Bootleg Betty
Video – Bette Midler – Avon Ladies Of The Amazon – Charlie Rose – 3-3-1999
By Mister D
July 17, 2026
Bette Midler’s 1999 Charlie Rose appearance is one of her sharpest long?form interviews — candid, funny, a little wicked, and deeply reflective. The conversation aired March 3, 1999, tied to the release of her album “Bathhouse Betty.”
Bathhouse Betty era: She dug into the album’s themes, her return to brassy, theatrical pop, and the reclamation of her bathhouse roots — a subject she approached with humor and pride.
Early career & gay bathhouses: She openly discussed her beginnings performing at the Continental Baths, reflecting on how queer audiences shaped her artistry and persona.
Film, TV, and concert work: Rose walked through her career highlights, giving her space to talk about the grind, the glamour, and the absurdity of Hollywood.
Fame & its challenges: She spoke frankly about the pressures of celebrity, the toll of constant reinvention, and the expectations placed on women entertainers.
Urban planning & NYC: In classic Bette fashion, she veered into her passion for city beautification and community development — the seeds of what would become her major environmental advocacy.
Influences & mentors: She reminisced about Johnny Carson, her musical inspirations, and the people who shaped her career trajectory.
