Bette Midler

Bette Midler, an iconic American singer, actress, and comedian, was born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii. She began her career in several off-off-Broadway plays and rose to prominence in 1970 when she began singing at the Continental Baths, a local gay bathhouse. Known for her diverse talents, Midler has become a cultural icon, renowned for her unique blend of singing, acting, and comedy.

Bette Midler released her debut studio album, 'The Divine Miss M', on November 7, 1972. The album was a commercial success, peaking at number 9 on the Billboard 200 and earning a Platinum certification. Produced by Barry Manilow, the album includes hits like 'Do You Want to Dance', 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy', and 'Friends'. 'The Divine Miss M' established Midler as a major music artist and showcased her theatrical flair and vocal talent.

In 1973, Bette Midler won the Grammy Award for Best New Artist, recognizing her as one of the brightest new talents in the music industry. The award came on the heels of her successful debut album, 'The Divine Miss M'. This accolade marked the first major recognition of Midler's career, highlighting her theatrical performances and vocal abilities that resonated with a wide audience.

Bette Midler made her film debut in the 1979 drama 'The Rose', directed by Mark Rydell. In the film, she played a self-destructive rock star, channeling her own experiences from the music industry. The role was loosely based on Janis Joplin, and Midler's performance earned her a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. 'The Rose' showcased Midler's dramatic talents and included the hit song of the same name.

Bette Midler starred in the 1988 film 'Beaches' alongside Barbara Hershey. In this dramatic film, Midler played the role of Cecilia Carol 'C.C.' Bloom, a big-hearted entertainer, who maintains a lifelong friendship with her childhood friend Hillary, played by Hershey. 'Beaches' was both a commercial and critical success and featured the hit song 'Wind Beneath My Wings', which became one of Midler's signature songs. Her performance won her significant acclaim and further established her versatility as an actress and singer.

On July 16, 1993, Bette Midler starred as Winifred Sanderson in the Disney comedy fantasy film 'Hocus Pocus'. Her portrayal of the head witch of the Sanderson Sisters became iconic, especially during Halloween. Although the movie was not a commercial success initially, it gained a cult following over the years. The film, featuring a cast including Sarah Jessica Parker and Kathy Najimy, became a staple of Halloween entertainment, cementing Midler's role in pop culture.

Bette Midler co-starred in the comedy film 'The First Wives Club', released on December 20, 1996. Midler played one of the three leading roles alongside Goldie Hawn and Diane Keaton. The film centers around three divorced women seeking revenge on their ex-husbands who left them for younger women. 'The First Wives Club' was both a commercial success and a cultural phenomenon, contributing to the discussions on gender relations and the power of female friendship.

The sitcom 'Bette', starring Bette Midler as a fictionalized version of herself, premiered on CBS on October 22, 2003. The show was a semi-autobiographical comedy where Midler played an exaggerated version of herself trying to balance career and family. Despite Midler's star power, 'Bette' was canceled after one season due to declining ratings. However, the series was noted for its humor and Midler's presence, showcasing her comedic talents for television audiences.

On June 11, 2017, Bette Midler won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her role in the Broadway revival of 'Hello, Dolly!'. Her performance as Dolly Gallagher Levi was praised for its energy and dynamism, leading to significant box office success. Midler's win was seen as a triumphant return to Broadway, a testament to her enduring star power and her ability to captivate audiences with both her singing and acting capabilities.

Bette Midler was recognized at the 44th Kennedy Center Honors on December 2, 2021, celebrating her lifetime achievements in the performing arts. The Kennedy Center Honors recognize the outstanding contributions of those in the performing arts to American culture. Midler was praised for her multi-faceted career as a singer, actress, and comedian, and her influence on American entertainment was celebrated during the ceremony with numerous tributes and performances in her honor.