Whoopi Goldberg Celebrates ‘Star Trek’ At 60

Whoopi Goldberg is reflecting on the lasting impact of the beloved Star Trek franchise.

The TV personality and comedian is one of the many stars to have graced the franchise over the years. As Star Trek celebrates its 60th anniversary, she shared what the show has done for representation.

Goldberg also recalled a conversation with creator Gene Roddenberry about why she wanted to join the franchise.

Speaking with Extra TV, Goldberg reflected on the franchise reaching its 60-year milestone since its debut.

For her, one of the show’s most important qualities was its impact on representation. That began when she saw Nichelle Nichols play Lt. Uhura in the original Star Trek series.

“He put all these people on this sci-fi show that he didn’t realize, you know, that for kids like me… I love science fiction,” the TV personality said of creator Gene Roddenberry. “There are no science fiction movies that had Black people in them.”

Goldberg credited Roddenberry’s original vision with helping audiences recognize people’s differences and work through them.

How Whoopi Goldberg Joined The Star Trek Franchise

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Years after watching Nichols play the role, Goldberg also wanted a part in the franchise. She wanted to join the spinoff The Next Generation, which she eventually did, appearing on the show from 1988 to 1993.

However, joining the franchise wasn’t easy, as Roddenberry initially questioned her decision. In response, Goldberg reportedly told him that there were no Black people in the future depicted in those movies and that she wanted to be one.

Roddenberry didn’t believe her at first, but eventually admitted she was right.

Nichelle Nichols Opened The Door For Whoopi Goldberg

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Elsewhere in the interview, Goldberg also credited Nichols with opening the door for the actors who followed her.

“She started it, and I was happy to take up that moniker, and then LeVar [Burton] was the next one to do it,” Goldberg said.

In the franchise, Goldberg played Guinan, a bartender and confidante to Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

She later reprised the role in Star Trek Generations and Star Trek: Nemesis, as well as the television series Star Trek: Picard.

Whoopi Goldberg Returned To The View For Season 30

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Goldberg’s reflections on Star Trek came as she returned to The View for the show’s 30th season.

She discussed what has helped the daytime talk show remain successful after so many years, revealing that it’s the panel’s ability to separate work from personal disagreements.

“We will do what we think is right for each of us. We don’t always agree. We have different opinions, and we don’t all think the same. And just because we’re women doesn’t mean we’re fighting, because people love to say, ‘Oh, look, the women are battling.’ No, we’ll let you know when we’re battling. You’ll know,” she said.

Goldberg added that everyone came to the show to do their jobs while remaining true to their beliefs.

Whoopi Goldberg Surprised The View Audience With A Giveaway

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As part of the Season 30 premiere, Goldberg initially announced that one audience member would win a three-night stay at the Secrets and Dreams Playa Mujeres resorts in Cancún, Mexico.

However, as the show progressed, Goldberg unveiled a twist that appeared to recreate a giveaway from Oprah Winfrey’s 2004 appearance on the show.

Goldberg pulled a card from a gold box and revealed that the entire audience would receive the getaway instead.

The surprise left audience members cheering and crying before the show cut to a commercial break.