Whoopi Goldberg Keeps in Touch with All Her Exes: ‘They Were My Friends’

Whoopi Goldberg Shares She’s Still in Contact With Her Exes

Being friends with exes can stir controversy, but Whoopi Goldberg seems to navigate these waters with ease. The renowned talk show host opened up about her relationships during a discussion of National Text Your Ex Day on The View on October 30. While co-hosts expressed skepticism about maintaining friendships with former partners, Whoopi confidently stated she keeps in touch with all her exes.

“I’m in contact with every one of them because they were my friends at one point,” said the 68-year-old star. “It doesn’t mean we chat constantly, but I believe in being respectful.”

Whoopi emphasized that her ability to remain friendly doesn’t imply a desire to rekindle romance. “I don’t need to spend every waking moment with someone to value the relationship,” she explained. “There’s no one I’ve lived with or loved that I harbor hatred against.”

Goldberg has experienced three marriages throughout her life. Her first husband was Alvin Martin, a former drug counselor, whom she wed in 1973. The couple welcomed their daughter, Alex Martin, that same year but divorced six years later. Whoopi then married cinematographer David Claessen in 1986, but this union also ended after two years.

Her third marriage was to actor and union organizer Lyle Trachtenberg in 1994, though it lasted just a year. Reflecting on her marital history in a 2019 interview, Whoopi remarked, “It took me some time to realize I was trying to change for someone else. My marriages failed and I’m the common thread. My commitment wasn’t strong enough. Honestly, I can say I was never truly in love.”

Interestingly, she has no plans to marry again. “I’m happier on my own,” she stated. “I enjoy spending time with someone, but I’m not looking for a lifelong partner or a shared living space.”

Despite her past marriages, Whoopi hasn’t shied away from dating. She has had notable relationships with various individuals, including actor Frank Langella and playwright David Schein. Recently, on The View, she recounted a romance where her partner was 40 years her senior, emphasizing that age isn’t her primary concern in relationships.

For Whoopi Goldberg, every ex remains a part of her extended circle, illustrating her belief that not all past relationships need to end on a sour note.