WHOOPI GOLDBERG'S MOTHER HAS A STROKE & SHE LEAVES THE PRODUCTION OF SISTER ACT TO BE WITH HER!

LONDON -- Whoopi Goldberg has left the London production of "Sister Act" to fly back to the U.S. after her mother had a stroke.
Goldberg was due to appear as the Mother Superior in the convent-set musical until the end of the month.

Producers say the 54-year-old star flew home Friday after learning of her mother Emma's illness. They said "the thoughts and sincere best wishes of the producers and the entire 'Sister Act' company are with her at this difficult time."

Goldberg is a producer of the stage version of her hit 1992 movie about an on-the-lam singer who hides out among a group of nuns. It is due to open on Broadway next year.