Whoopi Goldberg Talks Work Struggles and The View

One day before turning 69, Whoopi Goldberg, star of The View and an Oscar-winning actress, took a moment during a live broadcast to reflect on the struggles of working Americans. She spoke candidly about her own connection to the daily challenges people face, reminding viewers that she, too, works hard to earn a living—just like millions of others.

The conversation stemmed from a Hot Topic discussion about Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the Democratic congresswoman from New York, who had recently asked her followers about their voting habits. As the topic unfolded, Goldberg made a bold declaration: even if she were the wealthiest person alive, she would still be showing up to The View every day. “If I had all the money in the world, I wouldn’t be here,” she said, emphasizing that she’s very much a working person, just like the audience she speaks to.

Goldberg also shared some personal insights into the financial pressures on her family, mentioning that both her daughter and great-granddaughter rely on their families to make ends meet. “I get it, it’s hard out there,” she said, showing empathy for the struggles that many face. While she expressed admiration for Ocasio-Cortez’s efforts to connect with voters, Goldberg pointed out that the issues troubling some shouldn’t come at the cost of the well-being of others in the country.

Her comments echoed past criticism from former cohost Meghan McCain, who once pointed out the disconnect between the The View panel and the everyday lives of people earning less than $100,000 a year. McCain had called on her cohosts to engage more with people who make minimum wage, encouraging them to better understand the realities of life beyond their own comfortable bubbles.

Beyond The View, Goldberg continues to make waves in Hollywood. Over the years, she’s appeared in a variety of high-profile projects, including The Stand, Harlem, and returned as the fan-favorite Guinan in Star Trek: Picard. She’s also deep into bringing the much-anticipated Sister Act 3 to Disney+, though the project has faced delays following the death of Maggie Smith, who had been expected to reprise her role.

If you're a fan of Whoopi Goldberg's honest and straightforward outlook on life, don't miss The View, which airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET/10 a.m. PT on ABC. She’s always ready to bring a refreshing, down-to-earth perspective, tackling the real issues that affect people every day.