Whoopi Goldberg tearfully expressed her deep regret over not being able to fulfill Maggie Smith’s final wish before her passing. Speaking on the Oscars 2025 red carpet, she reflected on their bond and the impact of Smith’s absence on Sister Act 3. Read more about Goldberg’s emotional tribute and the changes in the film’s production.
Whoopi Goldberg’s Emotional Tribute to Maggie Smith
The entertainment world mourned the loss of Dame Maggie Smith when her passing was announced on September 27, 2025. Known for her exceptional talent and revered career, Smith left behind a lasting legacy in film, television, and theater. For Sister Act fans, her portrayal of the wise yet firm Mother Superior in the 1992 classic and its 1993 sequel remains iconic.
Whoopi Goldberg, who starred alongside Smith in Sister Act, was visibly emotional as she spoke about her late co-star on the 2025 Oscars red carpet. The View host admitted that she had hoped to complete Sister Act 3 before Smith’s passing but sadly couldn’t.
“I had hoped to get it done before Maggie passed, and we weren’t able to do that,” Goldberg told E! Live from the Red Carpet. “But they have the script now. So fingers are crossed.”
Her words carried a deep sense of loss and regret. Having built a close relationship with Smith during their time filming the franchise, Goldberg felt the weight of not being able to fulfill a wish Smith had entrusted her with before her passing.
The Legacy of Maggie Smith and Her Final Wish
Maggie Smith’s passing at the age of 89 was confirmed by her sons, Toby Stephens and Chris Larkin, in an official statement released by publicist Clair Dobbs.
“It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith. She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday, September 27,” the statement read. “An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.”
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Following the heartbreaking announcement, Goldberg took to Instagram to share a touching tribute to her late friend and co-star. Posting an image of the two from the set of Sister Act, she wrote:
“Maggie Smith was a great woman and a brilliant actress. I still can’t believe I was lucky enough to work with the ‘one-of-a-kind.’ My heartfelt condolences go out to the family… RIP.”
Smith’s impact on Goldberg was profound, and her absence from Sister Act 3 has left a significant gap in the film’s storyline and emotional foundation.
Adjusting Sister Act 3 in the Wake of Smith’s Passing
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on November 6, 2025, Goldberg shared how Smith’s passing had affected the production of the much-anticipated Sister Act 3.
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“We’re having to make some readjustments because we just lost Maggie Smith, as you know,” she said. “And so, we will get it done. We will get it done. It’s just, it’s a shift.”
The film, which has been in development for years, was originally set to feature Smith reprising her role as Mother Superior. However, with her passing, the storyline had to be adjusted to reflect the absence of such an important character.
Goldberg’s deep regret over not being able to finish the film before Smith’s passing suggests that her involvement was more than just professional—it was personal. The duo shared a special bond, and Sister Act 3 was meant to be a final tribute to the magic they had created together.
Whoopi Goldberg’s tearful reflection on Maggie Smith’s passing highlights not only the deep friendship they shared but also the significant void left in the Sister Act franchise. While the world celebrates Smith’s legendary career, Goldberg continues to push forward with Sister Act 3, ensuring that the film honors her late co-star’s memory.
As we remember Maggie Smith’s incredible contributions to film and theater, we also look forward to Sister Act 3, a project that now carries an even greater emotional weight.
Stay tuned for more updates on this heartfelt tribute, and don’t forget to revisit Sister Act and Sister Act 2 to relive the timeless performances that made these films unforgettable.
