Bette Midler is recognized as one of the most dynamic and multi-talented figures in the entertainment industry. Born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she was named after famed actress Bette Davis. Her father, Fred Midler, worked as a house painter at a Navy base, while her mother, Ruth Midler, was a seamstress and homemaker. Bette was the third of four children and, unlike her mother, was destined for a very different path in life.
Midler attended Radford High School in Honolulu, where she was voted "Most Dramatic" and "Most Talkative," foreshadowing her future in performance. As one of the only Jewish white students at her school, she often felt like an outsider. She enrolled at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, intending to major in drama, but left after three semesters to pursue her artistic ambitions. In 1965, she moved to New York City to begin her stage career.
Bette Midler made her initial mark in theater with early appearances in plays by Tom Eyen, including Cinderella Revisited and Miss Nefertiti Regrets. Her Broadway career reached a milestone in 1969 with her performance in the rock musical Salvation, earning her early recognition for her unique blend of acting and musical talent.
Midler’s first major breakthrough in music came in 1970 when she performed at The Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in New York City. These performances highlighted her powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence, helping to cultivate a loyal fan base. This success led to the release of her debut album, The Divine Miss M, in 1972 through Atlantic Records. The album featured hit singles like “Do You Want to Dance?” and earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1973.
She continued her musical success with follow-up albums such as Bette Midler (1973) and Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook (2003), showcasing her range as a singer and songwriter. Throughout her recording career, Midler received multiple awards and accolades, reinforcing her status as a celebrated vocalist and lyricist.
| Birth Date: | 1 Dec, 1945 |
| Age: | 74 yrs |
| Citizenship: | United States of America |
| Birth Place: | Honolulu |
| Education: | University of Hawaii University of Hawaii at Manoa |
| Gender: | Female |
| Description: | American singer-songwriter, actress, comedian and film producer |
| Twitter Id: | BetteMidler |
| Spouse: | Martin von Haselberg [M. 1984] |
| Net Worth 2021: | 250 million |
