Current:Home > StocksDebbie Allen says Whoopi Goldberg's 'A Different World' episode saved lives during HIV/AIDS epidemic -InvestPioneer
Debbie Allen says Whoopi Goldberg's 'A Different World' episode saved lives during HIV/AIDS epidemic
View
Date:2025-04-27 14:56:31
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! (5)
Related
- San Francisco names street for Associated Press photographer who captured the iconic Iwo Jima photo
- Rachel Bilson Reveals Her Favorite—and Least Favorite—Sex Positions
- Coronavirus FAQ: Does a faint line on a self-test mean I'm barely contagious?
- Today’s Climate: May 15-16, 2010
- Rams vs. 49ers highlights: LA wins rainy defensive struggle in key divisional game
- How to Sell Green Energy
- Michigan's abortion ban is blocked for now
- Get Your Mane Back on Track With the Best Hair Growth Products for Thinning Hair
- The Best Stocking Stuffers Under $25
- Wisconsin Farmers Digest What the Green New Deal Means for Dairy
Ranking
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Get Your Mane Back on Track With the Best Hair Growth Products for Thinning Hair
- Vanderpump Rules' Explosive Teaser Shows Tom Sandoval & Raquel Leviss Together Again
- Today’s Climate: May 18, 2010
- How to watch the 'Blue Bloods' Season 14 finale: Final episode premiere date, cast
- Water Source for Alberta Tar Sands Drilling Could Run Dry
- Today’s Climate: May 20, 2010
- Maurice Edwin James “Morey” O’Loughlin
Recommendation
What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
Nebraska Landowners Hold Keystone XL at Bay With Lawsuit
Why keeping girls in school is a good strategy to cope with climate change
See Bald Austin Butler Debut His Jaw-Dropping Hair Transformation in Dune 2 Teaser
Federal appeals court upholds $14.25 million fine against Exxon for pollution in Texas
This Self-Tan Applicator Makes It Easy To Get Hard To Reach Spots and It’s on Sale for $6
Today’s Climate: May 5, 2010
I Tested Out Some Under-the-Radar Beauty Products From CLE Cosmetics— Here's My Honest Review