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Video: A Stiff Joke From Bette Midler
By Boodles BonBon
Dec. 5, 2025
In 1978, Bette Midler appeared on The Michael Parkinson Show, where she mixed comedy, music, and conversation—telling her signature “Soph” jokes, singing songs like In the Mood, Millworker, and Big Noise from Winnetka, while charming Parkinson with her wit and flamboyant personality.
What Happened on the Show
Comedy routines: Midler delivered her famous “Soph jokes,” a vaudeville-style series of corny one-liners that showcased her camp humor and timing.
- 8 Musical performances: She sang Glenn Miller’s In the Mood, James Taylor’s ballad Millworker, and the jazzy Big Noise from Winnetka.
- Conversation with Parkinson: She discussed her home life, her flamboyant dress sense, and her approach to comedy, blending self-deprecation with theatrical flair.
- Stage persona: Midler leaned into her “Divine Miss M” character—equal parts bawdy nightclub entertainer and serious vocalist—giving British audiences a taste of her unique mix of camp and artistry.
