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Love, Laughter, and Lessons: A look back at 'The View' host Whoopi Goldberg's relationship history

Whoopi Goldberg once said, 'It seemed to be that if I was married I’d have a much more normal life. Clearly, that’s not the case'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: Born Caryn Elaine Johnson, Whoopi Goldberg started as a young comedian in the ‘70s and has since become a household name and one of the most recognizable faces in the entertainment industry. She went on to become and actress and film producer, best known for her roles in 'Sister Act', 'Ghost', 'The Color Purple', and of course, her longstanding cohosting duties on ABC's 'The View'.

Goldberg, 67, is the first African-American woman to earn the EGOT status after winning an Emmy Award, Grammy Award, Academy Award, and Tony Award. Meanwhile, she is also an accomplished entrepreneur, humanitarian, and activist. The TV star has notably been in the spotlight for decades but has rarely discussed her love life despite being married three times. She was married to Alvin Martin from 1973 to 1979, David Claessan from 1986 to 1988, and Lyle Trachtenberg from 1994 to 1995, according to US Weekly.

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Goldberg opened up about her thoughts on marriage during an interview with Piers Morgan in 2011. “It seemed to be that if I was married I’d have a much more normal life. Clearly, that’s not the case. That’s not a good reason to get married,” she told the British talk show host. Goldberg added, “You have to actually want a life with someone through ups and downs. I just discovered that wasn’t for me.” Aside from her marriages, Goldberg has previously dated Ted Danson from 1992 to 1994 and Frank Langella from 1996 to 2001.

Inside Whoopi Goldberg's relationship history

Alvin Martin

Goldberg tied the knot with Martin in 1973 after the pair reportedly met in Los Angeles when the latter served as her drug counselor. The Grammy winner has been rather candid about her past struggles with substance abuse. She married Martin when she was only 18 and gave birth to their daughter, Alexandrea Martin, that same year.

While Alexandrea is Goldberg's only child, the former had three children of her own with her husband Bernard Dean – namely Amarah, Jerzey, and Mason. In 2014, Goldberg became a greatgrandmother with the birth of Amarah's daughter Charli Rose. Goldberg's family faced numerous struggles as her career was just taking off during her first marriage. Alexandrea recalled the hardships they went through at the time.

"I remember we had the one-room space and we slept in the bed together," she once divulged to 'Good Housekeeping'. Goldberg added, "I remember when we wanted to travel we would drive across the country in broke-down bugs. We didn’t have the money to go to the movies." Goldberg and Martin eventually parted ways after six years of marriage in 1979.

David Claessen

Goldberg found love once again seven years after her first divorce and tied the knot with Dutch cinematographer Claessen in 1986. The pair attended a series of movie premieres together and were married for two years before ending their relationship in 1988. According to reports, Claessen is known for directing music videos for several big-name artists including Britney Spears, Travie McCoy, and Jason Mraz. He has also worked in film and television, with credits in the film 'Diary of a Mad Black Woman' and the TV series, 'The Hustle'.

Lyle Trachtenberg

In 1994, Goldberg married IATSE union organizer Trachtenberg. However, the third time wasn't the charm for the iconic entertainer and the two divorced the following year. “It took me some time but I realized that trying to turn myself into something I wasn’t ready for, for a man. Wasn’t his fault. It was mine,” Goldberg told The New York Times in 2019. “My marriages failed and I was the common denominator. My commitment was never that strong. I can say now that I was never really in love," she added.