Wednesday’s episode of “The View” was a rollercoaster of emotions, but they were overwhelmingly joyful ones. The cause? A heartwarming reunion of Whoopi Goldberg with her “Sister Act 2” co-stars to celebrate the film’s 30th anniversary, albeit a year late.
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The episode was dedicated to the 1993 sequel, bringing together Whoopi and her fellow cast members for a nostalgic trip down memory lane. Among those joining her were Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick), Wendy Makkena (Sister Mary Robert), and Sheryl Lee Ralph, who played Lauryn Hill’s on-screen mom. Goldberg was also joined by the former child actors who appeared and performed throughout the episode include Ryan Toby (Ahmal), Monica Calhoun, Tanya Blount (Tanya), David Kater, Frank Odell Howard, Dionna Nishelle, Jermaine Montell, Deondray Gossfield, Ashley Thompson, Deedee Magno Hall and Alex Martin (Whoopi’s real-life daughter). The “kids” each had a chance to share fond memories from the set or express their gratitude to Goldberg for her kindness during production.
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When it came time to perform, Goldberg, donning her iconic nun costume, led her former castmates — including City High vocalist Toby (Ahmal) — in a rendition of “Oh Happy Day,” one of the biggest numbers from the film.
Then in a particularly emotional segment, Whoopi, led her former co-stars in a spirited rendition of “Joyful Joyful.” This musical number, which concluded the show, left Whoopi visibly moved, shedding what appeared to be tears of joy. As the performance ended, Whoopi was comforted by Makkena and Ralph, who rushed to her side to share the touching moment.
Throughout the episode, Whoopi struggled to hold back tears, especially as former cast members shared fond memories of their time on set. Deedee Magno Hall, who played one of the students, recalled how Whoopi’s kindness made a lasting impact, prompting Whoopi to take a brief pause to collect herself.
The nostalgic reunion also featured video messages from cast members unable to attend, including Jenifer Lewis and Jennifer Love Hewitt, and appearances by music supervisor Marc Shaiman and producer Mervyn Warren.
“Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit” grossed $125 million worldwide and remains a beloved classic. Whoopi’s role as Sister Mary Clarence, a nun who helps a school choir find their voice, continues to resonate with fans. The reunion on “The View” not only celebrated the film but also highlighted the strong bonds formed during its production.
In true Whoopi fashion, the celebration was both heartfelt and humorous, with cast members sharing anecdotes that had the audience in stitches. Kathy Najimy’s story about the trio’s visit to a porn shop in their nun outfits was a highlight, showcasing the playful spirit that made the original film so special.
As the episode drew to a close, fans were left with a hopeful hint about the future. Whoopi has been vocal about her desire to bring “Sister Act 3” to life, and while production details remain sparse, the enthusiasm from the reunion suggests there’s still a lot of love for the franchise.
For now, viewers can relive the joy and music of “Sister Act 2” and look forward to what Whoopi and her castmates might bring next. “The View” airs weekdays at 11 a.m. ET on ABC, continuing to be a platform for both heartfelt moments and lively discussions.
