Recap: Whoopi Goldberg on Star Jones show
Whoopi Goldberg appeared on the Star Jones show today on Court TV. In her introduction, Star called Whoopi, “one of my favorite people in the whole world” and said that they have been friends for a long time.
Overall, I thought this was a really good interview. I had not seen a whole episode of Star Jones yet, and I actually, surprisingly, found her to be enjoyable. They touched on a lot of topics, including The View, Rosie O’Donnell’s book, and various “hot topics” going on in the country. Below is a fairly comprehensive recap of what they discussed.
About The View:
Whoopi said that people keep telling her that she needs to work on her face during the interview segments. She said that there are wonderful actors and actresses coming on and she “couldn’t care less” about what they are promoting. She would rather talk about cleaning products.
Star gave her a tip and said to turn her head a little to the left and the right and think “I am so happy to be here right now” and then you will look interested.
Star said that she does not like that her whole experience on The View is being defined by her last year there, which was uncomfortable and “a bad experience.” She said that her first eight years on the show were great and she had a good time.
Star told Whoopi when she gets back to the show, to tell Barbara Walters that she says “hi” and that she misses her. Whoopi said, “She misses you too.” Star said that it would be great if Barbara Walters came on her show.
As a photo of Rosie O’Donnell’s book was shown on the screen, Star said, “Aren’t you glad you aren’t in that book, girl?” Star said that she did a “Hallelujah” dance because she heard she was not in the book. Whoopi said “I don’t care about this book” and said that she is not going to read it. What was odd was that neither of them mentioned Rosie’s name at that point.
Whoopi said that she thinks that Barbara is “pleased to be in a different space” after all the turmoil that has happened at the show.
If Whoopi could interview on guest on The View, it would be Hell’s Kitchen star Gordon Ramsey.
She said that she likes the women on The View because they are all so different. She has been learning a lot about Elisabeth Hasselbeck. She did not know that she was one of the final contestants on Survivor or that she was a clothes designer. She said that although she and Elisabeth have different views, they are not “vastly different”
Whoopi said that Sherri Shepherd is a “real interesting girl” and “really funny and sweet.” She said that Sherri wants to learn more about politics. Star said that she and Whoopi she go out to lunch with Sherri to help prepare her for what to expect from being on The View and how everything that she says is going to make the newspaper.
Whoopi’s Personal Life:
Whoopi said that in her spare time she likes reading and watching old movies on Turner Classic Movies channel. She said that with all of her accomplishments, the only pressure she gets is the pressure that she puts on herself not be bored and to “stay out of trouble.”
Her mother told her that she could be whoever she wanted to be, as long as she could handle the consequences. She told her daughter the same thing. Her daughter had her first child at a very young age. Whoopi now has three grandchildren, aged 18, 12, and 9.
Whoopi said that she still doesn’t want to wear a brassiere. The only reason they were telling her at The View that she needed to is because they are uncomfortable with it. She added that men don’t have to wear a mini-bra, but that their briefs are kind of like a brassiere. She then looked at all of the male crew members and said that they did not really need bras.
Whoopi on free speech:
Whoopi said that she is “hellbent on keeping America free for dissent and discussion.” She said that she is one of the most politically incorrect people that you will meet. She is not “burying the word ‘bitch,’” because she enjoys the word. She said that language is very important, but it is not the words that are harmful, it is the intent behind the words.
She said that while words, like “bitch” are banned, words like “stupid” are allowed, even though there is no nice connotation for that word, the way there could be for “bitch.” She added that “stupid is worst word in English language.”
She has learned that people are hypersensitive about certain issues and it prevents them listening to what you are saying because they would rather just take what you say and use it for their own purposes.
“Hot topics”:
O.J. Simpson: Whoopi doesn’t know how to react it, but feels like people are still upset that he did not get convicted last time.
Jena 6: She was not surprised by it because racism is “alive and well” in America. She pointed out that when people talk about immigration, they only show Mexicans, even though they are Canadians who are here illegally, too. She said that it is probably because they are more afraid of the Mexicans. She added that the government does not have the money to fix the problem or the personnel to find everyone. She said that she does not feel bad for the town of Jena after she learned that the white people boarded up their doors and left town. Star said that she tried to call the town hall or the district attorney there, but they have shut down.
How Hollywood Has Changed: Whoopi said that the way that Hollywood has changed since she first started out is cell phone cameras. Now no matter what you do, you will end up on YouTube. She talked about a public service announcement that warns teenagers about the dangers of what they post on the internet or share with their friends online. She said that there are no consequences for teenagers anymore.
The View, Star Jones, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O’Donnell, Barbara Walters, Sherri Shepherd, Elisabeth Hasselbeck
September 21st, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Sounds like Star was kissing major ass, trying to make nice with BW again. Whoopi seems to be 100% on the BW train. BW must have ordered everyone: Don’t mention Rosie’s name and she’ll go away. lol
September 21st, 2007 at 4:22 pm
kc: I don’t know about that. I thought Star seemed genuinely sad about how things between her and BW turned out. I could be wrong…
September 21st, 2007 at 5:01 pm
It sounds like Whoopi has some hostility toward Rosie, which is strange because Rosie was the main one pushing for her to get the job.
