Why Bette Midler says she returned to 'Hello, Dolly!'

"The experience of doing this show changed my life," the actress said of her Tony-winning role in the Broadway show.

[@SuperFarfel]

Bette is simply timeless. I love her versatility & how she comes across so genuine in all of her roles.

[@alicehenderson7983]

DeeDee, yrs she does, she is & always has been my favorite movie star, singer, because no one can make you laugh, then cry in the same movie as good as she can, she is amazing.

[@caroleoneill2872]

She is rocking the grey's looks gorgeous

[@Tvarski1]

Bette sells herself WAY too short! She is magnificent in my eyes!

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Divine.

[@stephenwilliams1269]

Modesty is much more alluring than Self Importance.

[@divaloca9575]

same

[@dguri]

ONE of a kind!!

[@alicehenderson7983]

@@dguri yes she is one of a kind, and always will be.

[@joannephraim6849]

Bette Midler you ARE beautiful! End of story...

[@m.e.d.7997]

Do not like nervy Bette Midler.

[@joannephraim6849]

Sorry to hear that :-( but everybody isn't for everybody. Give her another try. She's brash but she's got a good heart and a great original sound. Watch Beaches, Hocus Pocus, Big Business, and/or First Wives Club. If none of them does it for you, then she's not your cup of tea. But any... Enjoy!

[@m.e.d.7997]

@@joannephraim6849 Watch how she insulted Karen Carpenter at the Emmy's in 1974. She is rude.

[@m.e.d.7997]

@@joannephraim6849 Still think she is phony.

[@joannephraim6849]

Understood. I'm not excusing the behavior. I simply chalked it up to jealousy, hanging with Joan Rivers and learning a comedic edge. She did make an apology in the late 80s and Joan made a joke of hers. But, that's Hollywood for you. And, I take your point.

[@ald668]

Bette Midler is one of the GREATS!

[@Dachdogoriginal]

Lady, you are amazing, gorgeous, hilarious, and always candid and honest. And you still got it. No way you are in your 70's. I would never take you out of your 40's.

[@Dachdogoriginal]

Oh and you lie like a dog, haha, your voice is like spun gold. It's brilliant and soulful and can move mountains.

[@lincolnpaul1814]

Dachdog what is wrong with saying a 70 year old can’t be fabulous. Ridiculous Americans and their absurd concept of age. Europeans don’t do that.

[@marie-rosedaly4234]

But... she looks now so artificially

[@RochellB46]

Beaches is my favorite movie ever :) and I just lost my grandmother so whenever I hear “wind beneath my wings” I can’t help but cry my eyes out. I love you nana

[@manifestabundance1689]

Rochell Barbara my favorite movie as well

[@VinDissel]

I am from Malaysia. And I love love Bette Midler. She is so real so lovable so warm. God bless Bette Midler.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

She did. And us when she did it.

[@LaineSterlingHale]

She makes me happy and cry at the same time. Just hearing her voice moves me to tears.

[@alicehenderson7983]

EH, she can definitely make you laugh, then cry at the drop of a hat, I can just see tears in her eyes & it makes me sad, but let her burst into tears that really gets me, she is a natural for sure.

[@felix121984]

IF SHE EVER DARES TO RAISE HER VOICE AT ME ! SHE WILL REFRET IT !

[@russelldavis6405]

73 years old and still absolutely stunning!!!!!! Just saying...........

[@embecmom5863]

Yea her surgeon has a new ferrari

[@a.karatas953]

@@embecmom5863 but her surgeon did a very great job. look at other women in the show biz her age with surgereys. they look horrible.

[@nicholastroutman5931]

Look at her best friends though like Cher. Cher looks AMAZING!! And Meryl and Goldie. All her friends look incredible. She's merely keeping up. And quite well I might add. Bette is gorgeous.

[@tonyhogg9839]

Yeah she looks so good, and almost the same as before. Some look not so good, and are fairly unrecognizable.

[@alicehenderson7983]

@@nicholastroutman5931 yes she is one gorgeous woman & always has been, but she also is the most kindest woman & most tender hearted, humble & sentimental too, she is just amazing

[@gabbygoshorn3892]

I feel so lucky to have seen Bette as Dolly last November. She was tremendous! Best money spent at the theatre. A true American classic.

[@Kandizcsr83]

Beaches is by far my favorite movie, hands down. I do cry every single time 😭

[@chrisshoemaker3855]

I have seen more Broadway shows then I can count but seeing Bette in Hello, Dolly! was the most memorable theatrical experience I've ever had!

