Filed under: Television, News, Theater
Following an abrupt hiatus from her role in the London musical 'Sister Act,' Whoopi Goldberg is set resume her role for five additional performances next month.
The Academy Award-winning actress initially departed from the London production in August to return home where her mother, Emma Johnson, suffered from a stroke.
In light of her mother's death two days later on Aug. 29, the 54-year-old took time to reflect on the life and times of Ms. Johnson's untimely death during the season premiere of 'The View.'
"My brother and I were very, very lucky to have her in our lives," Goldberg said during Tuesday's episode. "So I'm not sad, because she had a great time."
"My mother was a great adventure person, so she loved to go on adventures and my brother and I made sure that her life was full and rich," adding that Johnson received her Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education at NYU.
"I think I'm just sad sometimes that I think, 'Who will love me the way that she did?' But I realize that my brother and I have each other and so we're ok."
In spite of 'The View' co-host's recent loss, her 'Sister Act' cast members are "devastated" by the tragic news and remain supportive.
"Everyone at Sister Act was devastated for Whoopi when she needed to leave us to return home to be with her family," Stage Entertainment UK CEO, Bill Taylor said in a statement. "Our thoughts are continually with them over this difficult period. I think everyone knows what a special person she is, but that she is committed to returning and completing her run at the Palladium leaves me speechless in admiration."
"I'd also like to thank the wonderful and gracious Sally Dexter for her understanding and utter professionalism. It's an honor to have both of these women as part of our company," he concluded.
Beginning Oct. 22 Whoopi will alternate her role at London's Palladium with Sally Dexter, who currently plays Mother Superior, until the production closes on Oct. 30.