Bette Midler is a legendary American actress, singer, and comedian who has made an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With her unique blend of talent, charisma, and versatility, Midler has captivated audiences for decades. This article delves into the life and career of Bette Midler, exploring her early years, rise to fame, notable works, personal life, philanthropy, musical career, film and television ventures, as well as her lasting legacy in the world of entertainment.
Early Life of Bette Midler
Bette Midler, born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, was the youngest of three children. Her father, Fred Midler, was a painter and her mother, Ruth Schindel, was a seamstress. Bette’s parents were Jewish and had emigrated from New Jersey to Hawaii just before the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Growing up in a small apartment in Honolulu, Bette’s childhood was spent surrounded by music and theater. Her mother was an opera lover and often played recordings of famous singers like Maria Callas and Enrico Caruso. Bette also loved watching old movies and musicals on television, which sparked her interest in the performing arts.
In high school, Bette was active in drama and choir and even won a beauty pageant. After graduating, she attended the University of Hawaii for a brief time but dropped out to pursue her dreams of becoming a professional performer. She moved to New York City in 1965, where she struggled to make ends meet while auditioning for roles.
Despite facing rejection and struggling financially, Bette never gave up on her dreams. She performed at local clubs and bars, gaining a reputation as a dynamic and talented singer.
Today, Bette Midler is a beloved icon known for her acting, singing, and philanthropy. She has won multiple Grammy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Emmy Awards, and has starred in numerous films and television shows. Additionally, she is actively involved in various charitable organizations, including the New York Restoration Project, which she founded in 1995 to restore parks and gardens in underprivileged areas of New York City.
Bette Midler’s Career
Midler’s career began in the late 1960s when she relocated to New York City and started performing in small clubs and bars. She was soon discovered by the legendary producer Ahmet Ertegun and signed to Atlantic Records, where she released her debut album, “The Divine Miss M,” in 1972. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Midler two Grammy Awards and launching her career as a recording artist.
Throughout the 1970s, Midler continued to release a series of successful albums, including “Bette Midler” (1973), “Songs for the New Depression” (1976), and “Broken Blossom” (1977). She also began to transition into acting, starring in the film “The Rose” (1979), for which she earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. The movie also spawned the hit song “The Rose,” which became one of Midler’s signature songs.
In the 1980s, Midler continued to balance her music and acting careers. She starred in films such as “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” (1986), “Beaches” (1988), and “Hocus Pocus” (1993), while also releasing hit albums like “No Frills” (1983), “Some People’s Lives” (1990), and “Bathhouse Betty” (1998). She also won multiple Grammy Awards during this decade, including Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female, for the song “Wind Beneath My Wings” from the movie “Beaches.”
In the 1990s and 2000s, Midler continued to act in films and television shows, including the popular sitcom “Bette” (2000-2001). She also released a number of successful albums during this time, including “Bette of Roses” (1995), “Bathhouse Betty” (1998), and “It’s the Girls!” (2014), which featured covers of classic girl group songs.
Midler has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career. In addition to her Grammy Awards and Academy Award nomination, she has won four Golden Globe Awards, three Emmy Awards, and a Tony Award for her Broadway debut in the musical “Hello, Dolly!” in 2017. She was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 and honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985.
In addition to her accomplishments in music and acting, Midler is also known for her philanthropy work, including founding the New York Restoration Project, which works to restore parks and community gardens in underserved areas of New York City.
Awards and Achievements of Bette Midler
Bette Midler has had a prolific career spanning over five decades. Her talent, dedication, and hard work have earned her numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most notable awards and achievements of Bette Midler.
Grammy Awards: Bette Midler has won three Grammy Awards in her career. She won her first Grammy Award in 1980 for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for the song “The Rose.” In 1991, she won another Grammy for Best Recording for Children, for the album “The Tale of Peter Rabbit.” Her third Grammy came in 2015 for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album, for her album “It’s the Girls!”
Emmy Awards: Midler has won four Emmy Awards, all for her work on television. Her first Emmy came in 1977 for her special “Ol’ Red Hair is Back.” She won her second Emmy in 1992 for Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program for her performance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.” She won two more Emmys in 1997 for Outstanding Variety, Music, or Comedy Special, and Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program, both for her HBO special “Bette Midler: Diva Las Vegas.”
