Bette Midler, a multi-Grammy Award-winning singer, comedienne, and author, has consistently demonstrated her impressive acting range in a diverse array of both dramatic and comedic roles. Born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she is the daughter of Ruth (Schindel),a seamstress, and Fred Midler, a painter. Her parents, originally from New Jersey, were both of Jewish descent, tracing their ancestry back to Russia, Poland, and the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Midler began her musical career by studying drama at the University of Hawaii and performing in gay bathhouses with piano accompaniment from Barry Manilow. Her debut album, "The Divine Miss M," released in November 1972, was a massive success, followed by her self-titled album "Bette Midler" in November 1973, which further solidified her popularity.
After making minor appearances in several film and television productions, Midler surprised audiences with her standout performance as a hard-living rock-and-roll singer in the 1979 film "The Rose," which earned her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress. This role marked the beginning of a long and illustrious career in film, with notable comedic performances in "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" (1986),"Ruthless People" (1986),"Outrageous Fortune" (1987),"Big Business" (1988),and "Beaches" (1988).
Midler has also demonstrated her dramatic range in films such as "For the Boys" (1991) and "The First Wives Club" (1996),as well as her ability to work well with other talented actors, including James Caan, Goldie Hawn, and Diane Keaton. In addition to her impressive filmography, Midler has also had a successful music career, selling over 15 million albums worldwide and winning four Grammy Awards, four Golden Globes, one Tony Award, and three Emmy Awards.
Most recently, Midler has been touring with her sassy "Kiss My Brass" show and promoting her album "Bette Midler Sings the Rosemary Clooney Songbook."