Whoopi should try to stay neutral, the problems between BW, Rosie and EH have nothing to do with her. Thanks for the summary.
September 21st, 2007 at 5:11 pm
I agree with Winnie. I really enjoyed the interview. I appreciate that Star didn’t skirt skirt around the controversy surrounding the “The View” especially with her departure. It was nice she remained humble and expressed gratitude for the time she spent there, especially giving respect to BW who helped paved the way for her to be on TV.
I think Star is such a strong interviewer! She is so smart and incredibly articulate. I really like her. I also love her “new” look.
I thought Whoopi was so delightful to hear. She just has such a peaceful vibe and says a lot of great. I think she so wise and intelligent. I really admire her for that. Overally, IMO I thought it was rather interesting “must see” interview.
September 21st, 2007 at 5:15 pm
I don’t doubt she sounded sad and genuinely wants to be in Barbara’s good grace again. Star is a veteran tv host afterall who’s smart enough to work the right angles most of the time. Feuding with BW was a hasty and bad career move on her part and no doubt she misses the connections that being a friend of Barbara brings. And now having Rosie be the current bad guy who is “hurting” Barbara with her book, it’s good timing for her own trouble with Barbara to be forgotten and she hopes forgiven. Still, I think it’s hard to gauge what is genuine from what most celebs say and do on tv. Afterall, Star herself was eager to give Whoopi a tip on how to fake interest in guests.
September 21st, 2007 at 6:20 pm
First, thank you Winnie for giving a heads up on the guest and topics on Star’s show. I would not have watched otherwise.
My feelings about the show was similar to kc’s. Star did seem to be really trying too hard to make nice with BW. She also seemed to want to redeem herself from the circumstances behind her leaving. Her telling Whoopi to tell Barb hi seemed to me very jr. high. Star should just call Barb up herself.
I think Star would have been happy to ‘dish’ about Rosie’s book but Whoopi was not interested.
The show was okay. Not great, in fact I thought it was a little boring in some parts.
Personally, I don’t really find Star to be that engaging. Maybe it’s her personality, but I just don’t find her to be that sincere. Maybe if she had a type of sidekick to banter with would help, someone to balance her out. That’s just my opinion though, as I realize people do like her and enjoy her show.
September 21st, 2007 at 8:27 pm
I had seen the first couple of Star’s shows, and then lost interest. However, I watched today and was pleasantly impressed at both women. Whoopi was MUCH more engaging and real than she is on the View, and Star was also more likeable. I think it helped that they obviously are friends (or at least friendly). And I liked that they did talk about the View and other issues–so often, things are skirted around to avoid “awkward” topics.
When Whoopi said BW missed Star, too, I really think Star kind of teared up. I can’t say for certain, but that was my take. And let’s face it, they were co-workers (although still boss/employee) for 8 years before the “bad” year. I’m sure there are warm feelings. So I thought that was nice of Whoopi to bring up, and I do agree that would be must-see TV is BW would appear on Star’s show.
If the ages of Whoopi’s grandchildren is correct, the girl has lied big time to us! She said she has been a grandmother since age 39, which if she is really 52 like she says, means the eldest would be 13. And at that, I was thinking, wow, how young did SHE have a kid, and/or how young was her daughter when she had a kid? 39 is VERY young to be a grandmother! So when I read that she has an 18 year old grandchild, well that’s wild!
My only real pet peeve is that Whoopi repeatedly used the phrase “I could care less”…..that urks me to no end!!! The correct phrase is “I COULDN’T care less”! Don’t know why that bugs me so much, but many high profile people make this mistake!
September 21st, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Thanks Winnie!!!
I wished i could have seen the interview myself. I like both Star and Whoopi.
I feel that Whoopi is a genuine person. I have learned much more about her since her coming to the view, and i have only positive thoughts about her.
Star I’ve always liked.
September 21st, 2007 at 10:47 pm
I disagreed with a lot of Star’s opinions when she was on The View, but I still wish she was on the show. I appreciate the way she was so well informed on the issues being discussed every day.
September 22nd, 2007 at 10:12 am
I’m so sorry to be off topic. However, I wanted to mention that Joy Behar also did an interview with Larry King Live last night - (9/21). I’d love to chat about it, after I watch it. I TiVo’d it and about to watch it now. .
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:30 pm
I find it interesting that Whoopi is now dismissing Rosie like she has a personal issue with her. Rosie has always supported Whoopi and I am shocked that she is now doing the BW worshipping. LORD PEEPS!!! she is just a person not J.C.!!!
September 22nd, 2007 at 12:32 pm
Thanks to Winnie for providing this to us! Thanks to Ken for mentioning Joy on Larry King.
