You have to think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread, but you have to know that you’re not.
BETTE MIDLERYou have to think you’re the greatest thing since sliced bread, but you have to know that you’re not.
BETTE MIDLERMy parents have not insisted that we go to college, but she wanted us to learn. Teacher, librarian, secretary, nurse. All my siblings were employed. But I wanted to be the boss, an independent contractor.
BETTE MIDLERI want to have fun, and I want to give people a good laugh.
BETTE MIDLERI’m looking for something that gives me a chance to stretch. Because I have my own work, and I can do anything I want in my own work – juggle, tap dance, anything I want.
BETTE MIDLERSometimes my brain goes on CD shuffle. You know, you put a bunch of CD’s on and hit play and random things come out.
BETTE MIDLEROnly two groups of people intimidate me absolutely: salespeople and the French.
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’d make a wonderful Lady Macbeth. I’ll wear a pair of platform shoes or something.
BETTE MIDLERThat’s the Oscars for ya – you remember who was nominated, but you don’t remember who won!
BETTE MIDLERFor days on end, I would hardly speak, and when I did only the vilest sort of gibberish would spout forth. I became morose and fat. Unapproachable, except when eating – and then only by waiters.
BETTE MIDLERIf they [at the audition] don’t like the way you sound they won’t buy you anyway, ripped dress or no ripped dress, ass hanging out or no ass hanging out.
BETTE MIDLERMusic is probably the only place I get energy from. Music and maybe watching a really tremendous performer, watching a terrific performer like Jagger or watching a great movie.
BETTE MIDLERHere I am, one of the most colorful women of my time – if not of my block – being made to sound positively legumelike in printed interviews.
BETTE MIDLERMarriage is such hard work. And it’s full of rage and real human drama.
BETTE MIDLERMake sure your life is a rare entertainment! It doesn’t take anything drastic. You needn’t be gorgeous or wealthy or smart, just very enthusiastic!
BETTE MIDLERI bear no grudges. I have a mind that retains nothing.
BETTE MIDLER