Bette Midler, now 77 years old, was named after the legendary actress Bette Davis and has certainly lived up to the legacy associated with her name. Born in Hawaii, Midler moved to New York City in 1965, where she quickly immersed herself in the entertainment industry.
Her career took off almost immediately as she began her studies in theater at HB Studio and participated in various off-off-Broadway productions. Within just a year, she landed the role of Tzeitel in the Broadway production of Fiddler on the Roof, a role she held for three years.
Midler’s talent led her to perform in numerous musicals and even sing at local bathhouses, where she amassed a devoted following. During this time, she developed a strong partnership with her piano accompanist, Barry Manilow, who was also an accomplished musician. Midler’s first Grammy came from the album he produced for her, The Divine Miss M, released in 1972.
Throughout the 1970s, she became a regular on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson and released multiple albums, which significantly boosted her popularity. Her transition to film began with the 1979 movie The Rose, earning her an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe win.
It’s no surprise that she was honored with the Outstanding Collaboration Award at the Costume Designers Guild Awards in February 2023, recognizing her immense contributions to the entertainment industry.
During her acceptance speech, Midler humorously acknowledged that she had done “some tailoring” to her face throughout her 60-year career, prompting applause from the audience for her clever remark.
In addition to her Oscar nomination for For The Boys in 1991, Midler’s status in Hollywood only grew. One of her most iconic performances was in the 1993 cult classic Hocus Pocus, which she reprised in 2022, solidifying her status as a beloved figure in contemporary pop culture.
Her career, spanning over half a century, has earned her numerous accolades, including two Tony Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and three Grammy Awards.
Known for her artistry and charisma, Midler spoke candidly in a 2008 interview with Extra about her first Las Vegas residency, Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On, calling it the “sexiest show” she had ever performed. She was also praised for her stunning legs during the interview.
When asked about cosmetic surgery, Midler acknowledged that she contemplated it, saying, “Doesn’t anyone contemplate it? When it actually begins to collapse in, I’m going to probably start giving it a real good thought.” She also noted her disciplined lifestyle, including not keeping unusual hours or smoking.
At 77, Midler continues to shine brightly, countering the prevalent issue of ageism in the entertainment industry. She made her return to Broadway in 2017 in the revival of Hello, Dolly!, earning her second Tony Award for Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a Musical.
At the 25th Annual Costume Designer Guild Awards on February 27, 2023, Midler was presented with the Outstanding Collaboration Award, one of the evening’s highest honors.
During the event, she captivated attendees with her timeless beauty in a stunning bejeweled black gown. While accepting her award, she humorously reflected on her age, stating, “The passage of time has a way of making things more even,” before receiving applause from the audience. She proudly claimed, “I’ve been doing this for close to 60 years, and I know that I really look fantastic.”
However, her speech also hinted at the speculation surrounding her cosmetic enhancements, with her admitting, “I’ve had some tailoring done on my face.” She further expressed gratitude, stating, “But I do want to say: I’ve been at it for close to 60 years.”
Midler’s “tailoring” seems to have given her renewed energy, enduring beauty, and confidence, suggesting she will remain active in the industry for years to come, continuing her impressive legacy.