Bette Midler is a highly decorated American entertainer with a career spanning five decades. She is known for her work as a singer, actress, comedian, and author. Her accolades include four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, two Tony Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, and nominations for two Academy Awards and a British Academy Film Award.
1941: "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" Released
The Andrews Sisters, a major influence on Bette Midler, released their hit song "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" in 1941.
December 1, 1945: Birth of Bette Midler
On December 1, 1945, Bette Midler was born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
1961: "Most Talkative" at Radford High School
Bette Midler was voted "Most Talkative" in the 1961 Hoss Election at Radford High School.
1963: Awarded "Most Dramatic" in Senior Year
Bette Midler was awarded "Most Dramatic" in her senior year (class of 1963) at Radford High School.
1965: Move to New York and Off-Off-Broadway Debut
Bette Midler moved to New York City and made her professional stage debut in Tom Eyen's off-off-Broadway plays "Miss Nefertiti Regrets" and "Cinderella Revisited."
October 1966: Joins Broadway's "Fiddler on the Roof"
Bette Midler joined the Broadway cast of "Fiddler on the Roof" in October 1966, playing the role of Rivka.
1966: Film Extra in "Hawaii"
Bette Midler worked as an extra in the 1966 film "Hawaii."
February 1967: Taking on the Role of Tzeitel
Bette Midler assumed the role of Tzeitel in "Fiddler on the Roof" in February 1967.
1969: Joining the Original Cast of "Salvation"
Bette Midler became part of the original cast of the Broadway musical "Salvation."
February 1970: Concluding "Fiddler on the Roof"
Bette Midler concluded her run in "Fiddler on the Roof" in February 1970.
1970: Bette Midler's Rise to Prominence
In 1970, Bette Midler began singing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in New York City, where she gained a devoted following and launched her career.
1970: Begins Performing at the Continental Baths
Bette Midler started performing at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in New York City, in 1970, a pivotal step in her career.
1971: Starring in "Tommy" and "The Tonight Show" Debut
Bette Midler starred in the first professional production of The Who's rock opera "Tommy" and made her first appearance on "The Tonight Show" in 1971.
December 1972: Release of "The Divine Miss M"
Bette Midler's debut album, "The Divine Miss M," was released in December 1972, achieving both commercial success and critical acclaim.
1972: Release of Debut Album, "The Divine Miss M"
Bette Midler released her debut album, "The Divine Miss M," produced by Barry Manilow, in 1972.
1973: Release of Midler's Self-Titled Album
Bette Midler released her second album, a self-titled effort, in 1973, which also reached the Billboard Top 10.
1973: Grammy Award for Best New Artist
Bette Midler won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist in 1973 for her album "The Divine Miss M."
1974: Special Tony Award for "Clams on the Half Shell Revue"
Bette Midler received a Special Tony Award in 1974 for her contribution to Broadway with "Clams on the Half Shell Revue."
1975: Voice Acting Debut in "Vegetable Soup"
Bette Midler began voicing the character Woody the Spoon on the PBS children's series "Vegetable Soup" in 1975.
1976: Release of "Songs for the New Depression"
Bette Midler returned to recording with the release of her album "Songs for the New Depression" in 1976.
1977: "Broken Blossom" and "Ol' Red Hair is Back"
Bette Midler released her album "Broken Blossom" and her first television special, "Ol' Red Hair is Back," in 1977. The special won an Emmy Award.
1978: Concluding Voice Work on "Vegetable Soup"
Bette Midler finished her voice work on "Vegetable Soup" in 1978.
1979: The Rose and Thighs and Whispers
In 1979, Bette Midler starred in her first movie, "The Rose," inspired by Janis Joplin. She also released her fifth album, "Thighs and Whispers," which, despite its disco influence, became her lowest-charting album.
1979: The Rose: Midler's Film Debut
Bette Midler made her starring film debut in 1979 with "The Rose," earning her a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
1980: Divine Madness Concert Film
In 1980, Bette Midler released "Divine Madness," a concert film of one of her shows in Pasadena during her world tour.
1981: Jinxed! Production Begins
Bette Midler began working on the comedy "Jinxed!" in 1981, experiencing conflicts with co-star Ken Wahl and director Don Siegel during the production.
1982: Jinxed! Release and Career Hiatus
1982 saw the release of "Jinxed!," a major flop for Bette Midler. Despite being considered for the role of Miss Hannigan in "Annie," Midler took a break from acting until 1986.
1983: No Frills Album Release
Bette Midler released her album "No Frills" in 1983, produced by Chuck Plotkin, known for his work with Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen. It featured singles like "All I Need to Know" and covers of Marshall Crenshaw's "You're My Favorite Waste of Time" and The Rolling Stones' "Beast of Burden".
