From growing up in poverty and living off food stamps, Whoopi Goldberg has become a successful actress, a loving mother of three, and a grandmother. Meet her only child and take a look at their close family bond.
Whoopi Goldberg is a household name, celebrated for her wit, charisma, and trailblazing career in Hollywood. But behind the bright lights of fame lies another compelling story — that of her only child, Alex Martin.
Whoopi Goldberg with her Oscar for Best Supporting Actress at the 63rd Annual Academy Awards in Los Angeles, California, on March 25, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Born when Whoopi was just a teenager, Alex grew up amid financial struggles, witnessing her mother navigate life's challenges. However, today, Alex is a proud mother and grandmother. Meet Whoopi's mini-me and best friend.
Whoopi Goldberg on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" on November 6, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
A Tough Start
In July 2024, Alex Martin joined her mother, Whoopi Goldberg, on the red carpet to celebrate the launch of the Hollywood star's cannabis line. The pair's close bond was evident as they smiled for cameras at the event, "A Night With Whoopi."
Whoopi Goldberg at "A Night With Whoopi" on July 20, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
Their connection has been years in the making, forged through shared struggles and triumphs. According to reports, Whoopi became a mother at just 18, welcoming Alex with her first husband, Alvin Martin, a counselor.
Whoopi Goldberg circa 1980. | Source: Getty Images
In 1973, the actress had already dropped out of high school and was navigating life with minimal resources. Reflecting on those early days, Alex revealed the extent of their struggles in an interview.
Alexandra Martin, Whoopi Goldberg, and her husband David Claessen at the 38th Annual Primetime Emmy Awards in 1986. | Source: Getty Images
"I know what it's like with the food stamps because my mom has her (welfare) cards framed," Alex shared. "I remember we had the one-room space, and we slept in the bed together. I remember when we wanted to travel, we would drive across the country in broke-down bugs," she continued.
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin at the 63rd Academy Awards in 1991. | Source: Getty Images
She added, "We didn't have the money to go to movies. I found friends, I walked down the street, I climbed trees, I did camping." Whoopi herself has been candid about those difficult times. During a segment on "The View," she recalled the harsh reality of raising Alex as a single mother.
Welfare assistance offered her just $27 a week, barely enough to make ends meet. Despite these hardships, "The Color Purple" star's resilience shone through, laying the foundation for the strong, inspiring relationship she shares with Alex today.
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin at the premiere of "Made In America" on May 27, 1993, in Westwood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Meet Alex Martin
Over the years, Alex has carved her own path in entertainment, working as an actress and film producer. She's also appeared in several of her mother's projects, including 1985's "The Color Purple," which earned Whoopi an Academy Award nomination, and 1993's "Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit."
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin during the actress's Braid, Hand, and Footprint Ceremony on February 2, 1995, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
In 2015, Alex starred in the docu-series "According to Alex," offering fans a behind-the-scenes look into her life. Beyond the camera, Whoopi's daughter's personal life has been just as eventful as her career.
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin during The 25th Annual Crystal Awards in 2001 in Century City, California. | Source: Getty Images
Over the years, Alex has married her husband, Bernard Dean, three times, divorcing twice before tying the knot again in 2011. Reflecting on their unique journey, Alex said, "It's about love. It's about growing up. It's about, you know, coming full circle."
Alex Martin at the premiere of "The Haunted Mansion" in 2003 in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
She added with humor that each time they said "I do," the diamond got bigger. According to reports, the Hollywood star's daughter is a mother of three. She and Bernard have two children, Mason, born in 1998, and Jerzey, born in 1995.
Alex also welcomed her eldest daughter, Amara, at just 15 years old. Now 51, Alex is a proud grandmother to Amara's daughter, Charli Rose.
Alex Martin with her famous mother and children at Nickelodeon's 19th Annual Kids' Choice Awards in 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Beyond being a doting mother and grandmother, Alex also shares a close relationship with her mother, one built on mutual respect and admiration. During a 2016 appearance on "The View," Whoopi introduced Alex as her best friend, describing her as "one of the most trustworthy and loyal people I know."
Alex Martin during her appearance on "The View" in 2016. | Source: Getty Images
"She is somebody who makes me laugh," the iconic actress added. We can talk to each other any time during the day or night. I just like her a lot." Over the years, Alex has also influenced her famous mother's approach to parenting.
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin at the 2016 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
In May 2024, Whoopi opened up about an invaluable lesson her daughter taught her ahead of the release of her new memoir, "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother, and Me," admitting, "[She taught me] to pick my battles. Yeah, that's what I learned from my child. Pick your battles and then fight those."
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin at the 90th Annual Academy Awards on March 4, 2018, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
Social media users have noted the striking resemblance between Alex and Whoopi. "Twins," one person commented on a photo dump Alex shared, which included sweet snaps of her and her mother.
Whoopi Goldberg and Alex Martin at "A Night With Whoopi" on July 20, 2024, in Venice, California. | Source: Getty Images
"She looks like her mom," another person said. A third social media user typed, "Not surprised, her daughter inherited great genes!"
Whoopi is also a doting grandmother to Alex's children and a great-grandmother to Charli Rose. In March 2024, "The Color Purple" star shared a heartwarming anecdote on "The View," revealing that she attended her great-granddaughter's Special Person's Day at school.
From overcoming early struggles to building a fulfilling family and career, Alex mirrors her mother Whoopi Goldberg's strength and spirit. Together, their bond continues to inspire, showing that family, through all its twists and turns, remains unshakable.
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