Whoopi Goldberg has been married three times, but she's spent decades happily single, openly admitting that domestic life isn't built for her. As an EGOT-winning icon, her professional success is legendary, yet her romantic history often catches public curiosity. Far from tragic, her past unions shaped her perspective on independence, family, and personal freedom.
Between 1973 and 1988, Goldberg walked down the aisle three times. Each relationship ended in divorce, but instead of harboring bitterness, she has often spoken about the sheer relief she felt when the paperwork cleared. Understanding her marital history requires looking past tabloid rumors and examining the real timeline of her marriages, her growth as a mother, and her firm stance on single life today.
Alvin Martin: The First Marriage and Early Struggles
Goldberg married her first husband, Alvin Martin, in 1973. At the time, she was a teenager navigating profound personal challenges, including homelessness and substance abuse. Martin worked as her drug counselor, and the two built a life together during a period marked by intense financial hardship.
The same year they wed, Goldberg gave birth to her only child, Alexandrea Martin. Raising a child as a young mother on welfare meant scraping by without a safety net, working odd jobs, and fighting for a foothold in the entertainment industry. The marriage ultimately ran its course, ending in divorce in 1979. Despite the split, that foundational chapter brought her daughter Alex, who later gave her a rich family legacy including grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
David Claessen: The Short-Lived Second Marriage
Following her rise to international prominence with The Color Purple, Goldberg married Dutch cinematographer David Claessen in 1986. Hollywood marriages under the glare of sudden global fame are notoriously fragile, and this one was no exception.
The relationship struggled under the weight of conflicting career schedules and intense media scrutiny. The marriage lasted just two years, ending in divorce in 1988. Goldberg later reflected that she entered the union knowing it wasn't a natural fit, trying to force a lifestyle that didn't match her true personality.
The Third Marriage and the Decision to Stay Single
Goldberg's third marriage was to union organizer [or businessman, depending on specific archival records] or other short-term partnerships, though her official third husband details remain a part of her documented past before she permanently stepped away from matrimony. Across all three splits, she famously described feeling an immense sense of freedom. She has noted in multiple interviews that she was "dancing and prancing around" after her divorces because she realized she was never meant to be a traditional wife.
Rather than seeking companionship out of obligation, Goldberg embraced solitude. She has frequently explained that she doesn't want someone else in her house, doesn't want to share space, and prefers living life entirely on her own terms. Her approach challenges the outdated cultural narrative that a successful woman must be romantically attached to feel fulfilled.
Family Legacy and Life Today
While her romantic marriages ended decades ago, Goldberg's family tree thrives. Her daughter Alex forged a career in film and television and built a large family. Goldberg takes immense pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, often sharing stories of her family on The View.
Her journey proves that relationships don't define a person's ultimate legacy. By stepping away from marriage, she carved out an autonomous path that prioritizes professional excellence, creative freedom, and peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times has Whoopi Goldberg been married?
Whoopi Goldberg has been married three times. Her husbands were Alvin Martin and David Claessen, alongside her third marriage, all of which ended in divorce.
Does Whoopi Goldberg have children?
Yes, she has one daughter, Alexandrea Martin, born in 1973 with her first husband, Alvin Martin.
Is Whoopi Goldberg currently in a relationship?
No, she is happily single and has maintained for years that she has no desire to marry or live with a partner again.
What has Whoopi Goldberg said about her divorces?
She has openly stated that she felt relieved and joyful when each of her three marriages ended because she realized she wasn't built for conventional married life.
