Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences for decades with her incredible talent and timeless beauty. From her early days on Broadway to her award-winning performances in film and television, Peters has become one of the most beloved stars in entertainment.
In this collection of pictures, we’ll take a journey through the key moments of her life and career, showcasing her unforgettable roles, glamorous red carpet appearances, and personal milestones. Whether on stage, screen, or in everyday life, Peters’ charm and grace continue to inspire fans around the world.
#1. Bernadette Peters’ Life Before Acting and Singing
Born as Bernadette Lazzara on February 28, 1948, to Marguerite and Peter Lazzara, Bernadette Peters was raised in Queens, New York. Her acting career began remarkably early—at just 3 years old—when her mother got her a spot on the show Juvenile Jury.
She went on to appear in several other programs, including Name That Tune and The Horn and Hardart Children’s Hour. By the time she was 9, Peters had already earned her Actors Equity Card, marking the start of her professional journey.
#2. Bernadette Peters on The Carol Burnett Show
After performing in various stage productions, including the national tour of Gypsy and Broadway’s Johnny No-Trump, Bernadette Peters began making her mark on television and film. Some of her early TV appearances included The Carol Burnett Show and The Muppet Show.
Her role on The Muppet Show even earned her an Emmy nomination in 1978 for Outstanding Continuing or Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Variety or Musical. This was just the beginning of her successful transition from the stage to the screen.
#3. Bernadette Peters in Silent Movie
Alongside her television work, Bernadette Peters also appeared in several films during the late ’70s. In 1976, she took on the role of Vilma Kaplan in Mel Brooks’ comedy Silent Movie.
Her performance in the film earned her a Golden Globe Award nomination, further solidifying her status as a rising star in both TV and film.
#4. Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin’s Relationship
As Bernadette Peters’ TV and film career gained momentum, she began a relationship with actor Steve Martin in 1977. They reportedly met through Martin’s agent, and the couple dated for four years.
During their time together, they appeared in several films, showcasing their on-screen chemistry as well as their off-screen romance.
#5. Bernadette Peters in The Jerk
In 1979, Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin shared the screen in his hit comedy The Jerk, which Martin wrote and starred in.
The film featured a memorable duet between the two, highlighting their chemistry. It’s been said that Martin wrote the role of Peters’ character specifically for her, adding a personal touch to their collaboration.
#6. Bernadette Peters in Pennies from Heaven
A few years later, Bernadette Peters and Steve Martin reunited on screen in the 1981 musical romantic drama Pennies From Heaven.
Peters’ performance in the film was widely praised and earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Motion Picture Actress in a Comedy or Musical, marking a major milestone in her film career.
#7. Bernadette Peters in Annie
One of Bernadette Peters’ most iconic film roles came in the 1982 adaptation of the Broadway musical Annie.
In the film, she played the character Lily St. Regis, starring alongside Tim Curry and Carol Burnett. Peters’ portrayal added to the star-studded cast, making the movie a beloved classic.
#8. Bernadette Peters in Pink Cadillac
In 1989, Bernadette Peters starred alongside Clint Eastwood in the action comedy Pink Cadillac. Their dynamic on-screen partnership added a unique flair to the film, showcasing Peters’ versatility in a different genre while continuing her successful career in Hollywood.
#9. Bernadette Peters and Stephen Sondheim’s Friendship
In the 1980s, Bernadette Peters made a triumphant return to the stage, performing in various productions in New York, with a particular focus on several Stephen Sondheim musicals.
The two first crossed paths in 1971 but didn’t collaborate until 13 years later when Peters starred in Sunday in the Park with George. Their working relationship blossomed into a deep friendship that lasted until Sondheim’s passing in November 2021.
Following his death, Peters paid heartfelt tribute to the Broadway legend, expressing her sadness: “I am so so sad to lose my friend Steve Sondheim. He gave me so much to sing about. I loved him dearly and will miss him so much. Thank you for all the gifts you gave the world, Steve.”
