How Whoopi Landed the Leading Role in “The Color Purple“ | Oprah’s Master Class | OWN

After hearing Alice Walker read The Color Purple on the radio, Whoopi Goldberg says she took it upon herself to write the author a letter. If she ever turned her novel into a movie, Whoopi would love to play “dirt on the floor.“ As it turns out, Walker already knew who Whoopi was—and she wanted her for a much bigger role. Watch to see why Whoopi wasn’t allowed to tell anyone she had landed the leading role of Celie, and how she felt walking onto the set that first day. For more on #masterclass, visit Find OWN on TV at #OWNTV #masterclass #Oprahwinfrey SUBSCRIBE: