ALLVIPP
Inside Bette Midler’s Life In The Spotlight
By Andrés Galarza
Sept. 28, 2024
When you think of showbiz icons, Bette Midler inevitably pops into your mind like a rogue confetti cannon at a Broadway show. Born in Honolulu in 1945, Bette has gone from beach babe to bona fide legend, with a career that’s as colorful as her outrageous costumes.
Inside Bette Midler’s Life In The Spotlight
Let’s take a whimsical stroll through the hilariously unpredictable career of “The Divine Miss M,” where she has played everything from a scandalous diva to a lovable witch!
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Let’s start with ‘The Rose,’ a film that thrust Bette into the cinematic limelight in 1979. In this rock ’n’ roll tragedy, she plays a character who, much like my last relationship, is full of passion but ultimately doomed. Bette’s portrayal was so powerful that it earned her a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. Who knew that channeling your inner rock star could lead to such accolades? Perhaps she was just trying to channel “Daisy Duck” with a hint of “Madonna”!
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And speaking of flowers, Bette once famously quipped, “I’m a tough act to follow, but I’m also a tough act to do.” And, let’s be honest, who among us hasn’t accidentally taken a swig of metaphorical bleach while trying to follow in her glamorous footsteps? Fast forward to 1993, and we find Bette donning a pointy hat and a snazzy cape as “Winifred Sanderson” in ‘Hocus Pocus.’ This film about a trio of resurrected witches is a quintessential part of any Halloween celebration—right alongside candy corn and that weird pumpkin spice you keep telling yourself you love.
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Bette’s performance as the outrageous Winifred was a masterclass in camp, and she clearly had the time of her life. Rumor has it that during filming, she was often overheard shouting, “I put a spell on you!” while practicing her high notes, which may have unintentionally cursed the scriptwriters to a lifetime of working on remakes. Despite mixed reviews initially, ‘Hocus Pocus’ became a cult classic, turning Bette into a Halloween icon. Who knew that a character inspired by a 17th-century witch could still be the toast of the town centuries later? Next stop, ‘Hocus Pocus 3: The Search for More Money!’
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No retrospective on Bette’s career would be complete without mentioning ‘Beaches.’ In this emotional rollercoaster, she plays “CC Bloom,” a character whose friendship with “Hillary Whitney” (played by Barbara Hershey) can only be described as epic—think ‘Thelma & Louise’ meets ‘Terms of Endearment,’ but with more singing.
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‘Beaches’ is notorious for its heart-wrenching moments and its unforgettable theme song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” If you’ve ever found yourself belting that tune in the shower while simultaneously sobbing into your loofah, congratulations, you’re not alone! Bette has turned tears into an art form—if only crying were an Olympic sport, she’d take home the gold, silver, and bronze.
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Bette’s career has also included an impressive stint on Broadway. In 2017, she returned to the stage in ‘Hello, Dolly!’ proving once again that she’s not just a pretty face but also a force of nature. Watching her sing “Before the Parade Passes By” is like witnessing a tornado in a sequined dress; it’s chaotic, exhilarating, and leaves you questioning your life choices.
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While on stage, Bette radiated such charisma that she could probably convince even ‘Shrek’ to become a Broadway star. If ‘Shrek’ ever attempted to steal a scene from her, let’s just say it would be a battle of epic proportions, complete with flying vegetables and an awkward love triangle involving “Fiona.”
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In recent years, Bette has embraced social media with all the grace of a flamingo on roller skates. Whether she’s posting pictures of her latest extravagant wigs or throwing shade at politicians with the subtlety of a sledgehammer, her online presence is as entertaining as her performances. She’s practically a walking meme factory—bless her for providing us with endless content!
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Bette has also used her platform for activism, voicing her opinions on everything from climate change to women’s rights. She’s like a social media superhero, fighting for justice in sequins. Move over, “Wonder Woman”—there’s a new diva in town! As we celebrate Bette Midler’s career, it’s clear that she’s not just a star; she’s a cosmic explosion of talent and hilarity. From her unforgettable film roles to her show-stopping Broadway performances, she has carved out a niche that combines humor, heart, and just a pinch of outrageousness.
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So here’s to Bette Midler: may her wigs always be voluminous, her songs ever catchy, and her adventures forever entertaining. Because if life has taught us anything, it’s that we could all use a little more Bette in our lives—preferably with a side of glitter and a hearty laugh!
