Long before Hollywood fame, EGOT-winning comedian, and daytime television icon Whoopi Goldberg walked down the aisle three times, her first marriage was to a man named Alvin Martin. Unlike her subsequent high-profile unions, Martin has spent decades firmly out of the public eye. He remains a footnote in pop culture history primarily as Whoopi Goldberg's first husband and the father of her only child, Alex Martin.
Understanding Alvin Martin requires looking back at the early 1970s, a tumultuous period in Goldberg's youth. Before she became a household name, Goldberg struggled with substance abuse as a teenager in New York. During her rehabilitation, she met Martin, who was working professionally as a drug counselor. Martin served as her primary support system during her recovery journey, helping her navigate addiction before she ever pursued a career in acting.
Marriage Timeline and Family Life
The professional relationship between Martin and Goldberg eventually evolved into a personal romance. In 1972, Goldberg discovered she was pregnant with their child. The couple married shortly after in 1973, when Goldberg was just 18 years old.
On May 9, 1973, they welcomed their only daughter, Alexandrea Martin (known professionally as Alex Martin). Alex followed in her mother's footsteps to a degree, pursuing a career in acting and film production, making Martin a grandfather to three children: Amara, Jerzey, and Mason. Through Alex, Martin is also a great-grandfather, tying him to a sprawling family tree even though he avoids the spotlight.
The marriage between Martin and Goldberg lasted for six years, making it Goldberg's longest marriage out of her three trips down the aisle. The couple ultimately divorced in 1979.
Why Did the Marriage End?
Goldberg has been remarkably candid about the breakdown of her first marriage, attributing the split to her own internal struggles rather than any specific wrongdoing by Martin. In various interviews over the decades—including candid discussions on CNN and daytime talk shows—Goldberg admitted that she was never truly in love with Martin or any of her subsequent husbands.
Instead, Goldberg explained that she married Martin because she felt social pressure to conform. As a young woman coming of age in the counterculture of the late 1960s and early 1970s, she thought that getting married and building a traditional family was the ticket to feeling "normal". She later realized that conventional marriage did not align with her personality or her desire for independence, leading to their amicable separation in 1979.
Where is Alvin Martin Now?
Unlike many former spouses of major Hollywood celebrities, Alvin Martin has maintained a strict policy of privacy. He didn't capitalize on his brief association with fame, choosing instead to continue his work. Reports indicate that he continued practicing as a drug and addiction counselor, dedicating his life to helping others overcome the very struggles that initially brought him into Goldberg's life.
Despite their divorce, Goldberg has maintained that she holds no ill will toward any of her ex-husbands. During appearances on programs like The View, she has mentioned that she remains on respectful terms with the people from her past, noting that they were once friends. Martin has never remarried or sought public attention, cementing his status as one of Hollywood's most elusive historical figures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Whoopi Goldberg married to Alvin Martin?
They were married for six years, tying the knot in 1973 and finalizing their divorce in 1979. This remains Goldberg's longest marriage.
How many children do Alvin Martin and Whoopi Goldberg share?
They share one daughter, Alex Martin, who was born in May 1973. Alex is an actress and producer.
What was Alvin Martin's profession?
Martin worked as a professional drug and addiction counselor. This is how he met Goldberg, who was his client during her teenage rehabilitation.
Is Alvin Martin active on social media?
No. Martin maintains an entirely private life with no public social media profiles, choosing to stay out of the public eye entirely.
