Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bette Midler’s Net Worth?
Bette Midler, the celebrated American singer, actress, and writer, boasts a net worth of $250 million. This substantial wealth is a culmination of her successful career spanning several decades, encompassing music sales, acting roles, and literary endeavors.
Sources of Bette Midler’s $250 Million Net Worth
Midler’s income is derived from multiple streams. Her music career, with 14 studio albums released and over 30 million copies sold, has been a significant contributor. Notable albums include “The Divine Miss M” (1972), which achieved Platinum status in both the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, she has released four soundtracks, including the “Beaches” soundtrack, certified 3× Platinum, and “The Rose” soundtrack, certified 2× Platinum. These sales figures translate to considerable royalties and earnings over the years.
Acting plays a vital role in her financial portfolio, and Bette has more than 50 acting credits. Some of her most successful films include “The Rose” (1979), “Beaches” (1988), and “The First Wives Club” (1996). Her roles in these and other films have garnered her substantial salaries and potential backend profit participation.
Midler’s Broadway performances, particularly her role as Dolly Gallagher Levi in “Hello, Dolly!” (2017-2018), have added to her income. Her Tony Award for this role signifies both critical acclaim and box office success. Also, her role on Ryan Murphy’s Netflix series “The Politician” (2019–present), has further augmented her earnings.
Her career began with Off-Off-Broadway plays such as “Miss Nefertiti Regrets” and “Cinderella Revisited”. By 1966, she was on Broadway in “Fiddler on the Roof,” where she stayed until 1969. These early stage roles, while not as financially lucrative as her later work, laid the foundation for her career. Subsequently, Midler joined the cast of the Off-Broadway musical “Salvation”.
Her literary contributions, including “A View from A Broad” (1980), “The Saga of Baby Divine” (1983), and “The Tale of the Mandarin Duck: A Modern Fable” also contribute, through advances, royalties, and sales.
Bette Midler’s Real Estate Holdings
Bette Midler’s real estate portfolio includes a triplex penthouse on Fifth Avenue in New York City. Acquired in 1996, this 7,000-square-foot property includes an additional 3,000 square feet of outdoor space. Midler and her husband, Martin von Haselberg, undertook a two-year renovation project after purchasing the apartment, combining two separate units into one luxurious residence. In September 2019, Midler listed the 14-room apartment for $50 million, indicating a substantial appreciation in value over the years.
In Hawaii, Midler owns a 38+ acre property on the island of Kauai, acquired in 1988 for $1.5 million. Furthermore, she owns an additional 58,000 square foot property nearby, suggesting a significant investment in Hawaiian real estate. The precise current market value of these Hawaiian properties is not publicly available, but they undoubtedly contribute to her overall net worth.
Career Milestones and Achievements
A pivotal moment in Midler’s career was her lead role in “The Rose” (1979), which garnered her an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress and a Golden Globe win. The soundtrack’s title song achieved Gold status and earned her a Grammy, solidifying her status as a multi-talented performer. Moreover, in 1985, she participated in the recording of “We Are the World” and performed at Live Aid, further raising her profile and contributing to her long-term earnings potential.
In 1988, her starring role in “Beaches,” which she also produced, and the accompanying soundtrack, her best-selling album, earned her another Grammy, highlighting her continued success and appeal to audiences. In 1992, she starred in “For the Boys,” receiving her second Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe award, further reinforcing her status as a top-tier actress.
Midler’s participation in Disney’s “Hocus Pocus” (1993), which later gained cult classic status, demonstrates her ability to connect with diverse audiences across generations. Additionally, her portrayal of Mama Rose in a made-for-television version of “Gypsy” in the same year showcased her versatility as a performer and garnered critical acclaim.
She co-starred in “The First Wives Club” in 1996. From 2000 to 2001, she got her own sitcom, “Bette,” on CBS. She starred in the TV specials “Bette Midler in Concert: Diva Las Vegas” (1997), “Bette Midler: The Showgirl Must Go On” (2010), and “Bette Midler: One Night Only” (2014).
Awards and Recognition
Bette Midler’s extensive list of awards and honors includes three Grammy Awards. She won Best New Artist in 1973, Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female for “The Rose” in 1980, and Record of the Year for “Wind Beneath My Wings” in 1989. These Grammy wins recognize her achievements in the music industry and contribute to her lasting legacy and earning potential.
She received a Special Tony Award in 1974 for Adding Lustre to the Broadway Season, recognizing her early contributions to the stage. In 2017, she won the Lead Actress – Musical award for “Hello, Dolly!,” marking a significant achievement in her Broadway career and adding to her financial success.
Midler’s Golden Globe wins include two for “The Rose” in 1980, followed by wins for “For the Boys” in 1992 and “Gypsy” in 1994. These awards acknowledge her versatility and talent as an actress across film and television.
Her Primetime Emmy Awards include a win in 1978 for “Bette Midler: Ol’ Red Hair Is Back,” followed by wins for “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” in 1992 and “Bette Midler in Concert: Diva Las Vegas” in 1997. These Emmy wins recognize her contributions to television and her enduring appeal as a performer.
Throughout her career, she earned eight American Comedy Awards, including Funniest Female Performer of the Year and the Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy. She has been honored by the People’s Choice Awards, TV Guide Awards, and Women in Film Crystal Awards. In 1976, she was named the Hasty Pudding Theatricals Woman of the Year. And, in 1988, the ShoWest Convention’s Female Star of the Year. In 1985, Bette received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording.
Philanthropy and Personal Life
Bette Midler’s commitment to philanthropy is exemplified through the New York Restoration Project, a non-profit organization she established in 1995. This organization focuses on revitalizing parks and open spaces in New York City, contributing to the community and reflecting Midler’s dedication to environmental and social causes.
Midler began sponsoring Adopt-a-Highway in 1991, demonstrating her commitment to maintaining and improving public spaces. She also founded programs to support wounded service members in 2001, reflecting her appreciation for the military and her desire to give back to those who serve.
She married artist Martin von Haselberg in Las Vegas on December 16, 1984. The couple welcomed their daughter, Sophie, on November 14, 1986. Sophie has followed in her mother’s footsteps and has become an actress.
Bette has been performing for the troops on USO tours since the 1990 Gulf War, and she has been known to visit military bases to serve soldiers meals before their deployment. Her philanthropic activities and her unwavering commitment to various causes demonstrate her values and her dedication to making a positive impact on society.
