The Fall of Whoopi Goldberg: Once a Hollywood Legend, Now ‘The Most Disliked Person in Hollywood’?

Whoopi Goldberg was once the face of Hollywood’s brightest stars, a woman whose career soared to incredible heights in the ’80s and ’90s. From her groundbreaking role in The Color Purple to her unforgettable performance in Ghost, she was adored by fans and respected by peers. A recurring role on Star Trek, standup performances alongside legends like Jerry Lewis, and a string of acclaimed movies cemented her place in Hollywood history.

But today, Goldberg stands at the center of a firestorm that has shocked even the most seasoned Hollywood insiders. The once-beloved star has now been voted The Most Disliked Person in Hollywood by her peers, a title that many claim is more than deserved. What happened to the woman who once had the world at her feet? The answer, according to insiders, might lie in one fateful decision: taking the job on The View.

The Rise and Fall of Whoopi Goldberg: A Hollywood Star Turned Talk Show Host

Goldberg’s rise to fame is one of the most storied in Hollywood. With a career that spanned acting, stand-up comedy, and producing, she quickly became a cultural icon. Her role in The Color Purple earned her an Oscar nomination, and her portrayal of a psychic medium in Ghost became one of her most beloved roles.

However, in 2007, Goldberg made a decision that would set her career on a drastically different path: she joined The View. The daytime talk show, which focuses on politics, pop culture, and current events, quickly became a platform for Goldberg’s outspoken views and, some would argue, her increasingly controversial public persona.

While The View offered Goldberg a massive platform to expand her influence, it also marked the beginning of her public decline. Known for her sharp tongue and unapologetic opinions, Goldberg became a lightning rod for criticism. Her interactions with co-hosts, especially when debates became heated, often made headlines. But what was once seen as a refreshing honesty became divisive, and viewers began to turn on her.

The Poll Heard Around Hollywood: Goldberg’s Reputation Deteriorates

It wasn’t just the viewers who were growing disillusioned with Goldberg—it was her peers. In an explosive revelation, a private poll conducted among members of the Screen Actors’ Guild (SAG) declared Whoopi Goldberg The Most Disliked Person in Hollywood. The poll, first published in an internal SAG journal, was later leaked to the public, sending shockwaves through Hollywood’s elite circles.

A staggering 82% of respondents voted for Goldberg, citing her “nasty disposition” as the primary reason. The poll, which has now become infamous on social media, was sent to the Conservative Committee of SAG for a vote, with the motion being seconded by none other than Scott Baio. Other notable names, including James Woods, Kevin Sorbo, and Roseanne Barr, voiced their support for the motion. In a hilarious and bizarre twist, Clint Eastwood, who failed to log onto the Zoom call due to technical difficulties, abstained from voting.

This poll, despite its informal nature, has triggered a major cultural conversation in Hollywood. Once considered a legendary and respected figure, Goldberg has now found herself ostracized by the very industry she helped shape.

The Backlash: Fans and Peers Weigh In

The leak of the poll and its damning results have led to a wide range of reactions. Fans and Hollywood insiders alike have taken to social media to weigh in. The hashtag #WhoopiDeservesBetter trended for days, with some defending her career and calling the poll an unfair attack on a woman who has given so much to the industry. Others, however, took the opportunity to voice their frustrations.

One user tweeted, “Whoopi used to be a star, but now she’s just a shadow of her former self. Her time on The View has completely tarnished her image. What happened to the woman who stood for something?”

Others have pointed to her infamous clashes with fellow co-hosts on The View and the way her increasingly vocal political stances have alienated a significant portion of her fanbase. As the poll results reverberated through Hollywood, some began to ask whether it was time for Goldberg to step away from the spotlight.

The Toxic Work Environment of The View

As much as the public and the industry have been divided over Goldberg’s behavior, the real story behind the scenes at The View is much darker. For years, insiders have hinted at a toxic work environment where tensions between the co-hosts are a constant undercurrent. Goldberg, who holds a prominent position on the panel, has often clashed with the others on the show, with arguments frequently spilling over into the public eye.

The dynamics at The View have been the subject of much speculation, with many believing that Goldberg’s rising dissatisfaction with the direction of the show contributed to her increasingly sharp and often abrasive commentary. The lack of genuine camaraderie among the co-hosts, compounded by the often contentious political discussions, has undoubtedly added fuel to the fire of public backlash.

Is It Time for Whoopi Goldberg to Step Away?

The question now is whether Whoopi Goldberg can recover from this unprecedented decline in both public opinion and industry respect. After decades of being a beloved figure in Hollywood, her reputation has now been marred by the fallout from The View and the continuing backlash from the leaked SAG poll.

Some critics believe that the time has come for Goldberg to step away from the spotlight and focus on other projects, perhaps leaving the world of political commentary behind. Yet, others believe she still has a chance to reclaim her place in Hollywood—if she distances herself from the toxicity of her current role and makes amends for her polarizing stances.

A New Era for Hollywood’s Legendary Figure

While Whoopi Goldberg’s fall from grace might seem like a cautionary tale, it’s also a reminder of how quickly public opinion can turn, especially in the age of social media. From being a beloved icon to becoming the “most disliked person in Hollywood,” Goldberg’s career trajectory offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of fame, media, and public perception in 2025.

Is it too late for Goldberg to rebuild her reputation, or has she crossed a line that cannot be uncrossed? The media world, and Hollywood, are watching closely.

One thing is certain: Whoopi Goldberg’s legacy is now tangled in controversy, and the question of whether she can rise from the ashes—or fade into irrelevance—remains unanswered. For a woman who once defined boldness and defiance in Hollywood, her next move will be one of the most closely watched in the entertainment industry. Stay tuned, because the future of Whoopi Goldberg in Hollywood might be just as unpredictable as her career has been.