Childhood and Education Journey of Bette Midler in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: October 16, 2025

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Bette Midler. A timeline of key moments.

Bette Midler is a highly acclaimed American entertainer, renowned as an actress, comedian, singer, and author. Spanning a career of five decades, she has garnered significant recognition, including four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, and a Kennedy Center Honor. She has also received nominations for two Academy Awards and a British Academy Film Award, solidifying her status as a versatile and celebrated figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

December 22, 1968: Death of Judith Midler

On December 22, 1968, Bette Midler's eldest sibling, Judith, died after being struck by a car in New York City.

December 16, 1984: Marriage to Martin von Haselberg

On December 16, 1984, Bette Midler married artist Martin von Haselberg.

November 14, 1986: Birth of Sophie von Haselberg

On November 14, 1986, Bette Midler's daughter, actress Sophie von Haselberg, was born.

1991: Sponsorship of Adopt-a-Highway

In 1991, Bette Midler became an early sponsor of the Adopt-a-Highway program, paying $2,000 a month for a crew to clean up a section of the Ventura Freeway in Burbank, California. Signs were put up stating "Litter Removal Next 2 Miles, Bette Midler."

1991: Leading effort to save community gardens

In 1991, Bette Midler led a coalition of green organizations to prevent the auction of 114 community gardens for commercial development in New York City. The NYRP took ownership of 60 of the most neglected plots.

1995: Adoption of East Coast Highway Sections

In 1995, Bette Midler expanded her Adopt-a-Highway efforts to the East Coast, adopting sections of the Long Island Expressway and Bronx River Parkway.

1995: Founding of the New York Restoration Project

In 1995, Bette Midler founded the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization focused on revitalizing neglected parks in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in New York City.

2001: Establishment of programs for service members

In 2001, following 9/11, Bette Midler established programs through her foundation to support wounded service members and their families, offering resources such as custom homes. She also began visiting the USO and military bases to serve meals to service members before deployment, continuing a tradition since the first Gulf War.

2003: Opening of Swindler Cove Park

In 2003, Bette Midler opened Swindler Cove Park, a new 5-acre public park on the Harlem River shore, which features educational facilities and the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, the first community rowing facility built on the Harlem River in over 100 years.