December 16, 1984: Bette Midler Marries Martin von Haselberg
Bette Midler married artist Martin von Haselberg on December 16, 1984.
1985: Mud Will Be Flung Tonight and "We Are the World"
In 1985, Bette Midler released the comedy album "Mud Will Be Flung Tonight." She also participated in the USA for Africa "We Are the World" project and the Live Aid concert in Philadelphia.
November 14, 1986: Bette Midler Welcomes Daughter Sophie von Haselberg
On November 14, 1986, Bette Midler and Martin von Haselberg welcomed their daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, into the world.
1986: Return to Acting with "Down and Out in Beverly Hills"
Bette Midler returned to acting in 1986 with "Down and Out in Beverly Hills," directed by Paul Mazursky, marking the beginning of a successful comedic phase in her career.
1986: Midler Stars in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Ruthless People"
Bette Midler starred in two successful comedies in 1986: "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" and "Ruthless People."
1987: "Outrageous Fortune" Comedy Release
Bette Midler continued her successful run in comedies with "Outrageous Fortune" in 1987.
1987: Release of "Outrageous Fortune"
Bette Midler starred in the comedy "Outrageous Fortune" in 1987.
1988: "Big Business," "Oliver & Company," and "Beaches"
In 1988, Bette Midler starred in the comedy "Big Business." She also voiced Georgette in Disney's "Oliver & Company" and achieved a major success with "Beaches." The latter's soundtrack, featuring the hit song "Wind Beneath My Wings," became her best-selling album.
1988: Midler in "Big Business" and "Beaches"
1988 saw Bette Midler starring in two more hit films: the comedy "Big Business" and the drama "Beaches."
1990: Grammy Win for "Wind Beneath My Wings"
Bette Midler won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year in 1990 for "Wind Beneath My Wings."
1990: "From a Distance" and "Stella"
Bette Midler's cover of "From a Distance" topped the Adult Contemporary charts in 1990. She also starred in the film adaptation of "Stella Dallas," playing a single mother making sacrifices for her daughter, a role that earned her a Razzie Award nomination.
1991: "Scenes from a Mall" and "For the Boys"
Bette Midler co-starred with Woody Allen in "Scenes from a Mall" and reunited with director Mark Rydell for the musical "For the Boys" in 1991. While the former received mixed reviews, Midler's performance in the latter earned her critical acclaim.
1991: Critical Acclaim for "For the Boys"
Bette Midler's performance in the 1991 film "For the Boys" earned her another Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination.
1991: Bette Midler Sponsors Highway Cleanup
In 1991, Bette Midler became an early supporter of the Adopt-a-Highway program, committing to a monthly payment of $2,000 to finance the cleanup of a 2-mile stretch of the Ventura Freeway in Burbank, California.
1991: Bette Midler Fights to Save Community Gardens
When the city proposed selling 114 community gardens for commercial use in 1991, Bette Midler emerged as a leading figure in a coalition of environmental organizations determined to preserve these green spaces.
May 1992: Emmy Award Win for "The Tonight Show"
Bette Midler won an Emmy Award in May 1992 for her performance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where she sang "One for My Baby (and One More for the Road)" and "Here's That Rainy Day."
1993: "Hocus Pocus" and Annual Hulaween Party
Bette Midler starred as Winifred Sanderson in Disney's "Hocus Pocus" in 1993. Though initially met with mixed reviews, the film gained cult status over time. Midler also began hosting her annual Hulaween costume party to benefit the New York Restoration Project.
1993: Bette Midler Wins Golden Globe for "Gypsy"
Bette Midler won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in "Gypsy" in 1993.
1993: Bette Midler's Highway Cleanup Featured on "The Simpsons"
Bette Midler's involvement in the Adopt-a-Highway program was playfully referenced in her 1993 guest appearance on "The Simpsons" episode "Krusty Gets Kancelled."
1993: Release of "Hocus Pocus" and "Gypsy"
In 1993, Bette Midler starred in the popular fantasy comedy "Hocus Pocus" and the television film "Gypsy," for which she won a Golden Globe Award.
May 1995: Appearance in "Seinfeld" and "Get Shorty"
Bette Midler appeared on the "Seinfeld" season finale "The Understudy" in May 1995 and had a supporting role in the film "Get Shorty" the same year.
1995: Bette Midler Expands Highway Cleanup to East Coast
Bette Midler extended her commitment to highway cleanup to the East Coast in 1995, adopting sections of the Long Island Expressway and Bronx River Parkway.
1995: Bette Midler Founds New York Restoration Project
In 1995, Bette Midler established the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization with a mission to revitalize neglected parks in economically disadvantaged areas of New York City.
