Whoopi Goldberg and Tony Gonzalez.Photo:ABC;Getty
ABC;Getty
Whoopi Goldbergkicked off 2024 with a shock.
On Tuesday’s episode ofThe View, the EGOT winner was left speechless when she learned that she and former NFL starTony Gonzalezare actually cousins, according to a new DNA finding.
Goldberg appeared in an earlier season of the show when it was calledAfrican American Lives.But a decade after that series, Gates, Jr. discovered her connection to Gonzalez.
“On the first series, I did [a number of Black celebrities including] Whoopi and we didn’t have the sophisticated tests that we now use for DNA at that time,” Gates explained. “You all know about DNA cousins? You have a DNA cousin, dear … Tony Gonzales is your DNA cousin.”
Whoopi Goldberg on ‘The View’.ABC
ABC
Upon learning the news, Goldberg was at a loss for words. “That’s my cousin!?” she asked, keeping her mouth agape and struggling to speak again.
HerViewco-hosts had plenty to say, though, thirsting after the former football tight end, who played in the NFL for 17 seasons and currently works as a football analyst on Prime Video.
“He is smoking!“Sunny Hostingushed whileSara Hainesjoked, " Wow, I want to come over for your family dinner.”
“They could be kissing cousins,” teasedJoy Behar. (Gonzalez is married to October Tobie, with whom he shares three children. He has another son from a previous relationship with entertainment reporter Lauren Sánchez).
Added Gates, Jr., “How’s that for a Christmas present?”
Tony Gonzalez, while he played on the Atlanta Falcons.Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Sport/Getty Images
By the episode’s end, Goldberg had regained her composure. “Cousin Tony, come see me here. We’d like to have you here atThe View,” she said.“Tony Gonzalez, come on!”
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Goldberg isn’t the first celebrity to learn they were related to another star through genealogy testing.
During an episode of Ancestry’s2 Lies & A Leafseries,Ashley Tisdalelearned she and her best friendAustin Butlerare 10th cousins once removed. “No wonder we have such a connection!“Tisdale, 38, saidwhen she heard the news. “We’ve always said we were brother and sister! That is insane. I literally am going to cry.”
The Viewairs weekdays (11 a.m. ET) on ABC.
source: people.com
