Current:Home > StocksDebbie Allen says Whoopi Goldberg's 'A Different World' episode saved lives during HIV/AIDS epidemic-InfoLens
Debbie Allen says Whoopi Goldberg's 'A Different World' episode saved lives during HIV/AIDS epidemic
View Date:2024-12-23 11:13:43
Whoopi Goldberg was Debbie Allen's "secret weapon" during one heartfelt episode of "A Different World."
Cast members from the 90s sitcom reunited during Wednesday's episode of "The View" and Allen revealed that Goldberg helped open the gateways to acceptance after appearing on an episode of "A Different World," which centered on the HIV/AIDS epidemic at the time.
In the season 4 episode, titled "If I Should Die Before I Wake," a professor Dr. Jordan, played by Goldberg, gave her class the assignment of eulogizing themselves. During her public speaking class, a student named Josie, played by Tisha Campbell, revealed she had HIV.
"I remember, especially, the degree of difficulty doing a show about AIDS, and Whoopi Goldberg was our secret weapon. She was someone I knew, we were friends, we all knew she was going to win that Oscar that year (for her role in "Ghost")," Allen told "The View" co-hosts.
Later that year in 1991, the now-EGOT winner took home the Academy Award for best actress in a supporting role for her performance in "Ghost."
Allen said "A Different World" was "the first network television show to address AIDS after Magic Johnson made his announcement," referencing NBA legend Magic Johnson, who was diagnosed with HIV and retired from the league and the Los Angeles Lakers at a press conference in 1991.
"I had to do something. I said, 'We’ve got to get a big gun to make this happen,' and Whoopi, I called her, and she said 'Yeah, I'll do it.' She was down," Allen recalled.
Whoopi Goldberg leaves 'The View' textgroup: 'If I need to talk to you, I talk to you'
The famed actress, dancer and choreographer breathed new life into the show in its second season and helped make it a hit TV show.
"Folks needed a job, but this was also a unique opportunity that did not present itself, and you know that because you only saw one show full of characters who were brown, about a school, a college, some place you didn't see us on television," Goldberg said.
"It’s just a reminder. Any time Debbie asks me to do something, I just said, 'Yes,'" she continued.
veryGood! (914)
Related
- Martin Scorsese on faith in filmmaking, ‘The Saints’ and what his next movie might be
- Taylor Swift files for 'Female Rage: The Musical' trademark. Is she headed to Broadway?
- Apple Music reveals more albums on its 100 Best Albums of all-time list. See numbers 90-81
- TikTok users sue federal government over new law that could lead to ban of popular app
- Britney Spears reunites with son Jayden, 18, after kids moved in with dad Kevin Federline
- Jokic scores 40, Nuggets shut down Edwards in 112-97 win over Wolves for a 3-2 series lead
- The WNBA’s challenge: How to translate the Caitlin Clark hype into sustained growth for the league
- Jimmy Fallon has hosted 'The Tonight Show' for 10 years. Can he make it 10 more?
- Judge weighs the merits of a lawsuit alleging ‘Real Housewives’ creators abused a cast member
- 'The Golden Bachelorette' will look for love on Wednesdays this fall! ABC's 2024 schedule
Ranking
- Tom Brady Admits He Screwed Up as a Dad to Kids With Bridget Moynahan and Gisele Bündchen
- Satellite images show what the historic geomagnetic storm looked like from space
- Emmy Russell speaks out on 'American Idol' elimination before 2024 finale: 'God's plan'
- Fatal dog attacks are rising – and are hard to predict. But some common themes emerge.
- Skai Jackson announces pregnancy with first child: 'My heart is so full!'
- Beloved Pennsylvania school director, coach killed after being struck by tractor trailer
- 2024 cicada map: See where Brood XIX, XIII cicadas are emerging around the US
- Westminster dog show has its first mixed-breed agility winner, and her name is Nimble
Recommendation
-
It's Red Cup Day at Starbucks: Here's how to get your holiday cup and cash in on deals
-
Woman pleads guilty to plotting with a neo-Nazi group leader to attack Baltimore’s power grid
-
Houston Astros' Ronel Blanco ejected following lengthy inspection of his glove
-
Zayn Malik Shares Rare Insight Into Relationship With Ex-Fiancée Perrie Edwards
-
'America's flagship' SS United States has departure from Philadelphia to Florida delayed
-
Former University of Missouri frat member pleads guilty in hazing that caused brain damage
-
Selena Gomez Unveils New Photos of Wizards Beyond Waverly Place Sequel TV Show
-
2024 PGA Championship long shots, odds if favorites Rory McIlroy, Scottie Scheffler fall