The “Divine Miss M” sent Houston into a state of shock on April 29, 2014. The entire city was abuzz with the prospect of hearing this “Hollywood Icon” speak of her illustrious career, meager beginnings and how she became one of the most beloved entertainers of all time.
Bette Midler began her career as an extra in the film Hawaii (1966) and took that money she earned & relocated to New York where she worked her way into Broadway. Along the way, she starred in Miss Nefertiti Regrets and a very adult version of Cinderella by which she eventually landed the role of Tzeitel in Fiddler on the Roof from 1966 to 1969. Having broken into Broadway, she also landed a role in Salvation in 1969 and honed her skills becoming the incomparable actress we know today. Ms. Midler later went on to sing in the Continental Bathhouse during the summer of 1970 in New York City (yes, the FAMED Continental Bathhouse) where she met a young pianist named Barry Manilow who helped produce her first album, “The Divine Miss M” which is how she got that name. Singing in the 
Continental Bathhouse also built up a huge following in the gay community in New York during the 70’s and those fans have been some of her most devout. From there Bette Midler went on to release several more albums, won a Tony Award and starred in one of the most memorable movies of her career, The Rose (1979) which was loosely modeled after the late Janis Joplin.
Bette Midler’s career has inspired many to pursue a career in theater but more so her “mother wit”. The night of her interview was definitely a night to remember as she filled our mind with her colorful anecdotes about life, the film industry and love. Thank you Bette Midler for such a wonderful evening and to us you will always be divine.
