In her most recent HBO special, I noticed that Whoopi told a number of stories about “herself,” referring to herself as “Lurleen” (I think! laughs She was also talking in an … unusual southern accent); some of the stories were about her (Lurleen’s) 8 year old son. Now I remember many comics using characters - Red Skelton and Jackie Gleason come to mind quickly here, which I guess shows -my- age now, doesn’t it? - in their routines, but I hadn’t recalled that as being part of Whoopi’s regular show. Or maybe I just thought she was talking about Real Life stuff that had happened to her. Anyone else notice this? Anyone familiar with Whoopi’s comedy - does she have a cast of characters? Who are they? laughs Inquiring minds (mine!) want to know!
Yes, Whoopi has often used characters in her standup - I think it’s just been so long since she has done actual standup that people forget!
I know there were at least three regular characters, and I’m sure there were more I can’t remember. One was a little girl, one was a recovering addict - and I THINK one was a white Valley Girl type.
Can’t recall the names of the little girl or the Val, but the junkie is Fontaine. Not sure if the others have names.
From her original HBO special back in the 80s, she also did a Jamaican woman who served as caretaker to an old man and a disabled woman who has a happy ending. I know she did Fontaine in her recent special but couldn’t stay awake for the rest of it.
Thanks Otto and LifeonWry. Whoopi’s HBO special didn’t get very good reviews, although I liked it pretty much. Otto, you missed the “Lurleen” routine - it came towards the end. I don’t know who Lurleen was supposed to be, but she sounded like a white southern girl!
And what is Whoopi’s birthdate?! When I was doing a search on her, I came up with two different years - 1955 (more than once) and 1950 (ok, I only found that year listed once). laughs So … Whoopi is either going on 50 or going on 55.