[@computerweenie]

Whether on stage, on TV or in a movie when Bette is there, you're gonna have a good time.

[@jrt9]

I have always loved Bette. I love the grey bob. She looks fantastic.

[@TheAngel0525]

Bette Milder Simply Gorgeous at any age

[@DBJP1121]

Omg I love her!!! She makes me laugh and feel warmed at heart to see her smile at the same time

[@lestki]

I just adore this woman and have for many many years. Saw her live in the 70's and will never forget it.

[@nikitavisloguzov864]

Was she awesome?? I believe so!

[@unowen-nh9ov]

@@nikitavisloguzov864 Divine.

[@MarthaMcCrum]

My favorite movie she starred in was “Stella”. Really great movie and her performance hits you in the heart big time.

[@Ubeenpranked]

Why does no one ever remember the most amazing movie ever?!? First Wives Club!

[@robertwebb494]

PBS Newshour

[@garydavies8307]

Mediocre

[@trgoohileshea2820]

"I am NOT a drunk!" "Really; let's examine the evidence. Look, all bottles...and gallon jugs." "I had guests." "WHO? Guns and Roses?"

[@trgoohileshea2820]

"I drink because I am a sensitive and highly strong person." No; that's why your co-stars drink!"

[@trgoohileshea2820]

"Elise, Elise...Bren. Annie needs to make a down payment on an ad agency. Any idea where she could come up with that kind of money?"

[@connystadie654]

...was für ein wundervoller Engel 😇 mit einer sagenhaften Ausstrahlung ☀️ vielen DANK Bette 🌷alles liebe zu Dir, herzlichst ©️ 🤩

[@dlm8763]

73?? If I can only look half that amazing at her age I would be happy! Love her! Always!

[@for3v3rruin3d9]

This is one absolutely stunning and awesome lady!! Since a young child I’ve always adored and admired all of her work!! What I wouldn’t do to be able to just sit and talk with her. WOW

[@unowen-nh9ov]

I would listen. Like I have been since Last of Sheila.

[@t.e.burgos3263]

Bette Midler should be in _American Horror Story_ as the Supreme...

[@pfumero627]

T.E. Burgos Hell yes 💯

[@SimonEveryday]

Super agree!!!

[@suzannebear4194]

Wouldn't be a stretch

[@GIguy]

She has got to be one of my favourite, if not my favourite, actress of all time, that, and we both share the same birthday. I was fortunate enough to meet her in person, a long time ago, when I could not find any work in my field, radiation sciences, and actually took a job doing condo security, just to pay the bills, here in Toronto. I was sitting at my desk when one of the residents walked in with Bette Midler at her side!!! I was awestruck, and fumbled a friendly hello, and to my surprise, she starts to talk to me for a few moments while her friend ran upstairs to get something. Aside from being one of the most talented people I know, she has got to be one of the funniest, kindest, and down to earth celebrities I’ve ever met. She acted as if we were old friends, and I found myself just laughing with her as if I’d known her forever. As soon as I told her we had the same birthday, and by pure coincidence it was two days before our birthdays, we had a little drink together at my desk, talked some more, and then she had to be on her way to the airport. I think it was the most exciting 20 minutes of my life! I seriously doubt she’d ever remember me, just because I imagine she sees millions of fans, but she certainly made a wonderful impression on me, even got to kiss her on the cheek (I’m gay, so it’s safe!lol!). To see someone on stage or on the big screen, is one thing, but to actually talk to them face-to-face is another. Many times celebrities turn out to be arrogant and rude (Ben Affleck being the worst, who told me to shut up and leave him alone after I had the audacity to say “Hello’...dick head!) but with Bette, she was just down to earth as anybody else I’ve ever met, and acted like she was just a regular citizen, that’s impressive given just how famous she really is. It’s not easy to remain humble with so much fame, but she does it with such grace and style, I hope I have the pleasure of meeting her once more, I just love to sit down and pick her brain for a while, I just hope she doesn’t try the same in return, not much to pick! Lol!

[@linnaeusshecut3959]

I also have met her in person. She is the genuine article. Here in New York City she promotes green spaces and park restoration. She is very approachable. God bless Bette.

[@featherstone8093]

Two of my favorite women, thank you both....blessings prayers and love!!!

[@kinmanthebrave]

I've been saying for years that Bette NEEDS to be Norma Desmond in a film version of ALW's Sunset Boulevard. THAT would get her an Oscar! Come on already!

[@johnn.5033]

I'm pretty sure if they ever re-made that movie it would be based off the musical and would star Glenn Close. She pretty much has that one locked in her for her. They should've re-made Gypsy as an actual feature film and not just for television. Bette Midler 100% would've been the modern Mama Rose and had the singing chops that Roz Russell didn't have.

