Total contentment is only for cows.
BETTE MIDLERTotal contentment is only for cows.
BETTE MIDLERThe first time I saw a picture of [fabled actress] Ethel Barrymore – she was on Broadway and she was wearing pearls. I thought, “That’s who I should grow up to be.” It’s odd, because it was her physical image that I wanted;
BETTE MIDLERThe outside world doesn’t have a lot to offer. You have to make your own heaven in your own home.
BETTE MIDLERI married a German. Every night I dress up as Poland and he invades me.
BETTE MIDLERSold my soul. Bought these devil chains.
BETTE MIDLERI always wanted to be a performer, I didn’t know exactly what kind of performer, all I knew was there were certain things that I liked. I liked movies a whole lot, and I loved music.
BETTE MIDLERWriting a book is not as tough as it is to haul thirty-five people around the country and sweat like a horse five nights a week.
BETTE MIDLERMost people don’t deserve to be spoken of in the same breath as Chaplin or Lucille Ball.
BETTE MIDLERFrom a distance the world looks blue and green, and the snow-capped mountains white. From a distance the ocean meets the stream, and the eagle takes to flight. From a distance, there is harmony, and it echoes through the land. It’s the voice of hope, it’s the voice of peace, it’s the voice of every man
BETTE MIDLERIf you pick up a ukulele, it will make you unbelievably happy.
BETTE MIDLERI decided years ago not to read stories about myself anymore. Each one is a potential minefield: Whatever it says, you’re bound to take it the wrong way. Why do it if you know it’s going to make you miserable?
BETTE MIDLERI want it all – and I would like it delivered.
BETTE MIDLERYou have to be alert. When my daughter, Sophie, came out of the womb, she was instantly alert, as if she had been here before. And she was a little disappointed that she was here again.
BETTE MIDLERI’m confident that I’m as intelligent as many people, but I know that I’m not as intelligent as some. So in the presence of hyperintelligent people, I’m a shrinking violet because I don’t want to look like a fool. I know a little about a lot and a lot about a little.
BETTE MIDLERI think the essence of humor has not changed. It’s all about surprise, facilitating follows. But the context of humor has changed.
BETTE MIDLERI’m so glad to be back in New York. Los Angeles can be so cold, so cruel after you’ve been-what’s the word?-oh yes: ‘fired.’
BETTE MIDLER