Star & Whoopi were interesting to watch, but it ultimately demoralized me (and I know I am not speaking for everyone) because:
– It reminds me again that Whoopi will not “go there” on topics like the war the way Rosie did. She isn’t feeling it and she’s not going to risk it. While Whoopi is fun & light & can express herself interestingly, she ain’t going to carry the banner, on this show, for any progressive or liberal ideals. Not in any helpful way. (I don’t even know if she IS a liberal or progressive at this point.)
–When Star said she thought Whoopi & EH have opposite views, Whoopi corrected her by saying either that they were not all THAT different in their views, or else she said she & EH were CLOSER in their views than they were different (yikes).
–When Star brought up Rosie’s book (not by name, of course), I too thought she would have LOVED to have dished about it — though in a backhanded, indirect way, passive-aggressive way. And I got the idea Whoopi was having nothing to do with it–but NOT because she agrees with Rosie & Rosie’s views. Her facial expressions & tone and elusive comments about Rosie and Rosie’s book seemed disapproving at the very least, as well as angry and dismissive. It could be because Rosie said those things about Babs, Whoopi’s new boss. But, boy, she looked pissed.
–When talking about Sherrie, Whoopi said Sherrie has expressed an interest in learning more about politics. A chill when down my spine when I realized who her teacher will be: EH will gladly gladly spoon-feed her talking points and tactics that reinforce her conservative views. So that’s that. She’ll be watching “Hannity & Colmes” for a fast-food version of content, and she will believe, like so many others, that that show is the same thing as watching the news.
–Well of course Star “misses” Babs. I agree with kc & stacee–they expressed my views better than I can! The professional smart thing for Star to do is to make nice with Babs and The View, especially now that Rosie is the odd woman out. (I am SO glad I am not in show-biz!)
On another note, which is unrelated to the above: Has anyone noticed how carefully Star speaks (at least in this “conversation”? I’m not talking about how she reads from the monitor or talks just to the camera.) It’s odd. It’s kind of like Katie Couric’s delivery sometimes: overly careful in her tone or modulation or something. I can’t describe it. She seems now to be walking on eggshells. Having Whoopi’s very relaxed and natural way of talking as a contrast really highlighted Star’s bizarre way of discoursing. It was very distracting. I think too she is trying very hard to be nice and to come across as nice, to not be the diva she was before…..She’s not someone I’ve ever really been all that interested in. The diva stuff and bling and “I’m so fabulous” persona always bored me and turned me off. I do like her new look and wish her well with keeping her weight off. She still seems to have that breathiness in her voice that I found very alarming when she was so overweight; it sounded like her breathing was very compromised–and to some extent it still does. So that’s too bad.
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:06 pm
Peaches,
I liked Whoopi in The Color Purple, but other than that I’ve never really been a fan. I personally don’t find her funny at all. The thing I didn’t know about Sherri is…She has a foul mouth.
My mother watched her stand up comedy routine and said it was pretty racy. You would think that would create a conflict, considering her religious views.
September 22nd, 2007 at 1:39 pm
Rainlilli: You & keep crossing each other today!
Yes, Sherrie is quite racy, though it doesn’t bother me. But if she were liberal, she would be railed against. She, like Whoopi, is playing it pretty safe and so she is not going to be criticized.
I have often thought Whoopi was funny & bright and at other times not so much. I didn’t like her recent standup routine on Bravo–thought it was boring and unfunny. II thought her acting was excellent in “The Long Way Home” — a movie where she plays Sissy Spacek’s maid during the bus boycotts of the 60s. I was blown away by her performance. I just think now she is not going to do what I want her to do on The View. By not really speaking out, the right-wing press will give her a pass, will reward her.
Memories fade. She’s going through a honeyoon phase right now in the press with The View. They don’t remember how demonized she was as recently as 2004 when she made crude jokes at a Kerry fundraiser using the words bush and Bush. Slim-Fast yanked her from their campaign. And it is thought she lost her TV sitcom at the time because of it. Check out an Ebony magazine article by Googling Whoopi Goldberg if you want to read more about her background. It will really be surprising if you don’t know these things that were said about her as well as her background. None of this stuff is coming up now in the press. And I am not criticizing her past at all. I’m just saying that because she is not doing things the way Rosie did, she is given some latittude.
September 22nd, 2007 at 3:27 pm
“She’s going through a honeyoon phase right now in the press with The View. ”
Funny you said that, Rosie said something similar when asked by a fan about the ladies always saying how much they love each other. Rosie said “it’s still September.”
September 22nd, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Whoopi is wise to tread carefully. Since she’s been burnt once, I think she’s not stepping into the fire again. Sherri is just not fit for political discussion period. From my memory, even Rosie didn’t seriously push the envelope on political Hot Topcis until 2007. I loved that Rosie was spouting flaming liberal idealism next to Joy’s pragmatism and Elisabeth’s jingoism. Whoopi is more like Joy in being pragmatic, so the fire is just not there anymore.
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