Whoopi Goldberg has gone from Sister Act to devoted daughter.
The View moderator has pulled out of her summer project—taking on the role of Mother Superior in the West End stage production—after her own mother suffered a stroke.
The 54-year-old was not due to end her run in the London show until next week, but will obviously now not return to the show. She flew back to the U.S. this morning, immediately after hearing of her mother Emma's condition.
"Our thoughts and sincere best wishes are with Whoopi at this difficult time," said Bill Taylor, the CEO of show producer Stage Entertainment UK.
There has been no direct word on her mother's condition, though several reports are calling the stroke "severe."
As for Whoopi, who of course starred in the hit 1992 film version of the story albeit in a different role, she's been appearing in the show since Aug. 10. Her temporary takeover has resulted in a surge of ticket sales and generally glowing reviews.
An understudy will fill in until next week, when another actress was already scheduled to take over. The show continues through Oct. 30 and is expected to open on Broadway next spring.
As it stands now, Whoopi is still expected to rejoin the panel of The View on Sept. 7, when it kicks off its 14th season with David Letterman's first ever appearance as well as Barbara Walters' in-studio return.
Sister Act isn't the only show shaking up its ranks. Check out our Casting Couch gallery to get the scoop!