Whoopi Goldberg arranged a special reunion on The View to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Goldberg brought together Sister Act co-star Kathy Najimy, along with many of the former child stars who were part of the choir in the movie, Variety reported. Together, they recreated the scene in which Goldberg’s now-iconic character Sister Mary Clarence leads the choir as they perform an inspiring rendition of “Oh Happy Day.”
Ryan Toby, who played Ahmal in the classic movie 30 years ago, performed as the lead vocalist once again during Wednesday’s reunion and sang “Oh Happy Day.”
Lauryn Hill, who played Rita Louise Watson, didn’t attend the reunion. Tanya Trotter, another one of the film’s stars, took Hill’s place during the reunion and sang “Joyful, Joyful” with the cast. Goldberg was moved to tears after the performance.
Other stars who attended the reunion included Sheryl Lee Ralph, Wendy Makkena, Monica Calhoun, Alex Martin, David Kater, Frank Odell Howard, Dionna Nichelle, Jermaine Montell, DeeDee Magno Hall, Ashley Thompson and Deondray Gossfield.
Goldberg said Sister Act has remained popular for decades because the film resonates with fans everywhere.
“Worldwide, it doesn’t matter how old you are, you are the age of those kids when you see the movie,” Goldberg said on The View, according to Variety’s report. “You’re the age of them and you remember your time and you remember how happy you were that you didn’t have to go to Catholic school. But then you remember how sorry you are that you didn’t get to go to Catholic school and you missed out on teachers like this. So I think people just feel themselves here.”
Jennifer Love Hewitt, who starred in the Sister Act sequel at age 13, shared her sentiments in a prerecorded message. Hewitt said her experience in the film was “one of the greatest things that ever happened” to her.
“I was very young, a teenager in fact. I got to work with the queen, Whoopi Goldberg. She was the kindest, coolest person to me ever,” Hewitt added. “I got to hear Lauryn Hill sing every day, just right outside the trailer or right in front of my face. All of you are the best and I’m just sending lots and lots of love. I wish that I could be with you. If you guys need me in No. 3, just call me up!”
Goldberg has previously said there is a plan to make Sister Act 3. In 2022, the EGOT winner revealed that she wants Keke Palmer and Lizzo to join the cast. Goldberg also added that she’s working with Tyler Perry to develop the film.
“I want as many people who want to have some fun because I really, desperately need to have some fun,” Goldberg said at that time, per Variety.
Check out the nostaliga below!
