Bootleg Betty
This Day In History: 25 Years Ago Bette Midler Cameo’s In What Women Want
By Mister D
December 15, 2025
What Women Want is a 2000 romantic fantasy comedy directed by Nancy Meyers, starring Mel Gibson as Nick Marshall, a chauvinistic advertising executive who gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts after a freak accident, and Helen Hunt as his boss/romantic interest Darcy McGuire.
Bette Midler appears in a brief, uncredited cameo as Dr. J.M. Perkins, a therapist (often described as a pot-smoking shrink).
In the film, Nick visits her early on, overwhelmed by his new “gift” of hearing women’s inner thoughts, which he initially sees as a curse. Dr. Perkins listens to his story and reframes it positively, famously telling him: “If you know what women want, you can rule!” This line helps Nick shift his perspective and start using his ability to his advantage.
Her scene is short but memorable, adding a humorous and pivotal moment to Nick’s character arc. Many reviews note it’s an amusing cameo and wish there had been more of her.
Overall, Midler’s appearance is a fun highlight in an otherwise star-studded supporting cast (including Marisa Tomei, Alan Alda, and Lauren Holly), showcasing her signature wit in limited screen time. The film was a major box-office hit, grossing over $374 million worldwide.
