Whoopi Goldberg's Journey Through Love And Marriage

Even though she's not currently walking down the aisle, Whoopi Goldberg knows a thing or two about love and commitment. The beloved host of "The View" has had her fair share of romances over the years, including three marriages. Now, you might be surprised to learn that Whoopi has been married at all, but here’s the deal: she’s always kept her personal life pretty private, even as she broke barriers in Hollywood.

When you think of Whoopi, you probably picture her cracking jokes and sharing her sharp insights on "The View." But behind the scenes, she's had a rich history of relationships, including three ex-husbands: Alvin Martin, David Claessen, and Lyle Trachtenberg. And guess what? She’s been more than open about why marriage wasn’t exactly her lifelong dream.

In a candid chat with The New York Times Magazine, Whoopi spilled the tea on why she said "I do" in the first place. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t because she was dying to settle down. "People expect you to have a boyfriend. They expect you to get married," she revealed in July 2019. "So I kept trying to do that, but deep down, I didn’t want to share my life with someone else. I didn’t want anyone questioning my choices or needing me to make them feel better."

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First Love: Alvin Martin (1973-1979)

Whoopi’s first marriage, which also happens to be her longest, was to Alvin Martin, her former drug counselor. The couple tied the knot back in 1973, when Whoopi was just starting her journey in life. Now, here’s something you might not know: Whoopi became a mom at the age of 18, giving birth to their only child, Alex Martin, in May 1973. But like all things, their love story came to an end, and after six years together, they called it quits in 1979. According to reports, Alvin never remarried after their split, which speaks volumes about the bond they once shared.

Second Time Around: David Claessen (1986-1988)

Fast forward a few years, and Whoopi walked down the aisle again, this time with cinematographer David Claessen in 1986. But like her first marriage, this one didn’t last long. After just two years, the couple decided to part ways in 1988, and they didn’t have any children together. David, however, didn’t stay single for long. He remarried in 1992 to Karen Green, and after their divorce in 2002, he tied the knot again with Taiye Selasi in 2013.

David’s career is nothing short of impressive. He’s worked with some of the biggest names in music, including Britney Spears, Travie McCoy, and Jason Mraz, creating unforgettable music videos. His cinematography skills have also graced the big and small screens, with credits like the 2005 film "Diary of a Mad Black Woman," the 2013 TV series "The Hustle," and the documentary "Yasuke-Son."

Final Chapter: Lyle Trachtenberg (1994-1995)