Bernadette Peters is well-known for working on the musicals plays of legendary composer, Stephen Sondheim. Likewise, she is popular as one of Broadway's biggest stars. She has over six decades of successful experience in musical theatre, television, movies, and music described as "an ageless storybook princess".
Caption: Picture of American actress, Bernadette Peters (Photo: getty images) |
Bernadette Peters' Early Life
She is the daughter of Peter Lazzara and Marguerite Maltese. Her birth date is February 28, 1948, and birth place is Ozone Park, Queens, New York. Her dad Peter drove an Italian bread delivery truck. Bernadette's mother Marguerite put her on the television game show 'Juvenile Jury' when she was three years old.
She has two elder siblings Donna DeSeta (sister), and brother Joseph Lazzara. At the age of five, she began taking tap dancing lessons and later took acting and singing classes. Bernadette enrolled at Quintano's School for Young Professionals. Her mom suggested her change her surname to avoid ethnic stereotyping while getting cast on shows when she was 9 years old.
Theatre Career of Bernadette Peters'
On January 27th, 1958, she debuted on stage in the pre-Broadway try-out of the comedy 'This is Goggle'. Bernadette made her Broadway debut in the play 'Johnny No-Trump'. She appeared on shows like 'The Most Happy Fella' in 1959, 'The Penny Friend' in 1966, and 'The Girl In The Freudian Slip' in 1967 during her teenage years. Bernadette rose to popularity for winning a 'Theatre World Award' for her role in 'George M!' and a 'Drama Desk Award' for the parody musical 'Dames at Sea' in 1968.
She won the first 'Tony Award' nomination for her portrayal of Hildy in the Leonard Bernstein musical 'On the Town' in the year 1971. In 1974, she received another Tony nomination for playing Mabel Normand in the musical 'Mack and Mabel'. Bernadette returned to the stage in 1983 to feature in the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical 'Sunday in the Park with George' after starring roles in a few movies.
For her lead role in the musical 'Song And Dance', she won her first 'Tony Award' in 1985. Peters also won a "Drama Desk Award" for her performance in the play's opening act, where she was the only cast member. Later, she won praise for her performances as the Witch in another Sondheim musical, "Into the Woods" (1987), and as Paula in the drama "The Goodbye Girl" (1993). She played the renowned markswoman Annie Oakley in the fictitious musical "Annie Get Your Gun" in 1999, and she won several significant prizes for the role.
Bernadette Peters' Film & Television Career
In 1973, Bernadette made her film debut as Allison in 'Ace Eli and Rodger of the Skies'. She then went on to win her first "Golden Globe" nomination for a supporting part in "Silent Movie" in 1976. For her performance on the television show "All's Fair," she was nominated for another "Golden Globe." Peters, who made appearances on several TV programs throughout the years, received her first "Emmy Award" nomination in 1978 for her work on "The Muppet Show."
For playing the lead in the 1981 film "Pennies from Heaven," she was honored with a "Golden Globe Award." Throughout the ensuing years, she kept appearing in significant parts in a variety of films and television programs, but in the early 1980s, she turned her attention back to stage plays. Later, she was nominated for two additional Emmys for her guest appearance on the TV show "Ally McBeal" in 2001 and her lead part in the 2003 television film "Bobbie's Girl."
What's Bernadette Peters Net Worth?
Bernadette Peters earned an estimated net worth of $40 Million. Out of her multiple careers, she earned a hefty sum of money back in the day. Bernadette's prime source came from working as an actress. Additionally, she collected a hefty sum of money working as a singer and author.
She is one of the most successful people in the entertainment industry. Without any doubt, Peters gained fame as well as wealth being a celebrity personality. Likewise, Bernadette collects a good sum of money from the ads and sponsors as well. From the money, this actress earns, she is living a happy and luxurious life with her family.
Does Bernadette Peters Have Children?
Despite being in a relationship or married, Bernadette Peters doesn't have any children. In 1977, Bernadette Peters started a romantic relationship with Steve Martin. Her ex-boyfriend, Martin is also an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and musician. After being in a relationship for four years, they split eventually.
On July 20, 1996, Bernadette Peters got married to her husband Michael Wittenberg, an investment adviser. The couple tied the knot in Millbrook, New York, at the home of her long-time friend Mary Tyler Moore. Out of their married life, the couple didn't share any kids. Unfortunately, Bernadette's husband Michael died on September 26, 2005, in a helicopter crash in Montenegro while on a business trip. Since then Bernadette remains single and didn't involve in any romantic affairs.
Bernadette Peters' Animal Lover
Bernadette co-founded the animal adoption charity, 'Broadway Barks' as an animal lover. Likewise, she has written three children's books on her pet dogs. Her later husband Wittenberg shared her love for animals and together they adopted many dogs from various pet shelters.
Likewise, Peters is a member of the Board of Trustees of 'Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS'. Bernadette is a director at 'Standing Tall', a non-profit educational program for children with disabilities. She has a mixed-breed dog named Charlie.
What's Bernadette Peters Height?
Bernadette Peters has a height of 5 feet 3 inches or 1.60 meters tall. While her body weighs around 63 kg or 139 pounds. Likewise, Bernadette has reddish color curl hair with dark brown eyes.