"Whoopi Came and Did a Wordless Background Role": Ilana Glazer Reflects on Iconic Broad City Cameo

Ilana Glazer is still in awe of Whoopi Goldberg’s unforgettable appearance on Broad City, calling it one of the most surreal and emotional moments of her career.

During a recent episode of Good Hang, a podcast hosted by Broad City executive producer Amy Poehler, Glazer joined co-star Abbi Jacobson to reminisce about the show’s many standout guest appearances.

The conversation began with Glazer praising RuPaul for his professionalism on set. “RuPaul amused me with the way he remembered his lines,” she said. Jacobson chimed in to applaud Kelly Ripa, recalling how the TV host embraced playing a mischievous version of herself: “She really leaned into being bad Kelly Ripa,” Jacobson laughed.

But the most emotional memory belonged to Whoopi Goldberg’s cameo a moment that left Glazer overwhelmed.

“Whoopi came and did a wordless background role,” Glazer recalled. “It was insane. I remember meeting her and she comes in the trailer, she’s such a badass. So herself. The same! She’s exactly who you’d think she is, and we were just acting totally cool.”

Despite the simplicity of the role, Goldberg’s presence had a profound impact on Glazer. She explained that the scene was shot in a rough part of Brooklyn.

“She was leaving and I was like, ‘Thanks so much, it meant so much to me.’ I left and immediately turned around and wept in rubble. Bushwick rubble we were filming in, for some reason,” she said, laughing through the memory.

Glazer went on to share her deep respect for Goldberg, not just as an icon, but as a person. “Not only did she do our show, but like, such a real-a bitch. Like, a comedy girl! Real woman,”** Glazer said, her admiration clear.

Goldberg’s cameo, though silent, clearly left a lasting impression both on screen and behind the scenes. For Glazer and Jacobson, it remains a powerful reminder of how meaningful authentic support from comedy legends can be.