1996: Midler Stars in "The First Wives Club"
Bette Midler joined forces with Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton for the hit comedy "The First Wives Club" in 1996.
1996: "The First Wives Club" Release
Bette Midler starred in the comedy "The First Wives Club" alongside Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton in 1996.
1997: Emmy Win for "Diva Las Vegas" and Women in Film Crystal Award
Bette Midler won an Emmy for her HBO special "Diva Las Vegas" in 1997. The same year, she, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton received the Women in Film Crystal Award for their work on "The First Wives Club."
1998: Bathhouse Betty Album Release
Bette Midler released her ninth studio album, "Bathhouse Betty," in 1998, named after a nickname from her early career.
1998: Reflecting on the Continental Baths Era
In 1998, during the release of her album "Bathhouse Betty," Bette Midler reflected on her time performing at the Continental Baths, expressing pride in her association with the gay liberation movement.
1999: Appearance in "Murphy Brown"
Bette Midler made a guest appearance on the CBS sitcom "Murphy Brown" in 1999.
2000: Featured in "Fantasia 2000"
Bette Midler was featured in Disney's animated film "Fantasia 2000" in 2000.
2000: Bette Sitcom Premiere and What Women Want Cameo
In 2000, Bette Midler starred in her own sitcom, "Bette," which premiered on CBS to high ratings, marking the network's best sitcom debut in over five years. She also made an uncredited cameo appearance as a therapist in the film "What Women Want."
2001: Departure from Warner Music Group
Bette Midler was dropped from Warner Music Group in 2001 after a period of inconsistent record sales.
2001: Bette Sitcom Cancellation
Bette Midler's sitcom "Bette" was canceled in early 2001 due to declining viewership. Despite initial success and critical acclaim for Midler's performance, the show faced challenges, including a demanding shooting schedule and reported backstage turmoil.
2001: Bette Midler Supports Wounded Service Members
Following the tragic events of 9/11, Bette Midler initiated programs through her foundation in 2001 to provide essential support to injured service members and their families. These programs offered various resources, including assistance with customized housing.
2003: Release of Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook
In 2003, Bette Midler, now signed with Columbia Records, released "Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook," a collaboration with Barry Manilow after a long-standing feud. The album was a commercial and critical success, achieving gold certification and receiving a Grammy nomination the following year.
2003: Bette Midler Opens Swindler Cove Park
Bette Midler inaugurated Swindler Cove Park in 2003, a new 5-acre public park located on the banks of the Harlem River. This park boasts unique educational facilities and the Peter Jay Sharp Boathouse, marking the first community rowing center built on the Harlem River in over a century.
2003: Kiss My Brass Tour Begins
Bette Midler embarked on her "Kiss My Brass" tour across the United States in 2003, performing to sold-out crowds.
2004: Appearance in The Stepford Wives Remake
Bette Midler appeared in a supporting role as Bobbie Markowitz, a writer and recovering alcoholic, in the 2004 remake of the science fiction satire film "The Stepford Wives." Despite a star-studded cast, the film faced production issues and received generally unfavorable reviews, resulting in a financial loss.
2004: Release of "The Stepford Wives"
Bette Midler starred in the remake of "The Stepford Wives" in 2004.
October 2005: Release of Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook
Bette Midler released her second collaborative tribute album with Barry Manilow, "Bette Midler Sings the Peggy Lee Songbook," in October 2005. The album was a commercial success, debuting in the top ten of the US Billboard 200 chart and earning a Grammy Award nomination.
2006: Release of Cool Yule Album
In 2006, Bette Midler released a Christmas album titled "Cool Yule," featuring collaborations with artists like Johnny Mathis. The album was well-received, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album the following year.
2007: Appearance in Then She Found Me
Bette Midler appeared in "Then She Found Me," a comedy-drama film directed by and starring Helen Hunt. Midler played the role of a talk show host who reveals herself to be the biological mother of Hunt's character. The film received mixed reviews from critics.
February 20, 2008: Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On Premiere
Bette Midler premiered her Las Vegas residency show, "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On," at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on February 20, 2008. The show, featuring elaborate sets, costumes, and a large cast of dancers and musicians, ran until January 31, 2010, and received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.
2008: Las Vegas Residency Begins
Bette Midler began her successful Las Vegas residency, "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On," in 2008.
June 2009: Appearance on My Life on the D-List
Bette Midler made a guest appearance on an episode of the Bravo TV show "My Life on the D-List" with Kathy Griffin, which aired in June 2009.
January 31, 2010: End of The Showgirl Must Go On Residency
Bette Midler's Las Vegas residency show, "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On," concluded its run at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace on January 31, 2010.
