Bette Midler's Iconic Performance in 'The Rose' Earns Accolades

In 1979, Bette Midler made her feature film debut in the musical drama "The Rose," directed by Mark Rydell. The film, which set a standard for music biopics, tells the story of Mary Rose Foster, a brassy rock diva whose talent and fame are undercut by substance abuse. Midler's performance as Foster earned her widespread acclaim, including four Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe win.

Midler's portrayal of Foster, loosely modeled on the life of Janis Joplin, showcased her immense talent as both an actress and singer. The film's live concert performances, filmed across the country including at the Wiltern theater in Los Angeles, allowed Midler to shine. THR critic Ron Pennington noted that she was "especially superb in these concert sections, and she also makes the most of the coarse humor of the script. "

In addition to her Oscar nominations, which included a nod for Best Actress, Midler won a Golden Globe and her second Grammy for the film's title song. She beat out fellow singer-actresses Irene Cara, Olivia Newton-John, Donna Summer, and Barbra Streisand for best female pop vocal performance. The accolades were a testament to Midler's powerhouse performance in the film.

Midler had been on the rise in the entertainment industry long before her star turn in "The Rose." Her 1972 debut album launched a successful music career, and she had already won a Grammy, Tony, and Emmy prior to her feature film debut. "The Rose" solidified Midler's status as a multifaceted performer and opened the door to a thriving film career.

The legacy of "The Rose" and Midler's iconic performance continues to resonate today. The film set a standard for music biopics, influencing recent productions like "Back to Black," the upcoming feature about Amy Winehouse set to release on May 17. Midler's indelible portrayal of Mary Rose Foster remains a touchstone for both her career and the genre, a testament to the enduring power of her talent.

Key Takeaways

• Bette Midler made her film debut in 1979's "The Rose", a musical drama.
• Midler's performance earned 4 Oscar nominations and a Golden Globe win.
• The film set a standard for music biopics, influencing future productions.
• Midler won a Grammy for the film's title song, beating out other singer-actresses.
• "The Rose" solidified Midler's status as a multifaceted performer, opening doors to a thriving film career.