Whoopi Goldberg's Three Failed Marriages: Why The Star Of 'The View' Vows Never To Wed Again

Whoopi Goldberg is one of Hollywood's most candid and recognizable figures, but her personal life, particularly her marital status, has long been a subject of intense public curiosity. As of December 2025, the EGOT winner and co-host of *The View* is definitively single and has made it abundantly clear that she has no intention of ever walking down the aisle again. Her current relationship status is a conscious choice, one she has openly discussed, citing her preference for independence and the belief that marriage is simply not compatible with her unique personality and career demands. This definitive stance on remaining single comes after three high-profile, yet short-lived, marriages. Her experiences have shaped a powerful philosophy on commitment and partnership that offers a rare glimpse into the mind of a celebrity who values her freedom above all else. Recent interviews from 2024 confirm that her views have not changed, cementing her status as one of Hollywood's most happily unmarried icons.

The Definitive Biography and Profile of Whoopi Goldberg

To fully understand Whoopi Goldberg’s perspective on marriage, it is essential to look at the woman behind the legendary career. Born and raised in New York City, her journey from a stand-up comedian to an EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) winner is a testament to her unique talent and enduring resilience.

• Birth Name: Caryn Elaine Johnson
• Date of Birth: November 13, 1955
• Place of Birth: Manhattan, New York City, U.S.
• Parents: Emma Johnson (mother), Robert James Johnson (father)
• Sibling: Clyde K. Johnson (older brother, deceased)
• Child: Alexandrea Martin (daughter, from her first marriage)
• Career Highlights: Actress, comedian, author, and television personality. One of only 19 people to achieve EGOT status. Notable works include *The Color Purple*, *Ghost*, *Sister Act*, and her long-running role as a co-host on the daytime talk show *The View*.
• Current Status (2025): Single, never remarried since 1995.

A Deep Dive into Whoopi Goldberg's Three Short-Lived Marriages

Whoopi Goldberg has been married three times, with each union lasting only a few years. These experiences, she has confessed, solidified her understanding that the traditional institution of marriage does not suit her lifestyle or personality. Her three ex-husbands came from different professional backgrounds, showcasing her varied romantic interests over the years.

1. Alvin Martin (1973–1979)

Whoopi’s first marriage was to Alvin Martin, a union that began relatively early in her life and career. They were married in 1973 and divorced six years later in 1979. This marriage holds a significant place in her personal history as it produced her only child, her daughter Alexandrea Martin. Despite the divorce, Whoopi has maintained a strong focus on family, with Alexandrea now having children of her own, making Whoopi a proud grandmother and great-grandmother.

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2. David Claessen (1986–1988)

Her second husband was David Claessen, a Dutch cinematographer. They tied the knot in 1986, but the marriage was notably brief, ending just two years later in 1988. Claessen was a professional partner as well as a romantic one, which often complicated the relationship dynamics. This period coincided with a major upswing in Whoopi's career, suggesting the pressures of Hollywood fame may have contributed to the short duration of the marriage.

3. Lyle Trachtenberg (1994–1995)

The third and final marriage was to Lyle Trachtenberg, an actor and union organizer. This was her shortest marriage, lasting barely a year, from 1994 to 1995. The quick end to this union seemed to be the final confirmation for Goldberg that the life of a wife was not the life she was meant to live. Since the divorce from Trachtenberg, she has remained unmarried for over three decades, a conscious choice she has never regretted.

Whoopi's Unfiltered Philosophy: Why She Prefers Single Life in 2025

In a May 2024 interview, Whoopi Goldberg reiterated her long-standing belief that she is simply not cut out for marriage. She has consistently offered a frank and often humorous take on her three "failed" attempts at matrimony, turning the topic into a relatable discussion about personal fulfillment and commitment.

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Whoopi’s core argument centers on her need for personal space and her inability to share her life with another person in the way marriage demands. She has stated that she doesn't want someone in her house, preferring to live alone and maintain her own independent routine. This desire for autonomy is a powerful theme in her life.

She views marriage as a binding commitment that requires a level of intimacy and co-dependence she is unwilling to give. "I don't want to live with anybody," she famously stated. Her career, which demands long hours and unpredictable travel, also plays a role. She has suggested that her work is her primary focus, and a spouse would inevitably feel neglected or secondary to her professional ambitions.

The actress has emphasized that her choice to remain single does not mean a lack of love or companionship. She maintains that she can have a deep, loving relationship with someone without needing the legal and social framework of marriage. For Whoopi, a relationship is about connection, not contracts.

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This candid discussion on *The View* and in various interviews continues to resonate with fans who appreciate her honesty. Her current status as a happily single woman in 2025 serves as a powerful message that a traditional marital path is not the only route to a fulfilling life. She is a prime example of a celebrity who has prioritized her career, her family (especially her daughter and grandchildren), and her personal freedom above all else.

In summary, while Whoopi Goldberg has been married three times, she is not currently married, and her public statements from 2024 confirm that she is content to remain a single, independent woman. Her three ex-husbands—Alvin Martin, David Claessen, and Lyle Trachtenberg—represent chapters in her life that ultimately led her to embrace a life of solo independence, a choice she continues to celebrate.