Whoopi Goldberg wants to play 'Doctor Who' — but thinks she's too American

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Whoopi Goldberg has announced her dream to be the next Doctor Who.

The 65-year-old actress is currently being celebrated as this year’s International Icon at the Edinburgh TV Festival, where she spoke about her 40-year career.

When discussing roles that got away from her, Goldberg admitted that she longed for the leading role in the sci-fi adventure series, but believes she will never be the right fit.

“I wanted to be Doctor Who and I still do,” Goldberg said.

“I think it would mean an evolution into being American and I don’t know that that’s correct for Doctor Who.

“I don’t know if I can usurp that, as much as I love it. I love watching it still in all the iterations.”

The Oscar winner added, “There are certain things that are blatantly all English. Doctor Who is like that to me. It’s like Marmite. It’s very English and needs to stay that way.”

Goldberg’s comments come after the highly celebrated series announced that Jodie Whittaker — the 13th incarnation of the Time Lord — will be stepping down from her position.

Jodie Whittaker (center, with Mandip Gill and John Bishop) will be stepping down as the Doctor. (Photo: BBC Studios/James Pardon)
Jodie Whittaker (center, with Mandip Gill and John Bishop) will be stepping down as the Doctor. (Photo: BBC Studios/James Pardon)

She made history as the first female to ever take on the leading role.

Both Whittaker and showrunner Chris Chibnall will be handing the reins of the show over to someone new at the end of their current run. This will include a new series, which has already been filmed, as well as a series of specials.

Whittaker’s replacement is yet to be announced.

During the conversation, Goldberg said she was grateful to be in a position to help other people of color, and shared how she fought to get her own voice heard.

“You learn how to keep pushing for what you want in the ways that work in the experience you’re in,” the View host said. “When you have a lot of clout, you can get a lot done, but when you don’t have clout, you can’t, but it doesn’t mean you’re not trying.

“I wanted to work. When I had the opportunity to say, ‘I would like to see XYZ happen,' it happened here and there, but it didn’t take hold."

She added, "Nothing happened hugely as things are starting to happen now. It’s taken some time but I’m glad to see it happen.”