Whoopi Goldberg has walked down the aisle three times, but she's spent decades making it clear that traditional marriage isn't for her. While pop culture fans often hunt for details about a current Whoopi Goldberg husband, the EGOT-winning The View co-host has been happily single for years. She has openly stated that she doesn't want to live with anyone or share her space.
Her romantic history includes three past marriages, several high-profile engagements, and a candid perspective on why independence suits her better than domestic partnership.
Who Are Whoopi Goldberg's Three Ex-Husbands?
Before finding peace with single life, Goldberg tried marriage three times across different decades. Each relationship ended in divorce, and Goldberg has frequently taken accountability for their endings, admitting she entered them because society expected her to rather than out of genuine romantic commitment.
Alvin Martin (1973–1979)
Alvin Martin was Goldberg's first husband and her longest marriage. The two met in the early 1970s when Goldberg was overcoming drug addiction. Martin worked as her drug counselor, and the pair married in 1973 when Goldberg was just 18 years old. They share one daughter, Alexandrea Martin, who was born the same year they wed. After six years together, the marriage ended in divorce in 1979. Goldberg later noted that she struggled to commit fully during her youth. To see the complete picture, check out the excellent article by The New York Times.
David Claessen (1986–1988)
By the mid-1980s, Goldberg's career was skyrocketing following her breakout role in The Color Purple. In 1986, she married her second husband, Dutch cinematographer David Claessen. The whirlwind romance faced immense pressure from her growing fame and demanding filming schedules. The couple split up after just two years, finalizing their divorce in 1988 without having any children together.
Lyle Trachtenberg (1994–1995)
Goldberg's third marriage was to union organizer and actor Lyle Trachtenberg. The couple met on the set of the film Corrina, Corrina and married in 1994. This union was her shortest, lasting roughly one year before they divorced in 1995. Following this split, Goldberg decided she was done walking down the aisle entirely.
High-Profile Romances and Broken Engagements
Beyond her legal marriages, Goldberg has experienced several serious relationships, some of which resulted in broken engagements.
In the early 1990s, she had a widely publicized romance with actor Ted Danson. She also dated actor Frank Langella for five years, from 1996 to 2000. Later, she was linked to businessman Michael Visbal, whom she dated until 2004. At one point during that relationship, she considered marriage again, but the romance ultimately fizzled out.
According to a profile by Biography, Goldberg has consistently maintained that while she values companionship, she doesn't want the legal or emotional obligations tied to a shared household.
Why Whoopi Goldberg Prefers Being Single
Goldberg has been vocal about her lack of desire for a partner, explaining her mindset on daytime television and in interviews with outlets like The Hollywood Reporter.
She has explained that marriage requires an ongoing emotional investment that she simply doesn't wish to give. While she pours her energy into her daughter, grandchildren, great-granddaughter, and close friends, she doesn't want to compromise her living arrangements or financial independence for a romantic partner.
"I tried marriage, and it wasn't for me," Goldberg shared. She realized that conforming to expectations caused her to force herself into roles she wasn't cut out for. Instead, she enjoys having friends and loved ones over, but loves being able to send them home at the end of the day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Whoopi Goldberg have a husband now?
No. Goldberg has not been married since her divorce from Lyle Trachtenberg in 1995, and she has stated repeatedly that she has no intention of ever marrying again.
How many times has Whoopi Goldberg been married?
She has been married three times—to Alvin Martin, David Claessen, and Lyle Trachtenberg. All three marriages ended in divorce.
Does Whoopi Goldberg have children?
Yes. She shares one daughter, Alexandrea Martin (born in 1973), with her first husband, Alvin Martin. She also has three grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.
Why did Whoopi Goldberg stop getting married?
Goldberg realized that she is happier living alone and does not enjoy the daily compromises, shared finances, and domestic expectations that come with a committed romantic partnership.
