Bette Midler

Bette Midler is an American singer, actress, comedian and producer known for her work across music film and theater, as well as her distinctive stage persona. Midler was born in Honolulu Hawaii, where she was raised by her parents alongside her three siblings. She attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, studying drama before leaving college to pursue performance opportunities. After relocating to New York City, she became involved in the theater scene while working in off-Broadway productions.

Her early career took shape on stage, including performances in Fiddler on the Roof, before she gained attention singing at the Continental Baths, where her live shows helped establish her as a unique performer. Midler released her debut album The Divine Miss M in 1972, which earned a Grammy nomination for Album of the Year, launching her recording career and bringing her mainstream recognition.

Midler later established a presence in film, appearing in movies such as The Rose (1979), Beaches (1988), Hocus Pocus (1993), Ruthless People (1986) and The First Wives Club (1996). She has also starred in Broadway productions, earning Tony Awards for her performances in Hello, Dolly! and I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers. Across her career, she has won multiple Grammy Awards, Emmy Awards and Tony Awards, making her just an Oscar short of EGOT status.

Midler married artist Martin von Haselberg in 1984. The couple welcomed daughter Sophie von Haselberg in 1986.