Bette Midler – Biography, Age, Net Worth, and Movies 2025

Bette Midler, known to millions as “The Divine Miss M,” has been a fixture of American entertainment for nearly six decades. Born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, she rose from a modest upbringing to become a Grammy-winning singer, an Oscar-nominated actress, and a beloved comedian. Her career spans Broadway, blockbuster films, platinum albums, and Las Vegas residencies. This article provides a complete, fact-based profile covering her age, net worth, husband, movies, songs, and more, updated for 2025.

Midler’s versatility is rare: she has won four Golden Globes, three Grammy Awards, three Emmy Awards, and a special Tony Award. While she has been nominated for two Academy Awards, she has not yet won an Oscar, placing her in the “near-EGOT” category. Her work continues to draw new audiences, especially with the resurgence of films like Hocus Pocus and her active social media presence.

How old is Bette Midler and what was her early life like?

Bette Midler was born on December 1, 1945, making her 79 years old as of 2025. She will turn 80 in December of this year. She grew up in rural Aiea, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, as the third of four children. Her father, Fred Midler, worked as a house painter for the U.S. Navy, and her mother, Ruth Schindel, was a seamstress and homemaker. The family was poor, but Midler’s mother encouraged her interest in theatre and singing from an early age.

After high school, Midler studied drama for one year at the University of Hawaii before dropping out to pursue acting professionally. She moved to New York City, where she performed at the La MaMa Experimental Theatre and later developed a nightly routine at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse that became her launching pad. Her magnetic stage presence there led to television offers and a record deal.

Key insights about Bette Midler

• She is one of the few entertainers to have won an Emmy, Grammy, Tony, and Golden Globe (though she lacks an Oscar, she has been nominated twice).
• Her breakthrough film role was in The Rose (1979), a performance that earned her a Golden Globe and an Academy Award nomination.
• She has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide.
• Her signature song, “Wind Beneath My Wings,” became a global hit after the film Beaches (1988).
• Midler has remained active in advocacy and philanthropy, supporting environmental and LGBTQ+ causes.

Who is Bette Midler married to?

Bette Midler has been married to Martin von Haselberg since 1984. Von Haselberg is a production manager and former actor. The couple met in the early 1980s and married in a private ceremony. They have one daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, born in 1986. Sophie has pursued a career in acting and writing.

Does Bette Midler have children?

Yes, Bette Midler has one child, a daughter named Sophie von Haselberg, born in 1986. Sophie has followed her mother into the entertainment industry, appearing in film and television projects.

What is Bette Midler’s net worth?

Bette Midler’s net worth is estimated at approximately $250 million as of 2025, according to various celebrity wealth trackers. This figure is widely cited but has not been officially confirmed by Midler or her representatives. Her wealth comes from multiple revenue streams: record sales, concert tours, film salaries, and a long-running Las Vegas residency. She has also earned substantial income from television appearances and endorsements.

What are Bette Midler’s most iconic movies?

Bette Midler has appeared in more than 30 films, with several becoming cultural landmarks. Her filmography spans drama, comedy, and family entertainment.

The Rose (1979)

Midler’s first major film role was in The Rose, a drama about a self-destructive rock star loosely based on Janis Joplin. The performance earned her a Golden Globe for Best Actress and her first Academy Award nomination. The soundtrack also won Grammy Awards.

Beaches (1988)

This tear-jerker about lifelong friendship featured Midler’s hit “Wind Beneath My Wings,” which won a Grammy. The film remains one of her most famous and is often quoted in popular culture.

Hocus Pocus (1993)

Though initially a moderate box office success, Hocus Pocus became a cult classic and a Halloween staple. Midler played Winifred Sanderson, the lead witch. The film’s popularity led to a sequel, Hocus Pocus 2 (2022), in which she reprised her role.

What are Bette Midler’s most famous songs?

Midler’s music career began with her debut album The Divine Miss M (1972), which went platinum and won her the Grammy for Best New Artist. The album included hits like “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” “Friends,” and “Do You Want to Dance?”

Her signature songs include “Wind Beneath My Wings” (from Beaches), “The Rose” (title track from the film), and a revival of the Andrews Sisters’ “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.” She has released studio albums such as Bette Midler (1973), Songs for the New Depression (1976), and the comedy album Mud Will Be Flung Tonight! (1985). She has sold over 15 million albums worldwide.

What is Bette Midler’s career timeline?

1. 1945: Born in Honolulu, Hawaii.
2. 1965: Lands first professional role as a bit part in the film Hawaii (released 1966).
3. 1966–1969: Joins the Broadway cast of Fiddler on the Roof.
4. 1972: Release of debut album The Divine Miss M; wins Grammy for Best New Artist.
5. 1979: Stars in The Rose, earning an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe.
6. 1984: Marries Martin von Haselberg.
7. 1988: Beaches release; “Wind Beneath My Wings” becomes her signature song.
8. 1993: Hocus Pocus becomes a cult classic.
9. 2000–2001: Stars in the sitcom Bette.
10. 2022: Returns as Winifred Sanderson in Hocus Pocus 2.
11. 2025: Continues touring and advocacy work.

What is confirmed and what remains unclear about Bette Midler?

Why has Bette Midler remained a cultural icon for decades?

Bette Midler’s enduring appeal stems from her ability to move seamlessly between comedy and drama, music and film. She broke barriers as a female entertainer in the 1970s, becoming one of the first major crossover stars from the nightclub scene to mainstream media. Her work reflects broader shifts in the industry, from the singer-songwriter era to blockbuster comedies and streaming revivals. She has also used her platform for advocacy, notably in environmental and LGBTQ+ causes, which has kept her relevant to new generations.

Where can readers find reliable information about Bette Midler?

The following sources provide authoritative, up-to-date information:

• Wikipedia – comprehensive biography with citations.
• IMDb – filmography, credits, and trivia.
• Official website – current news, tour dates, and official bio.
• Instagram – social media updates and personal posts.
• Spotify – discography and streaming.

What is next for Bette Midler?

As of 2025, Bette Midler remains active. She continues to perform live shows, participate in advocacy work, and engage with fans on social media. While no new film or album has been officially announced, she has not indicated any plans to retire. Fans can follow her official website and social channels for updates on tours and projects.

Frequently asked questions about Bette Midler