Despite amassing notable wealth through decades in the entertainment industry, Whoopi Goldberg has made statements suggesting she still feels like an average working person. This contradiction raises questions about how public figures perceive their finances, especially when considering their obligations and lifestyle choices.
Long-Standing Presence on “The View”
Whoopi Goldberg has been a prominent co-host on “The View” since 2007, with her salary reflecting her tenure on the show. In 2016, Variety reported that she signed a contract extension to continue her role, earning approximately $6 million annually at that time. If this figure is accurate, it’s likely she started earning this amount around 2013.
By estimating her earlier salary at around $4 million per year from 2007 until 2012, her earnings during those initial six years would total approximately $24 million. If we calculate her subsequent earnings from 2013 through the 2025 season at $6 million per year, that would add about $78 million. Combined, her earnings could potentially reach $102 million from “The View” alone.
Notably, this estimate does not account for possible salary increases, nor does it factor in her income from movies, books, or other projects. Even halving that amount would still represent a significant fortune by any standard.
Understanding Financial Realities
However, Goldberg does not take home the full $102 million. Like many high-income earners, a substantial portion goes to taxes. Residing in New Jersey and working in New York means she faces one of the nation’s highest tax burdens. With federal and state taxes, plus Medicare surcharges, her effective rate might be around 45 percent.
This translates her $6 million annual salary to roughly $3.3 million after taxes or about $275,000 monthly. Over her time on “The View,” it’s estimated that she nets closer to $55–60 million after accounting for taxes and fees.
After considering her expenses, including staff salaries, daily living costs, and financial support for her family, the cash flow is still substantial, but perhaps more constrained than it seems at first glance. Management and agent fees can also consume a notable chunk of her income, reducing her average annual disposable amount further.
Perceptions of Wealth and Lifestyle
Goldberg’s primary residence in West Orange, New Jersey, adds to her living expenses. Purchased for approximately $2.8 million in 2009, her mortgage and high property taxes could translate to monthly housing costs between $16,000 and $20,000. While this may seem significant, it pales in comparison to her after-tax income.
Nevertheless, being a public figure comes with costs — including maintaining staff for personal security and assistance, which often runs into hundreds of thousands annually. Goldberg has also mentioned her support for her family, which adds to her financial responsibilities.
Given these factors, it becomes challenging to reconcile her public statements about feeling financially strained with the reality of her long-standing wealth. Even after factoring in her expenses and obligations, her income remains substantial, especially when compared to the average American wage.
Ultimately, Whoopi Goldberg has enjoyed substantial financial success throughout her career, creating a unique perspective on wealth — one influenced by familial duties, professional necessities, and the pressures of her celebrity lifestyle. If she remains on “The View,” it may not be a need for survival but a choice to stay engaged and relevant in the industry. Her journey highlights how subjective perceptions of wealth can be, making it essential to consider the broader context of one’s financial reality.
For those interested in a nostalgic experience, the full movie of her cult classic “Theodore Rex” is now available on YouTube, offering an entertaining watch that exemplifies her unique filmography.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
