Bette Midler & Barbra Streisand: The Unspoken Bond Of Two Legendary Divas

In the glittering firmament of Hollywood, few stars shine as brightly or as enduringly as Bette Midler and Barbra Streisand. Both are titans of entertainment, celebrated for their unparalleled talent in acting, singing, and even directing. They’ve done just about everything one can do in show business, carving out unique legacies that span decades. While often perceived as rivals due to their similar stature and multifaceted talents, a closer look reveals a relationship built on mutual respect, admiration, and a fascinating series of almost-collaborations. This article delves into the intriguing dynamic between these two iconic women, exploring their shared history, individual triumphs, and the moments that have intertwined their extraordinary careers.

Two Icons, One Legacy: A Shared Path to Stardom

Barbra Streisand and Bette Midler, born just a few years apart, emerged from different corners of the entertainment world but quickly ascended to similar heights. Streisand, with her distinctive voice and dramatic flair, conquered Broadway before becoming a cinematic powerhouse. Midler, the Divine Miss M, captivated audiences with her outrageous stage presence, comedic timing, and powerful vocals. Both artists possess an incredible versatility, effortlessly transitioning between musical performances, dramatic roles, and comedic turns. It's no wonder they are often mentioned in the same breath as "two actors in Hollywood who can do it all."

Interestingly, their professional circles sometimes overlapped in unexpected ways. For instance, they even shared a public relations flack on the East Coast, highlighting a subtle connection in their professional lives that might not be immediately obvious to the public. This shared representation speaks volumes about their parallel standing in the industry, often navigating similar high-profile events and career milestones.

The "I'll Eat You Last" Connection: A Glimpse into Mutual Admiration

One of the most telling instances of their mutual respect came to light during Bette Midler’s acclaimed one-woman show, “I’ll Eat You Last: A Chat With Sue Mengers.” The play, which saw Midler appearing on Broadway for the first time in more than thirty years, was a tour-de-force performance where she embodied the legendary Hollywood über-agent Sue Mengers with gusto. According to all those who made the show, Midler handled the demanding role with incredible skill, earning widespread critical acclaim.

The opening night of “I’ll Eat You Last” in New York City was a significant event, coinciding with Barbra Streisand’s 71st birthday. True power players scurried between these two major events, underscoring the importance of both. What truly solidified the connection between the two divas, however, was Streisand’s personal attendance at a performance of the show. Celebrated actress-singer-director Barbra Streisand attended a recent performance of John Logan's "I'll Eat You Last" with her husband, James Brolin, according to the actress-singer’s publicist. This wasn't just a casual visit; it was a deliberate act of support and admiration from one legend to another. The connection was even deeper given that Streisand herself was a client of Mengers, adding a layer of personal relevance to her attendance. The Los Angeles Times also reported on Barbra Streisand's perspective on Bette Midler's performance as Sue Mengers, further cementing the significance of this event in their intertwined careers.

The Unforgettable Almost: Madonna, Streisand, and Midler

Perhaps one of the most tantalizing "what ifs" in music history involves a planned collaboration that never materialized: a trio featuring Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler. Back in the early 1990s, these three musical icons were being considered for a collaboration on Streisand's album "Back to Broadway." The proposed song? None other than "Anything You Can Do I Can Do Better" from 'Annie Get Your Gun'.

Pop diva admirers everywhere were left bereft as details of this abandoned plan surfaced. Musical icons Madonna, Barbra Streisand, and Bette Midler almost recorded