Bette Midler

Bette Midler was born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She is the daughter of Fred Midler, a painter, and Ruth Schindel, a seamstress. Her parents, who were from New Jersey, had Jewish ancestry. Midler pursued drama studies at the University of Hawaii before relocating to New York City in 1965 to further her theater career. She performed in off-off-Broadway plays like “Miss Nefertiti Regrets” and “Cinderella Revisited.” From 1966 to 1970, she was part of the Broadway production of “Fiddler on the Roof,” initially in an ensemble role and later playing Tzeitel. Her early career also included performances at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse, where she developed a significant following and collaborated with Barry Manilow, who produced her debut album. Midler’s versatility and distinctive style quickly established her as a dynamic performer.

Midler’s musical career took off with her debut album, “The Divine Miss M,” released in November 1972, which reached Billboard’s Top 10 and was Platinum-certified. This was followed by her self-titled album in November 1973, which also achieved commercial success. Her film career began notably with “The Rose” (1979), earning her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe Award. Throughout the 1980s, she starred in a series of successful comedic films, including “Down and Out in Beverly Hills” (1986), “Ruthless People” (1986), “Outrageous Fortune” (1987), “Big Business” (1988), and the critically acclaimed “Beaches” (1988), which featured her hit song “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Midler’s diverse roles and musical achievements cemented her status as a multifaceted entertainer. She continued to achieve critical and commercial success, earning multiple Grammy, Emmy, Tony, and Golden Globe Awards for her work in various artistic fields.

Beyond her entertainment career, Midler has been actively involved in social and environmental causes. In 1995, she founded the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization dedicated to revitalizing neglected parks and green spaces in New York City’s economically disadvantaged neighborhoods. This initiative has included cleaning up highways and establishing new public parks and boathouses. The NYRP also provides environmental education programs to students. Her commitment to charity work, including supporting wounded service members and their families, showcases her dedication to making a positive impact outside of her performances.