50 Facts About Bernadette Peters

Early Life and Beginnings

Bernadette Peters, a name synonymous with Broadway brilliance, has a story that began in Queens, New York. Her journey from a young performer to a celebrated star is filled with fascinating moments.

1. Birth and Early Life: Born Bernadette Lazzara on February 28, 1948, in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, she grew up in a vibrant neighborhood that fueled her passion for the arts.

2. Early Career: At just ten years old, she obtained her Actors Equity Card in January 1958, a move that helped her avoid ethnic typecasting and opened doors to diverse roles.

3. Professional Debut: Her professional stage debut came in 1958 with Dames at Sea, a production that earned her critical acclaim and her first Drama Desk Award.

4. Childhood Performances: Before her professional debut, she appeared in an earlier 1966 version of Dames at Sea at the Off-Off-Broadway performance club Caffe Cino.

5. Stage Name: The name "Bernadette Peters" was inspired by her father's first name, Bernadette, marking the beginning of her iconic career.

Rise to Fame

Bernadette's rise to fame was marked by a series of remarkable performances that showcased her talent and versatility. Her work in theater, television, and film has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.

6. Early Roles: Her early roles included Gelsomina in the 1969 musical version of La Strada and Hildy in a revival of On the Town (1971), earning her first Tony Award nomination.

7. Mack and Mabel: In 1974, she played Mabel Normand in Mack and Mabel, receiving another Tony nomination for her performance.

8. Television Career: She co-starred in her own TV series, All's Fair, with Richard Crenna from 1976 to 1977, earning praise for her charismatic performance.

9. Film Roles: Peters starred opposite Steve Martin in The Jerk (1979) and Pennies from Heaven (1981), winning a Golden Globe for the latter.

10. Golden Globe Nominations: Her role in All's Fair earned her a Golden Globe nomination as Best TV Actress – Musical/Comedy.

Awards and Accolades

Bernadette Peters has been recognized with numerous awards throughout her career, highlighting her exceptional talent and contributions to the arts.

11. Tony Nominations: She has received seven Tony Award nominations, winning two, plus an honorary award.

12. Drama Desk Awards: With nine nominations, she has won three Drama Desk Awards.

13. Grammy Awards: Four Broadway cast albums featuring her have won Grammy Awards.

14. Stephen Sondheim Interpretation: Known as a leading interpreter of Stephen Sondheim's works, she is celebrated for roles in Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods.

15. Sunday in the Park with George: Her portrayal of Dot/Marie in Sunday in the Park with George (1984) was described as "radiant" by The New York Times critic Frank Rich.

Iconic Performances

Bernadette Peters has delivered iconic performances that have become benchmarks in musical theater. Her ability to bring characters to life is unmatched.

16. Song and Dance: She won her first Tony Award for Best Leading Actress in a Musical for her role as Emma in Andrew Lloyd Webber's Song and Dance on Broadway in 1985.

17. Into the Woods: Peters created the role of the Witch in Sondheim-Lapine's Into the Woods (1987), solidifying her status as a premier interpreter of Sondheim's work.

18. CableACE Award: She won the 1987 CableACE Award for her role as Dot in the television version of Sunday in the Park with George.

19. Slaves of New York: In 1989, she starred in the James Ivory film Slaves of New York.

20. Awards and Honors: Her accolades include two Tony Awards, the Isabelle Stevenson Award in 2012, three Drama Desk Awards, and a Golden Globe Award.

Recognition and Influence

Bernadette Peters' influence extends beyond her performances. Her contributions to the arts and her philanthropic efforts have made her a beloved figure.

21. Primetime Emmy Nominations: She has been nominated for three Primetime Emmy Awards.

22. Grammy Nominations: Peters has been nominated for four Grammy Awards.

23. Hollywood Walk of Fame: She received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1987.

24. Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year: In 1987, she was named the Hasty Pudding Woman of the Year.

