Bootleg Betty
Video: Bette Midler In Outrageous Fortune + Trivia
By Mister D
July 22, 2025
Bette Midler’s role in Outrageous Fortune (1987) is a comedic gem, showcasing her as Sandy Brozinsky, a brash, loud-mouthed aspiring actress with a penchant for chaos. Paired with Shelley Long’s refined Lauren Ames, Midler’s performance is a masterclass in high-energy, unapologetic humor. The two play rivals who get entangled in a wild chase involving espionage, stolen toxins, and a shared lover, Michael Santers (Peter Coyote). Midler’s Sandy is a working-class, rough-around-the-edges contrast to Long’s polished snob, and their chemistry drives the film’s screwball energy. Directed by Arthur Hiller, the movie blends buddy-comedy with action, and Midler’s larger-than-life persona—complete with her signature wit and physical comedy—steals the show.
Trivia and Insights/Casting Dynamics: Midler and Long were not the original pair considered. The script, written by Leslie Dixon, was initially pitched with other actresses in mind, but Disney’s Touchstone Pictures saw Midler’s star power (fresh off Down and Out in Beverly Hills) as a perfect fit for Sandy. Long, known for Cheers, was cast to balance Midler’s intensity with her comedic finesse.
Box Office Success: The film was a hit, grossing over $52 million domestically on a $16 million budget, making it one of the top comedies of 1987. Midler’s performance was a big draw, with audiences loving her outrageous antics.
Improv and Chemistry: Midler and Long reportedly had some on-set tension due to their differing acting styles—Midler’s improvisational flair clashed with Long’s more methodical approach. However, this friction added authenticity to their characters’ rivalry. Some of Sandy’s funniest lines, like her colorful insults, were Midler ad-libs.
Memorable Scenes: Midler’s physical comedy shines in scenes like the car chase where Sandy and Lauren bicker while dodging danger, or when Sandy tries to seduce a CIA agent with her over-the-top charm. Her delivery of lines like “I’m not an actress, I’m a star!” became iconic.
Soundtrack Contribution: Midler, a Grammy-winning singer, didn’t contribute to the soundtrack directly, but her musical background influenced Sandy’s theatrical persona. The film’s score, composed by Alan Silvestri, complemented its frenetic pace.
Cultural Impact: Outrageous Fortune was one of the first female-led buddy comedies, paving the way for films like Thelma & Louise. Its success showed Hollywood that women could carry action-comedies, with Midler’s performance proving her versatility beyond musicals.
Behind-the-Scenes Tidbit: The film’s title is inspired by Shakespeare’s Hamlet (“the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune”), a nod to the characters’ dramatic misadventures. Midler, a theater buff, reportedly loved the reference.
Location Fun: Shot primarily in New Mexico and Los Angeles, the desert chase scenes were grueling. Midler, known for her stamina, handled the physical demands well, even in 100-degree heat, while Long struggled with the rugged conditions.
