Throwing a full blown NYC celeb heavy birthday party for the daughter of an EGOT (winner of a Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony) isn't for the faint of heart, or the style challenged and on a recent chilly evening surrounded by lush deserts and generous libations in the luxuriously cozy bar of the Bowery Hotel, Alex Martin, the daughter of Whoopi Goldberg---producer of Thoroughly Modern Millie and Sister Act on Broadway, co-host of The View and director of the documentary "I Got Somethin' To Tell You,"--- turned the big 4 O.
Whoopi's baby girl is 40 and may we add that "black doesn't crack or crease."
The b-day bash was also the gift given by the Award Winning Glam Team Karen Dupiche and Yancey Edwards.
"I'm such a blessed person and my family and friends, I love them," Alex says her exotic eyes dancing. Dressed in stylish clothing designed for making the right moves on the dance floor the birthday gal was showered with good vibes by well-wishers which included celebs from the world of reality television, music and fashion including Yancy Edwards, Ty Hunter, Tahity Jose, Jennifer Williams, and Po Johnson.
"40 years ago," stated Goldberg at the start of her touching and humorous birthday speech for a Cheshire Cat grinning Alex, "I embarked on one of the best adventures of my life. That adventure continues. I'm proud of Alex. Now everybody dance, I mean look at that dance floor. Go!"
Actress S. Epatha Merkerson (16 years helping criminals get their just deserts on mega franchise hit "Law and Order") was one of the many guests inside the velvet rope VIP area.
"Don't forget," pointed out the TV veteran Mekerson to Goldberg's head of production who was carefully guiding the icon through a sea of photo snapping party revelers. "I have her bag." The "her" being an even shorter, shorthand for a name and face known around the world.
Behind the velvet rope we learned that Ms.Goldberg's granddaughter, Jerzey, is re-locating to the Big Apple to immerse herself in the fashion industry.
Surprisingly, she shared her nervousness about maneuvering in the fast paced city. "Honestly," stated the dew fresh Jersey , in a conspiratorial tone directed more toward Art, "I'm actually very nervous about living here. I know my family is here but NYC moves fast!"
As the two exchanged tips on how to enjoy the city safely, the son of legendary boxer Joe Louis (Joe Louis Jr., aka "Joe-Joe") wrapped his burly and well-toned arms around my waist and squeezed. "You'll never guess why I'm so happy Lapacazo ," said the smiling Joe-Joe.
"One hint," he confided. " Whoopi is amazing. A m a z m i n g! She just might be a part of bringing my fathers' life to the Great White Way."
Joe-Joe closed with a wink and snacking on appetizer, he sealed his lips with a smile.
As the birthday celebration began to wind down (around 2am), sweets were being consumed and tucked away for early morning snacks and then the EGOT slumped down on the comfy sofa, taking a needed breather, turned to us and smiled.
"Happy mothers' day Whoopi," we quickly injected.
Her response, peering over her glasses perched so elegantly on her nose, the warm smile never leaving her face, she soaked us in thoughtfully; "Thank you," said Whoopi and motioning to the sweet laden table behind us she continued. "Don't forget to take a cupcake."
Photo credits: photographer Lapacazo Sandoval
S. Epatha Merkerson and Joe Louis Jr. (Joe-Joe).