Imagine Documentaries Greenlights Definitive Whoopi Goldberg Feature From Geeta Gandbhir

Director Geeta Gandbhir and Imagine Documentaries partner for an intimate look at Whoopi Goldberg’s rise, Broadway return, and her private life in Italy.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 11, 2026, 12:48 PM EDT

Source: Variety

A Multi-Generational Portrait of an Entertainment Icon

The upcoming untitled documentary seeks to expand upon the narrative established in Goldberg’s autobiography, "Bits and Pieces: My Mother, My Brother and Me." Rather than a standard retrospective, the film utilizes observational verité to capture Goldberg’s life as it stands in 2026. Viewers will follow the legendary performer as she navigates her professional obligations, her deep-rooted family life—including spending time with her new great-grandchild—and her burgeoning, quieter existence in Italy. This dual focus provides a rare glimpse into how a public figure of her magnitude finds balance after decades in the spotlight.

Revisiting the Roots of The Whoopi Monologues

A central pillar of the documentary focuses on Goldberg’s return to the stage. Cameras are going behind the scenes as she reimagines her seminal 1984 Broadway debut, "The Whoopi Monologues," for a prestigious residency at Lincoln Center. This production, slated to open later this summer, represents a full circle moment for the artist. The film documents her collaboration with longtime producing partner Tom Leonardis as they refine the show for a modern audience while maintaining the groundbreaking storytelling that first launched her career.

Breaking Barriers and the Path to EGOT Status

The project highlights Goldberg’s significant place in Hollywood history, most notably her 1991 Academy Award win for "Ghost." This victory made her the first Black woman to win an Oscar in half a century, following Hattie McDaniel’s historic 1940 win. As one of only 22 individuals to achieve EGOT status (winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony), Goldberg’s legislative impact on the industry is a key theme. The documentary situates her achievements within the broader context of Black excellence in cinema, referencing fellow pioneers like Sidney Poitier, Louis Gossett Jr., and Denzel Washington.