[@kinmanthebrave]

I agree with you both. In my fantasy, it gets offered to Close and she says "thanks, but I think Miss M would be more divine"

[@jebbie2595]

@@kinmanthebrave OMG! I 💯% agree! Bette would be FANTASTIC as Desmond!

[@darbyzworld]

@@johnn.5033 Gypsy WAS remade with Midler many years ago.Look it up. She was brilliant.

[@AQuinn-my3qt]

Glenn Close acts it so so well though. But bettes voice is better at this point. Im torn.

[@windschaser101]

Love Bette!! Absolutely amazing! I love all her movies

[@tadd8210]

Love love love the hair...embrace the grey.

[@CMWangs2005]

Yeah if that's a natural shade of grey Pam anderson is a natural beauty .jus' sayin' I love Bette ,never thought we have ever seen her with her natural hair coloring, so jus' sayin' Vera Charles : If you kept your hair natural like mine... Mame: If I kept my hair like yours I'd be bald" Yeah it does sound like Bette.

[@krazykittymatt]

It's a wig, beautiful on her, but you can tell.

[@MichelleVisageOnlyFans]

I didn't even notice it was grey, until you pointed it out

[@thelittlefairylady9757]

The divine Ms.M You are the MOST intelligent, sweet & beautiful woman ever! I love you dearly! Xxx Thankyou for everything xx

[@bitbugsbyte]

Bette Midler said: "The world is full of magic and you must find it."Love you Bette! Hocus Pocus 2?

[@paularcher4607]

Sounds like she really internalized Dolly.

[@hybridhildan3217]

Hey Bette, never underestimate the power of timing. Glenn Close just won awards that people told her would be impossible at her age. In this generation someone like Bette could not only win a Oscar but also become a viral sensation from her previous works. For me Hocus Pocus is my favorite Bette movie and Beaches is one of the most beautiful movies of all time. Love the Grey hair . HH

[@dannyrowland6136]

Bette midler is a great person down to earth and remember where she came from. Love her

[@trgoohileshea2820]

Bette, Jessica Tandy was 80 when she won the Oscar, so there is still hope. With your talent, I really think it's going to happen.

[@t.e.burgos3263]

Same here. If she can find a great role that showcases her talents in somewhat new and unexpected ways, the Oscars will certainly reward her in a sorta "unofficial Lifetime Achievement Award" kinda way. I bet that both Barbra and Bette will eventually get their Oscar, and so will Glenn Close. Wouldn't it be hilarious if all three of them were nominated the same year for career-rejuvenating roles?

[@Diva_D]

Barbra has her Oscar. Two of them actually... Funny Girl (best actress) and Evergreen( best song). Bette should have won an Oscar for her in For The Boys

[@krismartinez2334]

I think Barbra needs a Tony for the Egot

[@feeniix6]

@@krismartinez2334 yes. Some say Babs has it already, but she won a special Tony, not a competitive Tony.

[@coldwinter5710]

Amen sister!

[@brian_b34]

Bette Midler in Gypsy still absolutely enraptures me, an amazing performance.

[@kulmainer]

Thank you so much Bette Midler for giving us peace in this world! Best out of Bavaria, Germany!!

[@njl8908]

She was amazing. Unbeliever! One of the greatest nights I’ve ever had in the theatre.

[@Gemmarose9012]

Love this lady!

[@crawlbitchcrawl]

she looks beautiful!!!

[@scouser2010ify]

She looks fantastic

[@Budcat101]

Bette has absolutely done everything!

[@cliff9685]

Someone needs to write Bette a great part. Even at 73. She’s still got it. How many horrible movies are made each year with younger actresses. Here’s Bette with so much talent and no one is casting her as a lead anymore. Get that Oscar!

[@neilsonelesis7160]

it's high time that she be recognized by Kennedy Center Honors as a Hawaiian who made it in Hollywood!

[@justinm2697]

Her only claim to fame is that she is an Hawaiian that made it in Hollywood? I don't think they give awards for that.

[@neilsonelesis7160]

well that's your opinion. 4 globes 3 tony's, 2 Emmy's and Grammy . on her cap and the impact of her songs is beyond time and space, I have a that feeling she could get that honor. that's my belief !

[@tessaamaru6940]

And janet jackson aswell.

[@maipoina-xk5zk]

I love Bette Midler, but sir, she isn't Hawaiian. Just because you're born in Hawai'i doesn't make you Hawaiian, you have to actually be of the bloodline, kanaka maoli.

