The Whoopi Goldberg Show

Elizabeth was the debut guest on pal Whoopi Goldberg’s syndicated late-night talk show, The Whoopi Goldberg Show, which premiered on September 14, 1992. The Whoopi Goldberg Show was unique in that it had “no studio audience, no band or posse, no announcers. Ms. Goldberg does not follow the ‘monologue, question, answer, film clip, move down, next guest’ routine.”

The two chat about the life experiences that Elizabeth felt she missed out on as a child star, her rebellious spirit, the lack of roles for actresses of Elizabeth’s age, where her reserve of strength comes from, her strong sense of identity, and more.

Whoopi, like Elizabeth, was a fierce and early AIDS activist, and remains so to this day (as of 2026, she serves as an Ambassador for The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation). They discuss the rampant homophobia in the early days of the AIDS pandemic and the hypocrisy of those in the entertainment industry who initially refused to get involved. “Without homosexuals, there wouldn’t be this town,” Elizabeth said, referring to Hollywood. “Do you know how many toupees have just flipped?” Whoopi asked. “I hope so,” said a defiant Elizabeth.

Before wrapping up the interview, Whoopi asks Elizabeth to tune to tomorrow’s show, where her guest will be Ted Danson (Whoopi’s partner at the time). “Well, can I come? Because I think he’s so adorable. Sorry, Larry.”

Years later, Whoopi spoke of her admiration for Elizabeth and their special friendship: “She was, to me, one of the great broads. She laughed loud and hard, cussed like a sailor and she was my friend without judgement. I was so lucky to know her.”

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