Whoopi Goldberg is saying “Ciao!” to American talk shows—for now—and “Buongiorno!” to a new international acting chapter. The EGOT-winning actress and The View co-host has officially joined the cast of Un Posto Al Sole, Italy’s longest-running soap opera.
Goldberg, currently vacationing in Italy, made the surprise announcement via Instagram. Standing in front of a picturesque Italian coastline, she shared, “I just wanted to stop in and say how happy I am to be joining the cast of Un Posto Al Sole. 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.”
While no details have been revealed about her character, Fremantle confirmed she’ll appear in a special multi-episode arc in 2026. And though Goldberg jokes that her Italian isn’t perfect, she assured viewers, “We’ve worked it out. Ciao! See you on TV!”
Un Posto Al Sole (translating to “A Place in the Sun”) has aired on Italy’s Rai 3 network since 1996 and is set in Naples, following the lives of the residents of Palazzo Palladini. It holds the title as the first soap opera entirely produced in Italy, with storylines that touch on love, politics, and social justice—making Goldberg’s appearance a potentially poignant one.
Goldberg is no stranger to the country. She often vacations there during her breaks from The View, has shared her deep admiration for Italian culture, and even received an award at the Taobuk Taormina International Book Festival this year for her book Bits and Pieces. It’s clear the relationship between Goldberg and Italy is more than just a fling.
Joy Behar, Goldberg’s View cohost, had shared earlier this week that she was simply away in Italy—but didn’t spoil the news. Now we know why.
There’s no word yet on when Goldberg will return to The View table, but in the meantime, her next role is set to air overseas, giving Italian audiences—and longtime fans of the legend—a reason to tune in.