Soap operas: All washed up? - CSMonitor.com

Whoopi Goldberg Joins Italian Soap Opera Un Posto Al Sole During Her Italian Hiatus

Whoopi Goldberg, known for her frequent vacations to Italy and her visits to her late best friend Pope Francis at the Vatican, is taking on a new and exciting professional venture. The Oscar-winning actress, currently in Italy during a break from her role on The View, has announced that she will be joining the cast of the 29-year-old Italian soap opera Un Posto Al Sole in a special role.

A Dream Role in Italy

Goldberg shared the thrilling news on Instagram, standing in front of a sunny Italian coastline. “I just wanted to stop in and say how happy I am to be joining the cast of Un Posto Al Sole,” Goldberg said, clearly excited about her new project. The soap opera, which has been on the air since 1996, is broadcast on Italy’s Rai 3 network and remains a beloved staple of Italian television.

A Bold Move and a “Crazy Idea”

While the announcement thrilled her fans, Goldberg was quick to acknowledge that her involvement in an Italian soap opera was something out of the ordinary. “They know it’s a crazy idea. I know it’s a crazy idea. But, what a wonderful thing to do. I’m looking forward to it. I’m excited,” Goldberg said, reflecting on the uniqueness of the opportunity. She also added a note of humor, admitting that her Italian is a work in progress. “No, my Italian is not perfect, but we’ve worked it out,” she said, confirming that she was ready for the challenge.

Goldberg concluded her Instagram video with a cheerful, “Ciao! See you on TV!” signaling the start of what could be an exciting chapter in her career.

Whoopi’s Role in the Soap Opera

The network behind Un Posto Al Sole, Fremantle, confirmed that Goldberg’s character would be part of a special storyline and will appear in multiple episodes in 2026. The soap opera has a dedicated following, and Goldberg’s participation is expected to bring even more attention to the long-running series.

The official statement from Fremantle read, “A surprise is coming to #UnPostoAlSole: @whoopigoldberg joins the cast!” Fans can expect to watch Goldberg’s appearance on both @instarai3 and @raiplay_official, Italy’s leading streaming platforms, in 2026.

Goldberg’s Affection for Italy

Goldberg’s deep connection to Italy is well-known, and she has long expressed her love for the country and its people. Her vacations to Italy have become a regular topic of conversation on social media, where she posts videos and photos of her adventures across the picturesque country. Whether visiting landmarks or simply enjoying the culture, Goldberg’s affinity for Italy has been clear, and now she’s blending her personal love for the country with a professional commitment.

Joy Behar’s Hilarious Italian Encounter

While Goldberg has a more graceful relationship with Italy, her The View co-host Joy Behar had a much more comedic experience. In 2023, Behar humorously shared a story about a time she got into a confrontation on a train in Italy, calling an employee a “bitch” after being denied access to a premium-level bathroom. Behar’s lighthearted take on the situation had her fans laughing, contrasting Goldberg’s admiration for Italy with Behar’s more comical misadventure.

Goldberg’s Recognition at the Taobuk Taormina International Book Festival

During her time in Italy, Goldberg also received recognition for her literary work. At the Taobuk Taormina International Book Festival, she was awarded for her book Bits and Pieces, which explores her life and the many lessons she’s learned along the way. Her recognition at the festival highlighted the multi-faceted nature of Goldberg’s career, as she continues to build a legacy not just as an actress but as an author and advocate as well.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Whoopi Goldberg?

With Un Posto Al Sole marking her latest professional move, fans are excited to see how Goldberg will adapt to the world of Italian television. Given her established acting career and her ability to seamlessly navigate complex roles, it’s likely that she will bring her signature blend of wisdom, humor, and emotional depth to her role in the soap opera.

Whether or not Goldberg continues to take on more international roles after this is unknown, but the impact of her participation in Un Posto Al Sole is already being felt. As her career continues to evolve, Goldberg’s willingness to embrace new opportunities and expand her boundaries only adds to her legendary status in the entertainment world.

Stay tuned for more updates, as Whoopi Goldberg’s Italian television adventure is just beginning, and fans can’t wait to see her make her mark across the pond.