Tony Awards: Midler has won one Tony Award for her performance in the Broadway musical “Hello, Dolly!” in 2017. She was praised for her portrayal of Dolly Levi, a widowed matchmaker who travels to Yonkers to find a wife for a wealthy businessman. Her performance was hailed as one of the greatest stage performances of all time.
Golden Globe Awards: Midler has won two Golden Globe Awards in her career. She won her first Golden Globe in 1981 for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, for her performance in the film “Divine Madness.” Her second Golden Globe came in 1992 for Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical, for her role in the film “For the Boys.”
Academy Awards: Midler has been nominated for two Academy Awards in her career. She was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role for her performance in the film “The Rose” in 1980, and for Best Actress in a Supporting Role for her performance in the film “For the Boys” in 1992.
Other Notable Achievements: In addition to her awards, Midler has received numerous other honors and achievements throughout her career. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993. She was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1985. In 2017, she was named a Disney Legend for her contribution to the entertainment industry.
In conclusion, Bette Midler’s numerous awards and achievements are a testament to her talent, dedication, and hard work. Her fans and colleagues have celebrated her for decades as one of the greatest performers in history, and she continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Personal Life and Relationships of Bette Midler
In 1984, Midler married artist Martin von Haselberg, with whom she has a daughter named Sophie. The couple met while working on the film “Hocus Pocus” and have been together ever since. They have been described as having a very strong and loving relationship, and they often collaborate on projects together.
Midler has spoken openly about her struggles with depression and anxiety throughout her life. She has credited her husband and daughter for being her support system during difficult times. In addition to her immediate family, Midler has also formed close friendships with many celebrities, including fellow actresses Goldie Hawn and Sarah Jessica Parker.
Despite her busy career and personal struggles, Midler has remained committed to philanthropic causes. She established the New York Restoration Project in 1995, which aims to revitalize neglected parks and gardens in underserved communities. She has also been actively involved in various environmental and social justice initiatives.
Overall, Bette Midler’s personal life and relationships have been characterized by dedication, perseverance, and a commitment to making a positive impact in the world.
Philanthropy and Activism: Bette Midler’s Contributions
Bette Midler’s contributions have focused on issues such as environmental conservation, AIDS research, education, and social justice.
Midler founded the New York Restoration Project (NYRP) in 1995, with the aim of restoring neglected parks and community gardens in some of New York City’s underserved neighborhoods. The NYRP has since become one of the most prominent nonprofit organizations in the city, undertaking dozens of projects to green up public spaces and make them accessible to residents.
In addition to her work with NYRP, Midler has also been heavily involved in efforts to combat HIV/AIDS. She co-founded the organization “God’s Love We Deliver” in 1985, which provides nutritious meals and support services to people living with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other serious illnesses. The organization has since expanded its services to include more than 7,000 clients across the greater New York area.
Midler has also been an advocate for education reform, particularly in underfunded schools and neighborhoods. She established the Bette Midler Foundation in 1997, which provides grants to organizations that promote sustainable development, conservation, and environmental awareness.
On top of her philanthropic work, Midler has been a vocal activist on issues such as gay rights, women’s equality, and climate change. In 2014 she launched an online campaign called “Staying Cool in a Changing Climate”, urging individuals around the world to take action to reduce their carbon footprint and combat global warming.
Overall, Midler’s contributions to philanthropic and activist causes have been significant and far-reaching. Her work with NYRP, God’s Love We Deliver, and the Bette Midler Foundation has helped to improve the lives of countless individuals, while her advocacy efforts continue to raise awareness of important social and environmental issues.
Q: Does Bette Midler have a home in Hawaii?
Yes, Bette Midler does have a home in Hawaii. The multi-talented artist has maintained a residence in Honolulu, her hometown, where she spends time when not actively performing or working on projects.
Q: Bette Midler net worth
As of 2023, Bette Midler’s net worth is estimated to be around $250 million. Thisimpressive fortune is the result of her successful career spanning over five decades in the entertainment industry, encompassing music, movies, and television.
In conclusion, Bette Midler’s biography is a testament to her immense talent, versatility, and enduring impact on the world of entertainment. From her humble beginnings in Hawaii to achieving global fame, Midler has proven herself as a powerhouse performer, captivating audiences with her soulful voice, comedic genius, and magnetic stage presence. Beyond her artistic endeavors, she has also made significant contributions through her philanthropy and activism, striving to make a positive difference in the world. Bette Midler’s legacy will continue to inspire and entertain generations to come.