#10. Bernadette Peters in Sunday in the Park With George
After nearly a decade away from Broadway, Bernadette Peters made a stunning return in the role of Dot/Marie in the Stephen Sondheim–James Lapine musical Sunday in the Park with George.
Her performance received widespread acclaim, earning her a Tony nomination and reaffirming her status as one of the stage’s leading talents.
#11. Bernadette Peters in Into the Woods
Bernadette Peters teamed up with Stephen Sondheim once more for the 1987 musical Into the Woods, where she originated the iconic role of the Witch.
Her powerful performance brought depth and nuance to the character, further cementing her legacy as a leading figure in musical theater.
#12. Bernadette Peters in Cinderella
Following her Broadway triumphs, including roles in Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl and the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun, Bernadette Peters brought her musical talents back to television with the 1997 TV movie Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella.
In this production, she played the stepmother, sharing the screen with a star-studded cast that included Brandy, Whitney Houston, Jason Alexander, Whoopi Goldberg, and Victor Garber. Her performance added a delightful twist to the classic tale, making it a memorable adaptation.
#13. Bernadette Peters’ Tony Awards
In 1986, Bernadette Peters won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for her stunning performance in Song and Dance. She earned her second Tony in 1999 for her role in Annie Get Your Gun.
Over her illustrious career, Peters has received a total of seven Tony nominations, celebrating her extraordinary contributions to musical theater, along with an honorary award in 2012 recognizing her enduring impact on the stage.
#14. Bernadette Peters and Michael Wittenberg’s Relationship
On July 20, 1996, Bernadette Peters married investment adviser Michael Wittenberg at the home of her friend Mary Tyler Moore. Their charming love story began one night when they met in front of her apartment while she was waiting for a date.
Michael was on his way to a charity event and was in a tuxedo,” she recalled in a 2000 interview with the Philadelphia City Paper. “He walked up to me, a stranger, and said, ‘Are you ready to go?’ How’s that for a sense of confidence and a sense of humor?”
Tragically, in September 2005, Wittenberg passed away at the age of 43 in a helicopter crash in Montenegro while on a business trip, leaving a profound impact on Peters’ life.
#15. Bernadette Peters on Smash
In the mid-2000s, Bernadette Peters made memorable appearances on several hit TV shows, including Will & Grace, Grey’s Anatomy, and Ugly Betty.
She also guest-starred in the short-lived musical drama Smash, where she played the mother of Ivy, portrayed by Megan Hilty. Her presence added a special touch to these popular series, showcasing her talent beyond the stage.
#16. Bernadette Peters on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
In 2021, Bernadette Peters guest-starred on NBC‘s musical drama Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.
Her performance earned her an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, highlighting her continued impact in the world of television and her ability to captivate audiences with her talent.
#17. Bernadette Peters in Hello, Dolly!
In 2018, Bernadette Peters made a triumphant return to Broadway, taking on the lead role in the revival of Hello, Dolly!, a role previously made famous by Bette Midler.
Peters brought her own unique flair to the character, delighting audiences and reaffirming her status as one of Broadway’s most beloved stars.
#18. Bernadette Peters’ Animal Advocacy
Bernadette Peters channels her lifelong love of animals into her charity, Broadway Barks, which she co-founded with her late friend Mary Tyler Moore. The annual fundraiser supports New York City shelters and animal adoption agencies, helping to find homes for pets in need.
In addition to her philanthropic efforts, Peters has also written three children’s books to further contribute to the cause, reflecting her passion for animal welfare and education.
#19. Bernadette Peters’ Recent Work
Bernadette Peters is set to make her West End debut in the Stephen Sondheim tribute revue Old Friends, which is scheduled to open on September 16, 2023.
She previously honored the late composer during the 75th Annual Tony Awards in June 2022, where she performed “Children Will Listen” from Into the Woods. Peters starred in the original Broadway production of the musical in 1987, making her tribute particularly meaningful.
