This week I am excited to welcome author Kevin Winkler back to Broadway Nation to discuss his new book, On Bette Midler: An Opinionated Guide. This engaging book is a critical analysis of every aspect of Bette Midler’s career on stage, recordings, film, and television, but in this conversation, we focus primarily on her work as a theater artist.
Bette Midler
Winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her starring role in Hello, Dolly! , Bette Midler made her Broadway debut in Fiddler on the Roof, and even then, she understood the importance of doing matinees.
Date of Birth: December 01, 1945 (80)
Birth Place: Honolulu, HI, USA
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BIO
Winner of the 2017 Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her starring role in Hello, Dolly!, Bette Midler made her Broadway debut in Fiddler on the Roof, and even then, she understood the importance of doing matinees. Her remarkable career started while singing in New York bathhouses, where she was given the name, "The Divine Miss M."
Her record debut, "The Divine Miss M," earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. In 1979, Bette made her film debut in portraying a doomed and self-destructive rock & roll singer in The Rose, for which she earned the Golden Globe for Best Actress, Academy Award nomination, and Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal performance.
In 1988 Bette starred in Beaches, and received her third Grammy Award, Record of the Year, for the film's title song, "Wind Beneath My Wings." Midler garnered her second Best Actress Golden Globe and Academy Award nomination for Mark Rydell's For The Boys.
Additional film credits include: Down and Out in Beverly Hills, Ruthless People, Big Business, Scene's From a Mall, Hocus Pocus, The First Wives Club, The Stepford Wives, Then She Found Me and The Women.
She concluded her critically acclaimed Vegas extravaganza The Showgirl Must Go On at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, with over 200 performances that were seen by over a half-million people in two years.
Forty years, four Grammys, four Golden Globes, three Emmys, a Tony Award and tons of record-breaking performances since she hit the scene, the "Divine Miss M" is still going strong.
Photos
STAGE CREDITS
[Broadway]
Broadway Revival Production, 2017
Dolly Gallagher Levi, Dolly Gallagher Levi [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 2013
Sue Mengers
[Off-Broadway]
Original Off-Broadway Production, 1969
Performer [Replacement], Betty Lou [Replacement]
[Broadway]
Original Broadway Production, 1964
Tzeitel [Replacement], Rivka [Replacement], Fruma-Sarah (Understudy) [Replacement], Tzeitel (Understudy) [Replacement]
Productions
Writing
Additional Material
Playwright
Playwright
See how Bette Midler connects to other Broadway stars and creatives.
Six Degrees of Broadway Beta
See how many degrees separate Bette Midler from another Broadway star or creative.
Bette Midler
Connection
Movies
The Thorn
[ 1971 ] Virgin Mary
[ 1971 ] Virgin Mary
Scarecrow in a Garden of Cucumbers
[ 1972 ] Lullabye Singer
[ 1972 ] Lullabye Singer
The Rose
[ 1979 ] Rose
[ 1979 ] Rose
Jinxed!
[ 1982 ] Bonita Friml
[ 1982 ] Bonita Friml
Ruthless People
[ 1986 ] Barbara Stone
[ 1986 ] Barbara Stone
Down and Out in Beverly Hills
[ 1986 ] Barbara Whiteman
[ 1986 ] Barbara Whiteman
Outrageous Fortune
[ 1987 ] Sandy
[ 1987 ] Sandy
Beaches
[ 1988 ] CC Bloom
[ 1988 ] CC Bloom
Oliver & Company
[ 1988 ] Georgette
[ 1988 ] Georgette
Big Business
[ 1988 ] Sadie Shelton, Sadie Ratliff
[ 1988 ] Sadie Shelton, Sadie Ratliff
Stella
[ 1990 ] Stella Claire
[ 1990 ] Stella Claire
Scenes from a Mall
[ 1991 ] Deborah
[ 1991 ] Deborah
For the Boys
[ 1991 ] Dixie Leonard
[ 1991 ] Dixie Leonard
Hocus Pocus
[ 1993 ] Winifred
[ 1993 ] Winifred
The First Wives Club
[ 1996 ] Brenda Morelli Cushman
[ 1996 ] Brenda Morelli Cushman
That Old Feeling
[ 1997 ] Lilly Leonard
[ 1997 ] Lilly Leonard
Isn't She Great
[ 2000 ] Jacqueline Susann
[ 2000 ] Jacqueline Susann
Drowning Mona
[ 2000 ] Mona Dearly
[ 2000 ] Mona Dearly
The Stepford Wives
[ 2004 ] Bobbie Markowitz
[ 2004 ] Bobbie Markowitz
Then She Found Me
[ 2007 ] Bernice Graves
[ 2007 ] Bernice Graves
The Women
[ 2008 ] Leah Miller
[ 2008 ] Leah Miller
Cats & Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore
[ 2010 ] Kitty Galore
[ 2010 ] Kitty Galore
Parental Guidance
[ 2012 ] Diane Decker
[ 2012 ] Diane Decker
Freak Show
[ 2017 ] Muv
[ 2017 ] Muv
The Addams Family
[ 2019 ] Grandma
[ 2019 ] Grandma
The Glorias
[ 2020 ] Bella Abzug
[ 2020 ] Bella Abzug
The Addams Family 2
[ 2021 ] Grandma
[ 2021 ] Grandma
Hocus Pocus 2
[ 2022 ] Winifred Sanderson
[ 2022 ] Winifred Sanderson
The Fabulous Four
[ 2024 ] Marilyn
[ 2024 ] Marilyn
TV Shows
Vegetable Soup
[ 1975 ] Woody The Spoon voice
[ 1975 ] Woody The Spoon voice
The Earth Day Special
[ 1990 ] Mother Earth
[ 1990 ] Mother Earth
The Simpsons
[ 1993 ] Bette Midler
[ 1993 ] Bette Midler
Gypsy
[ 1993 ] Mama Rose
[ 1993 ] Mama Rose
Seinfeld
[ 1995 ] Bette Midler
[ 1995 ] Bette Midler
The Nanny
[ 1997 ] Bette Midler
[ 1997 ] Bette Midler
Jackie's Back!
[ 1999 ] Bette Midler
[ 1999 ] Bette Midler
Bette
[ 2000-2001 ] Bette
[ 2000-2001 ] Bette
Murphy Brown
[ 1998-2018 ] Caprice Feldman - Secretary #93
[ 1998-2018 ] Caprice Feldman - Secretary #93
The Politician
[ 2019-2020 ] Hadassah Gold
[ 2019-2020 ] Hadassah Gold
Awards and Nominations
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2017 - Best Leading Actress in a Musical
Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Drama Desk Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Outer Critics Circle Awards - 2017 - Outstanding Actress in a Musical
Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
winner
Tony Awards - 2017 - Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical
Bette Midler, Hello, Dolly!
winner
BroadwayWorld Awards - 2013 - Best Leading Actress in a Play
Bette Midler, I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers
Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Solo Performance
Bette Midler, I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers
Drama League Awards - 2013 - Distinguished Performance Award
Bette Midler, I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers
winner
Tony Awards - 1974 - Special Tony Award
Bette Midler
Videos
Video: Watch Kelli O'Hara, Adrienne Warren & More Perform at America 250 Special
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-07-06 11:02:34
Video: Nathan Lane Explains How DEATH OF A SALESMAN Achieves Intimacy at the Winter Garden
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-05-05 09:08:42
Video: Inside Opening Night of BEACHES with Jessica Vosk, Kelli Barrett & More
by Luka Vonier - 2026-04-28 11:04:31
Video: Richard Jay-Alexander Celebrates 50 Years in the Broadway Business
by Robert Diamond - 2026-04-03 13:00:22
Video: Jessica Vosk, Kelli Barrett & More Give a Sneak Peek of BEACHES
by Luka Vonier - 2026-02-16 13:27:39
Video: Watch Jessica Vosk & Kelli Barrett Sing New BEACHCES Songs
by Michael Major - 2026-02-13 12:19:20
Video: Marc Shaiman Recalls Journey From Bette Midler Superfan to Collaborator
by Josh Sharpe - 2026-01-28 10:51:25
Video: Jessica Vosk and Kelli Barrett Sing 'Wish I Could Be Like You' From BEACHES
by Chloe Rabinowitz - 2026-01-22 11:23:52
News
Christine Ebersole, TOMORROW, THE ISLAND DIES and More Set for 54 Below October 26 - November 1
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2026
54 Below will present a lineup of performances next week, October 26-November 1, featuring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole alongside Grammy nominee Billy Stritch, and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 23, 2026
54 Below will present a lineup of performances next week, October 26-November 1, featuring Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole alongside Grammy nominee Billy Stritch, and more.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY to Screen at Shea's Free Film Series
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2026
Shea's Buffalo Theatre will screen THE ADDAMS FAMILY this Halloween season as part of its free community film series, with a live dance performance preceding the film.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 22, 2026
Shea's Buffalo Theatre will screen THE ADDAMS FAMILY this Halloween season as part of its free community film series, with a live dance performance preceding the film.
Jake Shimabukuro to Bring HOLIDAYS IN HAWAIʻI to MACC
by Stephi Wild - Oct 22, 2026
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will return to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center for Holidays in Hawaiʻi, marking the show's return to the venue. Learn more here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 22, 2026
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro will return to the Maui Arts & Cultural Center for Holidays in Hawaiʻi, marking the show's return to the venue. Learn more here.
Review: A SANDERSON SISTER ACT at Webster Hall A Luscious, Lascivious Start To Halloween
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
The Ali Forney Center fundraiser that has become a fundraising highlight of each year raises $375,000.
by Stephen Mosher - Oct 22, 2026
The Ali Forney Center fundraiser that has become a fundraising highlight of each year raises $375,000.
Amber Gray, Jasmine Cephas Jones, and More Will Lead Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis' WARRIORS
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
Initial casting has been announced for Warriors, the new musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, coming to Broadway next year! Find out who is starring in the show here.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 20, 2026
Initial casting has been announced for Warriors, the new musical with book, music and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis, coming to Broadway next year! Find out who is starring in the show here.
Bette Midler Receives Woody Guthrie Prize at Cain's Ballroom
by Rachel Stone - Oct 17, 2026
Bette Midler received the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize at a fundraising celebration in Tulsa, performing a rendition of Woody Guthrie's protest song and discussing art and activism.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 17, 2026
Bette Midler received the 2026 Woody Guthrie Prize at a fundraising celebration in Tulsa, performing a rendition of Woody Guthrie's protest song and discussing art and activism.
THE ADDAMS FAMILY, ZOOTOPIA 2, and THE PRINCESS AND THE FROG to Screen at Shea's Free Film Series
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Shea's Performing Arts Center will present its 2026-27 Free Film Series featuring three animated films at its Buffalo Theatre. Live performances will accompany each screening.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 16, 2026
Shea's Performing Arts Center will present its 2026-27 Free Film Series featuring three animated films at its Buffalo Theatre. Live performances will accompany each screening.
Gizel Jiménez, Caren Lyn Tackett to Headline Samantha Coleman Memorial Concert
by Rachel Stone - Oct 16, 2026
The 3rd Annual Samantha Coleman Memorial Concert will feature Broadway performers and benefit Adelphi University's theatre accessibility fund. The event will be interpreted in American Sign Language with real-time closed captioning.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 16, 2026
The 3rd Annual Samantha Coleman Memorial Concert will feature Broadway performers and benefit Adelphi University's theatre accessibility fund. The event will be interpreted in American Sign Language with real-time closed captioning.
JENNIE Headlines STEPS Soundtrack with New Song 'Someone to Hold'
by Rachel Stone - Oct 15, 2026
JENNIE contributes an original song to the STEPS soundtrack, the companion album to Netflix's animated comedy adventure. The soundtrack features four original songs written and produced by Justin Tranter, with vocals from Amanda Seyfried, Rose Gray, and Emei, plus score by Kris Bowers.
by Rachel Stone - Oct 15, 2026
JENNIE contributes an original song to the STEPS soundtrack, the companion album to Netflix's animated comedy adventure. The soundtrack features four original songs written and produced by Justin Tranter, with vocals from Amanda Seyfried, Rose Gray, and Emei, plus score by Kris Bowers.
OFF THE CLOCK: STARRING YOU & YOUR FAV COWORKERS to Play The Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
Madison Ablin Productions will present OFF THE CLOCK: STARRING YOU & YOUR FAV COWORKERS, featuring coworkers performing prepared duets, trios, and group numbers at The Green Room 42. Tickets start at $19 with no food or beverage minimum.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 5, 2026
Madison Ablin Productions will present OFF THE CLOCK: STARRING YOU & YOUR FAV COWORKERS, featuring coworkers performing prepared duets, trios, and group numbers at The Green Room 42. Tickets start at $19 with no food or beverage minimum.
Amanda Green, Julie Halston, Jackie Hoffman and More Set for Birdland in October
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present artists including Amanda Green, Ron Carter, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, and performers from Broadway musicals including REGENCY GIRLS and CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 2, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present artists including Amanda Green, Ron Carter, Vince Giordano & The Nighthawks, and performers from Broadway musicals including REGENCY GIRLS and CRAZY RICH ASIANS.
AT THIS PERFORMANCE… to Celebrate 23rd Anniversary at Green Room 42
by Stephi Wild - Oct 2, 2026
The monthly cabaret series spotlighting Broadway and Off-Broadway standbys, understudies, and alternates will feature performers from TITANIQUE, SIX THE MUSICAL, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, and other productions.
by Stephi Wild - Oct 2, 2026
The monthly cabaret series spotlighting Broadway and Off-Broadway standbys, understudies, and alternates will feature performers from TITANIQUE, SIX THE MUSICAL, HEATHERS THE MUSICAL, and other productions.
Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and More Set for October at 54 Below
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
54 Below will present performers from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and entertainment, including artists in October, including Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and more.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 30, 2026
54 Below will present performers from Broadway, cabaret, jazz, and entertainment, including artists in October, including Jenn Colella, Ali Ewoldt, Christine Ebersole and more.
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater Unveils October Programming
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present nightly performances throughout October, featuring The Hot Sardines, Ron Carter, and birthday celebrations for Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Sep 29, 2026
Birdland Jazz Club and Birdland Theater will present nightly performances throughout October, featuring The Hot Sardines, Ron Carter, and birthday celebrations for Bud Powell and Thelonious Monk.
Photos: Nikki Glaser and David Spade to Return to Las Vegas Residency
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026
Nikki Glaser and David Spade announced upcoming dates for their Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, with presales and public ticket sales beginning this fall.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 28, 2026
Nikki Glaser and David Spade announced upcoming dates for their Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace, with presales and public ticket sales beginning this fall.
Jake Shimabukuro Will Come to Alaska PAC in October
by Stephi Wild - Sep 28, 2026
Jake Shimabukuro will perform at Alaska PAC, presented by the Anchorage Concert Association, next month. The performance will take place at Atwood Concert Hall.
by Stephi Wild - Sep 28, 2026
Jake Shimabukuro will perform at Alaska PAC, presented by the Anchorage Concert Association, next month. The performance will take place at Atwood Concert Hall.
Review: Shock, Awe and Surprise as Randy Roberts Triumphs at The Beechman
by Stephen Sorokoff - Sep 26, 2026
It was a night of shock, awe, surprise, and enormous talent as Randy Roberts brought a star-studded Laurie Beechman Theatre to its feet several times with a brilliant display of singing, comedy, acting, and female impersonation.
by Stephen Sorokoff - Sep 26, 2026
It was a night of shock, awe, surprise, and enormous talent as Randy Roberts brought a star-studded Laurie Beechman Theatre to its feet several times with a brilliant display of singing, comedy, acting, and female impersonation.
Debbie Allen and Savion Glover Among 2026 Dance Hall of Fame Inductees
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2026
The Dance Hall of Fame announced its second class of honorees, including Debbie Allen, George Balanchine, Toni Basil, Katherine Dunham, Savion Glover, Mandy Moore, the Nicholas Brothers, and WEST SIDE STORY legends George Chakiris, Rita Moreno and Russ Tamblyn.
by A.A. Cristi - Sep 24, 2026
The Dance Hall of Fame announced its second class of honorees, including Debbie Allen, George Balanchine, Toni Basil, Katherine Dunham, Savion Glover, Mandy Moore, the Nicholas Brothers, and WEST SIDE STORY legends George Chakiris, Rita Moreno and Russ Tamblyn.
Photos: HOCUS POCUS and THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS to Play El Capitan Theatre
by Rachel Stone - Sep 24, 2026
El Capitan Theatre will present Disney's HOCUS POCUS and Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in 4D, with special fan event screenings featuring composer John Debney and artist George McClements.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 24, 2026
El Capitan Theatre will present Disney's HOCUS POCUS and Tim Burton's THE NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS in 4D, with special fan event screenings featuring composer John Debney and artist George McClements.
Dave Frishberg's OKLAHOMA TOAD to Return in Remastered Vinyl Edition
by Rachel Stone - Sep 23, 2026
Oglio Records will release a newly remastered edition of jazz pianist Dave Frishberg's 1970 debut album OKLAHOMA TOAD as a 12-inch vinyl LP with a bonus 7-inch featuring previously unheard material.
by Rachel Stone - Sep 23, 2026
Oglio Records will release a newly remastered edition of jazz pianist Dave Frishberg's 1970 debut album OKLAHOMA TOAD as a 12-inch vinyl LP with a bonus 7-inch featuring previously unheard material.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many Broadway shows has Bette Midler been in?
Bette Midler has appeared on Broadway in 7 shows.
How many West End shows has Bette Midler been in?
Bette Midler has not appeared in the West End.
What awards has Bette Midler been nominated for?
Best Leading Actress in a Musical (BroadwayWorld Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Outstanding Actress in a Musical (Outer Critics Circle Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Tony Awards) for Hello, Dolly!, Best Leading Actress in a Play (BroadwayWorld Awards) for I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers, Outstanding Solo Performance (Drama Desk Awards) for I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers, Distinguished Performance Award (Drama League Awards) for I'll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers and Special Tony Award (Tony Awards).
What awards has Bette Midler won?
Bette Midler has won numerous prestigious awards throughout her Broadway career. Her accolades include a Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical Tony Award for Hello, Dolly!, along with a Special Tony Award. She received the Outstanding Actress in a Musical award from the Drama Desk Awards for Hello, Dolly!, and the Outstanding Actress in a Musical honor from the Outer Critics Circle Awards, also for Hello, Dolly!. Additionally, Midler earned Best Leading Actress in a Musical recognition from the BroadwayWorld Awards for Hello, Dolly!, and Best Leading Actress in a Play from the BroadwayWorld Awards for I'll Eat You Last: A Chat with Sue Mengers.
How many shows has Bette Midler written?
Bette Midler has written 2 shows including Bette Midler's Clams on the Half Shell Revue (Lyricist), Bette! Divine Madness (Additional Material).
Podcasts
Bette Midler's Halloween Bash with Chloe Bailey, Myles Frost & More: Live Halloween Special
Join The Art of Kindness podcast live from New York City's most worthwhile Halloween events, including Bette Midler and New York Restoration Project's Hulaween!
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