November 2010: Release of Memories of You Compilation Album
Bette Midler released "Memories of You," a compilation album featuring lesser-known tracks from her discography, in November 2010.
2010: Conclusion of Las Vegas Residency
Bette Midler's Las Vegas residency, "Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On," concluded in 2010.
February 2011: Priscilla, Queen of the Desert Broadway Production
Bette Midler served as one of the producers for the Broadway production of the musical "Priscilla, Queen of the Desert," which premiered in February 2011.
June 2012: Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award
Bette Midler was honored with the Sammy Cahn Lifetime Achievement Award at the Songwriters Hall of Fame in June 2012. The award recognized her significant contributions to the music industry and her enduring impact on popular culture.
2012: Midler in "Parental Guidance"
Bette Midler co-starred in the family comedy "Parental Guidance" in 2012.
April 24, 2013: I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers Broadway Premiere
Bette Midler returned to Broadway after three decades to star in the play "I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers," which opened on April 24, 2013, at the Booth Theatre. Midler's performance as the powerful Hollywood agent Sue Mengers earned critical acclaim and commercial success.
2014: Academy Awards Performance and Release of It's the Girls! Album
Bette Midler performed "Wind Beneath My Wings" during the In Memoriam tribute at the 86th Academy Awards. In November of the same year, she released her 25th studio album, "It's the Girls!," a tribute to girl groups throughout music history.
March 2017: Previews for "Hello, Dolly!" Begin
Bette Midler began preview performances for the Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in March 2017.
April 2017: Broadway Premiere of "Hello, Dolly!"
Bette Midler starred in the Broadway premiere of the revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in April 2017, marking her first leading role in a Broadway musical.
2017: Bette Midler Stars in "Hello, Dolly!" Revival and "Freak Show"
Bette Midler took on the title role in the 2017 Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" and also appeared as Muv in the film "Freak Show" in 2017.
January 2018: Bette Midler Ends Run in "Hello, Dolly!" Revival
In January 2018, Bette Midler concluded her run in the Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" after a successful return to the stage.
2018: Rare Mandarin Duck Spotted in Central Park
In 2018, a rare Mandarin duck was observed in Central Park, capturing public attention and later inspiring Bette Midler's children's book.
February 24, 2019: Bette Midler Performs at the 91st Academy Awards
Bette Midler graced the stage at the 91st Annual Academy Awards ceremony on February 24, 2019, where she delivered a memorable performance of "The Place Where Lost Things Go" from the film "Mary Poppins Returns."
October 2019: Bette Midler Voices Grandmama in "The Addams Family"
In October 2019, Bette Midler lent her voice to the character of Grandmama in the animated adaptation of "The Addams Family."
2019: Voice Acting in "The Addams Family"
Bette Midler lent her voice to the animated film "The Addams Family" in 2019.
2020: Bette Midler Appears in "The Glorias" and "The Politician"
In 2020, Bette Midler portrayed Bella Abzug in the biographical film "The Glorias," which centered on the life of Gloria Steinem. She also starred in the second season of the television series "The Politician" after a guest appearance in the first season.
2020: Bette Midler Pledges Donation for Australian Wildfires
In a display of solidarity and support during the devastating Australian wildfires of 2020, Bette Midler made a generous pledge to match Pink's donation of $500,000, contributing a total of $1 million towards relief efforts.
2020: Bette Midler Publishes Children's Book
Inspired by a real-life event in 2018 when a rare duck was sighted in Central Park, Bette Midler released a children's book titled "The Tale of the Mandarin Duck" in 2020.
December 4, 2021: Bette Midler Receives Kennedy Center Honor
Bette Midler received the prestigious Kennedy Center Honor, a lifetime achievement award in the performing arts, on December 4, 2021, with the ceremony taking place at the Library of Congress.
2021: Bette Midler Reprises Role in "The Addams Family 2"
Bette Midler reprised her role as Grandmama in "The Addams Family 2," the sequel to the animated film, released in 2021.
2021: Reprising Her Role in "The Addams Family" Sequel
Bette Midler reprised her voice role in the sequel to "The Addams Family" in 2021.
October 2022: Bette Midler Returns for "Hocus Pocus 2"
Bette Midler reprised her iconic role as Winifred Sanderson in the highly anticipated sequel "Hocus Pocus 2," released on Disney+ in October 2022.
2022: Return to "Hocus Pocus"
Bette Midler reprised her role as Winifred Sanderson in the long-awaited sequel to "Hocus Pocus" in 2022.
2023: Bette Midler Stars in "Sitting in Bars with Cake"
In 2023, Bette Midler took on a leading role in the comedy-drama film "Sitting in Bars with Cake."