[@paulawagstaff686]

@@maipoina-xk5zk I was adopted, just because I am not of the Wagstaff bloodline, does not exclude me from belonging to the family....Christians that accept Christ as their saviour are born into GODs family, same bloodline...AGAIN we BELONG.

[@teresabarber217]

Oh Miss M! Your hair now is beautiful, but I miss your red locks! Love you!

[@d.v.crystal5589]

For a good time watch: Big Business With Lily Tomlim, too!

[@jodyshelton102]

Yaasssss! I'm from Jupiter Hollow.

[@t.e.burgos3263]

"Well, hello, Jupiter Hollow, I know you're doing fine. Every day your work the factory, every night a jug a wine." LOL

[@ladeedacook]

Yassss Queen!,

[@dancelover020]

Love that one!!

[@darbyzworld]

Adore her even more now. Stepping into the late Carol Channing's high-button shoes was not easy but Bette did it with her usual brass and charm. So perfect as Dolly. . . . . .

[@ilenhalogram]

She so deserves an Oscar! Ummm yeah so perfect for this role in this time 💖💖💖

[@ilenhalogram]

The only show to seeeee atm

[@TaRonThomasTv]

Bette Midler is too gorgeous. So beautiful

[@margaretcaldarone3545]

That is the most beautiful hair I've seen. It gives me the courage to go grey.

[@sexobscura]

it's a wig

[@davidstevenson404]

@@sexobscura lolol good ..comeback

[@jsetennis9224]

I love all of her movies, but Beaches and Big Business are my favorites 🤗

[@empressdougla]

I absolutely love this lady, she's so beautiful, funny & can sing so well

[@manuelorozco7760]

I was just rewatching Bette’s number in Hocus Pocus today. It just makes me playfully jealous of my fellow theatre geeks that they have seen Bette in Hello Dolly. And she still looks stunning for someone at her age.

[@Nevaeh_Natalya]

I have ALWAYS loved Bette since I was a kid and seen Art or Bust!!

[@TheAngel0525]

Yes I can definitely see Bette Milder playing Norma Desmond in the film version of Sunset Boulevard, Hollywood still dragging their feet

[@justinm2697]

That's actually a really good idea. That show could easily be a movie. If they ever do though, they would probably give the role to Meryl Streep. God knows why, she can't really sing.

[@angelvazquez5736]

LOVE HER

[@missybailey2829]

Girlfriend ... you look Fab...for 70 young ... love the Gray hair keep ROCKN

[@jernikof]

God she is an amazing person. A real mamma.

[@unowen-nh9ov]

Mamma Rose.

[@francanino4190]

73 year old..Never say Never!! Please! LOVE MRS MIDLER!

[@maureenmolleron747]

Love BETTE!

[@mahamo92]

this video brought to us some good memories 😌👌

[@atlaustell]

Bette is a living legend! And looks gorgeous with the gray hair!

[@jennybuckley4875]

I have loved Bette forever! She's a national treasure!

[@DIETRICHCICCONE]

B looks amaaaazing!

[@lazarusdouvos]

what a wonderful person

[@Just-Princess]

I saw Bernadette Peters on broadway in the role of Dolly and she was fantastic. I can only imagine how great Bette is.

[@manuelorozco7760]

P. Rose I’m going to see Betty Buckley in the touring production.

[@ianravel5740]

Bette Midler is beyond fantastic to me. She lights up any atmosphere she descends upon, outrageous and unapologetic!!! What a gift from above!!

[@cutegirl8128]

She looks great, pretty...the hair

[@frewofstew6304]

It has always been your energy Bette! Ever since I first saw you...when I was young...I loved the energy you put into your performances! You knocked yourself out for your audiences!

[@DivineGraceQueen]

I've seen Bette live several times. Arenas, Hulaween, other fundraisers, "I'll Eat You Last" on Broadway... "Hello Dolly" was a completely different ball of wax. The audience went nuts. A LOT. There were five standing ovations throughout the night that I was there. It was total beautiful chaotic adoration. And it was well deserved. It seemed like all of the stars aligned for some perfect and serious vindication for a woman who had often been told to pull it back a notch, and then there she was: FINALLY being appreciated for every bit of her enormous talent. When she sang, "Wow, wow, wow, fellas! Look at the old broad now, fellas", there were tears from me and a few hundred other people who came so scream back, "INDEED, MISS M.!" God bless Bette Midler. Through her comedy, her music, her writing abilities, and her impact on the environment and specifically New York City, the entire world is a better place because Bette Midler is in it.

[@lbe]

She's incredible and so much fun. One of the last few genuine talents in the industry.

[@sunjoyrai]

I watched her in "Hello Dolly" and she was magical! Timeless! I felt so privileged that I had the opportunity to do so.

[@lupechacon-florez7520]

Oh Robin your interviews!!! When you sit there asking the questions and interacting it’s a masterpiece. I truly enjoy watching you.

[@glennweeks7176]

I love Bette!

[@jebbie2595]

*I absolutely love Bette Midler! She looks amazing! My favorite of her films are For the Boys, Big Business, Hocus Pocus, First Wives Club & That Old Feeling.*

[@unowen-nh9ov]

I'll watch her in anything - Jinxed! was critically trashed & apparently a nightmare to make but Bette still cracks me up, her delivery about her husband resembling Sinatra alone is worth the price of admission. She's a star, like her namesake she's always worth watching.

[@alanwisdom7777]

She's a true Lady 💕

[@patrickpepin8577]

she looks amazing

[@MNFahmiHazizi]

This woman is wonderful

[@junerosenluv]

LOVE her!

[@MarieA787]

I love Hocus Pocus 💖

[@manuelorozco7760]

Marie A. I’ve also seen Bette in Parental Guidance

[@tonyashaikmohamed4438]

YOU BEAUTIFUL LADY ...I LOVE YOU SO MUCH YOU HAVE SUCH A AMAZING VOICE AND YOUR OUTER PERSON IS SO AMAZING As WELL❤YOU ARE A AMAZING PERSON....IM SO HAPPY GOD CREATED YOU ❤❤❤❤❤👄👄👄👄👄❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤AND I WAS ALIVE TO WATCH A BEAUTIFUL YOUNG LADY TURN INTO A WONDERFUL WOMAN....MANY MORE BLESSING AND HAPPINESS TO COME ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@davidstevenson404]

You are beautiful, too, I think :)

[@jaynehaught9715]

The one and only...Bette...

[@slimlouis6441]

Bette: Don’t forget about the Jessica Tandys and June Squibbs! Someone must have an Oscar worthy role for Midler?! If she gets a nom she’ll win!

[@dorothygarland1483]

@ Slim Louis Hi Remember? She did get nominated For,"The 🌹 Rose" Totally should have won Take care..

[@k.pampleylove4605]

Love her!!!!

[@sint0xicateme]

Damn! She looks fabulous!!!

[@studio2bn438]

Bette is 78 !!! She does not look it...58 maybe ....Seriously... she is still one Hot Lady !!!

[@csmco2000]

Studio2bn she’s currently 72. Born Dec. 1, 1945.

[@studio2bn438]

Oooops...I thought she said she was 78.....Either Way....She still looks fabulous !!!

[@sirenacodo8013]

I LOVE YOU!! TE AMO DESDE ARGENTINA 🇦🇷

[@davidstevenson404]

Gracias a Tu--sorry i had spanish in junior high 50 yrs ago Muchos Gracias TO YOU

[@GetToDaChoppa-k5r]

Hocus Pocus 2 Please.

[@davidstevenson404]

Around Sept. 29th on Disney, I read recently--you have time to obtain the channel--then record that 'sequel' :)))

[@sterlingpepper4125]

LOVE SO MUCH!!!!

[@stp22]

73 wow

[@goldankh]

Stony P exactly what i said

[@donnalove147]

NEVER EVER WOULD I DESCRIBE HER AS NORMAL! LOL LOVE HER

[@Mackon645.]

"The planet is so full of Magic and you must find it!"_ Bette Midler

[@lanafalana]

Love Bette's hair.

[@jamesbrindle6309]

I absolutely love this woman ❤️ I will always be a divine Miss m fan . Have seen her live three times . Definitely a living legend ❤️❤️❤️

[@MzShaybutta]

I miss those beautiful red locks, but she honestly looks fabulous!! Bette was smart. All these actresses getting these surgeries to look younger, and Bette naturally aged well and looks younger than most of them in her fricken 70's!!!

[@J33-k3s]

Hocus Pocus is an iconic role for Bette!

[@donna3465]

This broad is the entire package and she just gets better with age. She’s gorgeous, inside and out.

[@brendano5440]

Ooh Miss M, your hair color is spot on gorgeous. So natural and you are beautiful!!!!

[@stuartwise5709]

She was great as Madam Rose in the TV Gypsy

[@downtown82]

She looks amazing!!

[@jeridburleson2100]

Can’t wait to see more of her in Ryan Murphy’s Politician!