Bette Midler Biography: Children, Signature Song, and Health

If you grew up watching Hocus Pocus or singing along to “Wind Beneath My Wings,” you already know Bette Midler. But the Divine Miss M isn’t just a nostalgia act—she’s still performing, advocating, and connecting with fans today.

Full name: Bette Midler ·
Born: December 1, 1945, Honolulu, Hawaii ·
Spouse: Martin von Haselberg (m. 1984) ·
Children: 1 (Sophia von Haselberg) ·
Occupation: Singer, actress, comedian, author ·
Years active: 1965–present

Seven core details define Bette Midler’s public identity, from her birth in Hawaii to her award collection.

What does Bette Midler do today?

Recent performances and tours

• Midler remains active in 2025: her official site announces an upcoming evening of “song, solidarity, and action” with Patti Smith, Jane Fonda, and Rufus Wainwright.
• She performed occasional live dates in 2023 and 2024, though a full tour has not been announced (Britannica).

Activism and public appearances

• Midler is a vocal advocate for environmental causes, LGBTQ+ rights, and political engagement. Her official site describes her as “an activist first.”
• She regularly posts political commentary on Instagram, where she has millions of followers (Biography.com).

Social media presence

• Her Instagram account is a mix of personal updates, throwback photos, and calls to action. She used the platform to document her 2023 knee surgery recovery (IBTimes).

The implication: Midler has transformed from pure entertainer to activist-entertainer, a shift that keeps her relevant beyond her music catalog.

Does Bette Midler have biological children?

Daughter Sophia von Haselberg

• Bette Midler has one biological daughter, Sophia von Haselberg, born November 14, 1986 (Biography.com).
• Sophia is an actress and producer, known for roles in The New Normal and The Last Full Measure (IMDb). She keeps a relatively low profile compared to her mother.

Parenthood and career balance

• Midler has spoken in interviews about raising Sophia while maintaining a demanding career; she and husband Martin von Haselberg prioritized family time (IBTimes).

What is Bette Midler’s signature song?

“The Rose” as her most recognized song

• “The Rose,” from the 1979 film of the same name, is widely considered Midler’s signature song (Biography.com). It won the Grammy for Best Female Pop Vocal Performance in 1980.

Other notable hits

• “Wind Beneath My Wings” (1988) became an anthem of friendship and gratitude; it also won a Grammy (Britannica).
• “From a Distance” (1990), written by Julie Gold, was another chart-topping hit for Midler and won a Grammy for Song of the Year (Performing Songwriter).

What ethnicity is Bette Midler?

Mixed European ancestry

• Bette Midler’s mother, Ruth (née Schindel), had Scottish, English, German, and Portuguese ancestry (Weiner Elementary).
• Her father, Fred Midler, was of Jewish descent from Russia (IMDb).

Jewish heritage

• Midler has often acknowledged her Jewish background; her family was one of the few Jewish families in their Honolulu neighborhood (Weiner Elementary).

The pattern: Midler’s ethnicity is a blend of European roots with a strong Jewish identity on her father’s side, yet she was raised in multicultural Hawaii, giving her a unique perspective.

How is Bette Midler’s health?

Known health issues (knee injury 2023)

• In 2023, Midler suffered a knee injury that required surgery (IBTimes). She documented her recovery on Instagram.

Recent public appearances and fitness

• She has since returned to public life, attending events and performing. Her official site in 2025 shows no indication of ongoing health problems (Bette Midler official site).

Timeline: Bette Midler’s career and life

• 1965: Begins professional career in off-off-Broadway (Britannica)
• 1972: Debut album The Divine Miss M released (Britannica)
• 1979: Stars in The Rose; song becomes her signature (Biography.com)
• 1990: “From a Distance” becomes a hit (Performing Songwriter)
• 2017: Releases album It’s the Girls! (Britannica)
• 2022: Stars in Hocus Pocus 2 (Biography.com)
• 2023: Undergoes knee surgery (IBTimes)
• 2025: Continues performing and activism (Bette Midler official site)

Confirmed facts vs. what’s still unclear

Quotes and perspectives

“This is an evening of song, solidarity, and action.”

Bette Midler, on her upcoming event with Patti Smith and Jane Fonda (Bette Midler official site)

“Midler is an American actress and singer known for dynamic energy and comedic wit.”

Britannica (Britannica)

Summary: A legacy still in motion

Bette Midler has spent nearly six decades building a career that spans music, film, theater, and activism. In 2025, she’s not slowing down—she’s using her voice for causes she believes in while keeping fans engaged through live events and social media. For anyone wondering if the Divine Miss M still has it, the answer is yes—and she’s making sure you don’t miss it.

Frequently asked questions