Bette Midler, born on December 1, 1945, in Honolulu, Hawaii, is a celebrated American actress, singer, comedian, and author known for her dynamic energy and comedic wit. Raised in a modest household as the third of four children, Midler found solace in the arts from a young age, which was encouraged by her mother. After studying drama at the University of Hawaii, she moved to New York City to pursue a career in entertainment.

Midler's early career included a role in the Broadway production of "Fiddler on the Roof" and performances at the Continental Baths, where she developed her stage persona, "The Divine Miss M." Her performances there, alongside then-unknown accompanist Barry Manilow, helped her gain a devoted following. In 1972, she released her debut album, "The Divine Miss M," which went platinum and earned her a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Midler's film career took off with her starring role in "The Rose" (1979), earning her an Academy Award nomination and a Grammy for the title song. Despite a setback with the film "Jinxed" (1982), she rebounded with successful comedies like "Down and Out in Beverly Hills" (1986) and "Ruthless People" (1986). Her role in "Beaches" (1988) further solidified her status, with the song "Wind Beneath My Wings" becoming a major hit.

Throughout her career, Midler has released 14 studio albums and sold over 30 million records worldwide. She has received numerous accolades, including four Golden Globe Awards, three Grammy Awards, three Primetime Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards. Her Broadway revival of "Hello, Dolly!" in 2017 earned her a Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical.

Midler's enduring career spans over five decades, marked by her contributions to music, film, and theater, as well as her philanthropic efforts and advocacy for various causes.