Whoopi Goldberg Coming to Ridgefield Playhouse, 10/11

The incomparable Whoopi Goldberg is coming to The Ridgefield Playhouse to share her views on Saturday, October 11, at 8:30 p.m. Star of screen, stage and TV, Whoopi Goldberg won an Oscar for her role in Ghost and starred in The Color Purple, Sister Act, Star Trek, and Eddie. Currently one of four hosts of the television show The View on CBS, Whoopi is well known for her wit and insightful commentary, not to mention her hysterical facial expressions. Bissell House (378 Main St., Ridgefield) will pour a complimentary glass of house wine or draught beer with dinner the night of this show when tickets are presented. This event is partially underwritten by Green Rocks Inn and is part of the Clark Construction Comedy Series.

The legendary Whoopi Goldberg's list of honors and awards runs long -- 44 to be exact, including four People's Choice awards, two Golden Globes and an Oscar. With her trademark dreadlocks, wide impish grin, and piercing humor, Goldberg is best known for her adept portrayals in both comedic and dramatic roles, as well as her groundbreaking work as an African-American woman in the Hollywood film industry. Goldberg won numerous awards for her supporting role as Oda Mae Brown in Ghost (1990), including an Oscar for best actress in a supporting role, becoming the first African-American woman to win the Academy Award for best supporting actress in nearly 50 years, as well as only the second African-American actress to win an Oscar for acting. That same year, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People named Whoopi Goldberg the Black Entertainer of the Year, and she also collected an Excellence Award at the Women in Film Festival.

While her award-winning roles are well-known facts about Whoopi, it may be less known that she holds a Ph.D. in literature from New York University and an honorary degree from Wilson College in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Mortar boards off to you, Whoopi.

For tickets ($125), call the box office at 203-438-5795, or visit ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a non-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT.