Born in Honolulu, Hawaii in 1945, Midler showed an early interest in performing. She began singing in a local choir at a young age and later attended the University of Hawaii, where she studied drama. After moving to New York City in the late 1960s, Midler began performing in small clubs and theaters, including the famous Continental Baths, where she gained a following for her outrageous costumes and musical numbers.
In 1972, Midler released her first album, « The Divine Miss M, » which went on to become a huge commercial success. The album featured hits like « Do You Wanna Dance? » and « Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, » and earned Midler a Grammy Award for Best New Artist. Over the next few years, Midler continued to release successful albums and singles, including « Wind Beneath My Wings » and « From a Distance, » which both became iconic anthems.
Midler’s success as a musician led to opportunities in other areas of the entertainment industry. She starred in her first movie, « The Rose, » in 1979, earning a Golden Globe Award for her performance as a troubled rockstar. She went on to appear in several other successful movies, including « Beaches » and « Hocus Pocus. » Midler’s quick wit and comedic timing also made her a popular guest on talk shows and variety programs.
In addition to her work in entertainment, Midler has also been an active philanthropist. In 1995, she founded the New York Restoration Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up and improving green spaces in low-income areas of the city. She has also been involved with numerous other charitable organizations, including the Starlight Children’s Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Even in her seventies, Midler continues to captivate audiences with her talent and humor. In 2017, she returned to Broadway in a revival of the musical « Hello, Dolly! » and earned critical acclaim for her role as the titular character. She also continues to perform in concerts and release new music.
Bette Midler’s career has spanned over five decades and shows no signs of slowing down. Her unique blend of humor, personality, and musical talent has made her an unforgettable icon in the entertainment industry. As she celebrates her 76th birthday this year, fans around the world continue to be inspired by her incredible accomplishments and impact on the world of entertainment.