans stand-up, Broadway, Hollywood and television.
How the film will tell Whoopi Goldberg’s story
The movie will expand on Goldberg’s autobiography Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me. It follows her as she revisits and reimagines her breakthrough one-woman show from 1984, The Whoopi Monologues, and as she develops new theatrical work.
Christina Haack stuns in cream crochet bikini: responds to fourth engagement rumors
Knicks superfan Ben Stiller skips Oscars to watch gritty win over Warriors
- Personal scenes with family, including time with her great-grandchild.
- Behind-the-scenes moments from rehearsals and creative planning.
- Glimpses of Goldberg’s quieter life split between the U.S. and Italy.
Director, producers and production companies involved
Gandbhir — who arrives with serious awards attention for recent documentary work — will direct. Her company Message Pictures teams with Imagine Documentaries, alongside One Hoe Productions and Whoop, Inc.
Key producers and executive producers
- Producers: Sara Bernstein, Tom Leonardis, Geeta Gandbhir, Alisa Payne, Meredith Kaulfers, Sam Pollard, Justin Wilkes.
- Executive producers: Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
Why this director and team matter
Gandbhir is known for sensitive, cinematic nonfiction storytelling. Imagine Documentaries brings a track record of artist-focused biographies. Together they aim to capture both Goldberg’s stagecraft and her off-camera life.
Gandbhir called Goldberg a groundbreaking storyteller whose career reshaped entertainment. Imagine’s president described the collaboration as a chance to celebrate a cultural icon.
Imagine Documentaries’ experience with biographical films
The company has produced several notable artist profiles. Recent credits include:
- Music by John Williams
- Jim Henson: Idea Man
- Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
- Marty: Life Is Short
Whoopi Goldberg’s journey and public life, as captured by the film
Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Goldberg rose from New York public housing and overcame early struggles, including dyslexia. She built her reputation as a stand-up comic and solo performer before breaking out in film with roles like The Color Purple.
Her wide-ranging career includes activism, acting, a long-running role as co-host on The View, and earning the rare EGOT status.
Where this project fits into Goldberg’s current slate
Goldberg is reviving The Whoopi Monologues, which will open at Lincoln Center Theatre this summer and move to Broadway. She is also involved in several screen projects.
- Sister Act 3 — in development for Disney+.
- Welcome to My Funeral — an ABC/Hulu pilot where Goldberg serves as an executive producer.
