Bette Midler Says Her ‘Time on the Stage Is Basically Up’
Is Bette Midler retired? Pretty much. The award-winning singer, actor, and Broadway star with the nickname The Divine Miss M is making the transition to retirement and she’s totally OK with it.
Bette Midler’s entertainment career spans decades
Midler’s spent the majority of her life in show business. Getting her start in theater, she appeared in Off-Off-Broadway productions before landing major roles in Broadway plays such as Fiddler on the Roof and Salvation.
As her star power grew, she transitioned to music and film. She first appeared in 1966’s Hawaii before landing her first credited role in 1971’s The Thorn. While making a name for herself on the big screen, Midler simultaneously worked on her music career. Her debut album, The Divine Miss M, dropped in 1972 and earned Midler a Grammy Award. Throughout the ‘80s, ‘90s, and early aughts, she continued to star in movies, perform onstage, and release new music.
Thanks to the success she’s sustained during her decades-long career, Midler’s net worth is estimated to be around $230 million. To date, some of her most popular film roles include The First Wives Club (1996) and the cult classic Halloween flick, Hocus Pocus (1993).
Bette Midler doesn’t have to prove herself: ‘I’ve earned my rest’
During an interview with Parade published on Feb. 12, 2021, Midler opened up about retirement. She confessed that she and the stage are pretty much done. But she’s not sad about it.
“My time on the stage is basically up,” she said with a shrug. “I’m 75. I don’t have the impulse to prove myself anymore. I feel like ‘I did that.’ And I’ve done a lot. I’ve earned my rest. Am I going to make an announcement? No. I’m just going to fade away.”
Midler not only has multiple Grammy wins but she also has four Golden Globes, two Tony Awards, and three Emmys.
Bette Midler’s not done acting
Midler might be saying goodbye to the stage but she’s not completely done with the entertainment industry. Hocus Pocus is finally a follow-up after years of fans calling for a sequel. Members of the original cast have signed on for the project.
Most notably, Midler, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Kathy Najimy will reprise their roles as the Sanderson sisters. On. Dec. 10, 2020, Disney confirmed the news via their streaming service’s official Twitter account.
“Coming exclusively to @DisneyPlus is Hocus Pocus 2, the spooky sequel to the 1993 Halloween classic! @AdamMShankman is set to direct,” the tweet said.
Directed by Adam Shankman (A Walk to Remember, Hairspray), Hocus Pocus 2 will debut on Disney+. Other details about the film have yet to be announced.
