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Bette Midler Biography

Birth Name:Bette Davis Midler

Birth Place:Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Profession Soundtrack, Actress, Producer, Writer, Music department, Director

Fast Facts

  • Led a coalition of environmental organizations to save 114 community gardens in New York from being auctioned off for commercial development in 1991
  • In 1995, founded a non-profit organization, the New York Restoration Project, that aims to revitalize neighborhood parks in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods in New York City
  • Used to work at a Dole pineapple processing plant in Hawaii
  • Quote: "I always try to balance the light with the heavy - a few tears of human spirit in with the sequins and the fringes․"
  • Is an accomplished singer, comic, author and actress on stage and in film, known for her flamboyance
  • Has successfully starred in comedic and dramatic roles
  • Played a small, uncredited role as an extra in "Hawaii," and though she filmed a small speaking part for the film, the scenes were cut and she appears only as a seasick passenger on a ship
  • Was the valedictorian at her 1963 graduation from Radford High School in Honolulu, Hawaii
  • She and her two sisters are all named after famous actresses: Bette Davis, Susan Hayward and Judy Garland
  • Was the last ever guest on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson․"

Awards

  • 1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Special - Comedy-Variety or Music: winner
  • 1978Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Special: nominated
  • 1979NYFCC Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1980Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1980Golden Globe-New Star of the Year in a Motion Picture - Female: winner
  • 1980Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1980NSFC Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1981BAFTA Film Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1981Golden Globe-Best Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1987American Comedy Award-Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): winner
  • 1987Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1988American Comedy Award-Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): winner
  • 1988Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1989American Comedy Award-Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): winner
  • 1989Blimp Award-Favorite Movie Actress: nominated
  • 1990American Comedy Award-Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): nominated
  • 1991Razzie Award-Worst Actress: nominated
  • 1992Oscar-Best Actress in a Leading Role: nominated
  • 1992CFCA Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1992Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Motion Picture - Comedy or Musical: winner
  • 1992Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program: winner
  • 1993American Comedy Award-Funniest Female Performer in a TV Special (Leading or Supporting) Network, Cable or Syndication: winner
  • 1994Saturn Award-Best Actress: nominated
  • 1994Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television: winner
  • 1994Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Lead Actress in a Miniseries or a Special: nominated
  • 1996American Comedy Award-Funniest Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1996NBR Award-Best Acting by an Ensemble: winner
  • 1997American Comedy Award-Funniest Actress in a Motion Picture (Leading Role): nominated
  • 1997CableACE-Performance in a Music Special or Series: winner
  • 1997OFTA Film Award-Best Adapted Song: nominated
  • 1997Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Performance in a Variety or Music Program: winner
  • 1997Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special: nominated
  • 1997Golden Satellite Award-Best Actress in a Motion Picture, Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 1997Stinker Award-Worst On-Screen Couple: nominated
  • 1997Stinker Award-Worst Actress: nominated
  • 1998American Comedy Award-Funniest Female Performer in a TV Special (Leading or Supporting) Network, Cable or Syndication: winner
  • 1998Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2000Stinker Award-Worst Actress: nominated
  • 2001Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series - Comedy or Musical: nominated
  • 2001OFTA Television Award-Best Actress in a New Comedy Series: winner
  • 2001People's Choice Award-Favorite Female Performer in a New Television Series: winner
  • 2001Razzie Award-Worst Actress: nominated
  • 2001TV Guide Award-Actress of the Year in a New Series: winner
  • 2001TV Guide Award-Actress of the Year in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2009Movies for Grownups Award-Best Supporting Actress: nominated
  • 2011Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Special: nominated
  • 2020Gold Derby TV Award-Comedy Guest Actress: nominated
  • 2020OFTA Television Award-Best Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2020Primetime Emmy-Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated
  • 2021OFTA Television Award-Best Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series: nominated