25. Sarah Siddons Award: She received the Sarah Siddons Award for outstanding performance in a Chicago theatrical production in 1994.

Broadway and Beyond

Despite her success, Bernadette Peters has always sought new challenges and opportunities, continually pushing the boundaries of her craft.

26. Broadway Revivals: Often offered leading roles in musical revivals, she preferred shows that unfolded like new productions.

27. Annie Get Your Gun: She starred as Annie Oakley in the revival of Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun at the Marquis Theatre.

28. Moonshine Lullaby: Her performance of "Moonshine Lullaby" in Annie Get Your Gun was particularly notable for its poignancy.

29. Carnegie Hall Concert: Peters maintains a thriving concert career, including a sold-out Carnegie Hall concert broadcast on PBS.

30. Stephen Sondheim Tribute: The second act of her Carnegie Hall concert was devoted solely to Sondheim's songs, fitting her voice and style perfectly.

Philanthropy and Personal Life

Beyond her professional achievements, Bernadette Peters is dedicated to giving back to the community and supporting causes close to her heart.

31. Animal Welfare: She devotes time to animal welfare and is involved in AIDS-related charities, including the Gay Men's Health Crisis.

32. Broadway Cares: Peters supports Broadway Cares, an organization aiding various charitable causes through the entertainment industry.

33. Interviews and Appearances: She has appeared on TV shows like "Live with Regis and Kathie Lee" and "The View," showcasing her versatility beyond the stage.

34. Barrington Stage Company: In 2024, she celebrated the 30th Anniversary of Barrington Stage Company with a sold-out concert.

35. Childhood Memories: Peters fondly remembers her early industry days, including her appearance on Name That Tune at six years old.

Inspirations and Influences

Bernadette Peters' career has been shaped by her inspirations and the people she has worked with, leaving a lasting impact on her artistry.

36. Game Shows: Early in her career, she participated in game shows, including a stint in Canada before returning to New York.

37. Jerry Herman: During her time in Canada, she recalls Jerry Herman discussing potential roles and collaborations with her.

38. Song & Dance: While working on Song & Dance, she embraced the challenge of being alone on stage for the entire first act.

39. Norman Rockwell Museum: Peters has a connection to Stockbridge, Massachusetts, home to the Norman Rockwell Museum.

40. Ruby Keeler Influence: Growing up, she was inspired by Ruby Keeler, whom she later played in Dames at Sea, and admired Rita Hayworth's performances.

Legacy and Impact

Bernadette Peters' legacy in the entertainment industry is profound. Her contributions to musical theater and her influence on future generations of performers are undeniable.

41. Ed Sullivan Show: As a child, she watched The Ed Sullivan Show, which exposed her to various performers and shaped her understanding of the entertainment industry.

42. Million Dollar Movie: She grew up watching Million Dollar Movie, featuring films from the 1930s and 1940s, including those starring Ruby Keeler and Rita Hayworth.

43. Design Team: Her first Broadway credit was as part of Tony Walton’s design team on the revival of Annie Get Your Gun.

44. Training Under Legends: She trained under legendary theater artists like Al Hirschfeld, Tony Walton, Peter Harvey, Santo Loquasto, and Willa Kim.

45. Broadway Baby: Dr. Joshua Sherman, an interviewee, refers to himself as a “Broadway Baby” who started his career training under these same legendary artists.

46. Sold-Out Concerts: Peters consistently delivers sold-out concerts, showcasing her ability to connect with audiences through her performances.

47. Collaborations with Composers: Her collaborations with composers like Stephen Sondheim and Andrew Lloyd Webber have resulted in iconic performances.

48. Versatility in Roles: Peters has demonstrated her versatility by taking on a wide range of roles, from comedic characters to dramatic leads.

49. Impact on Musical Theater: Her impact on musical theater is immense, with many considering her the premier interpreter of Sondheim's works.

50. Enduring Legacy: With a career spanning over six decades, Bernadette Peters has left an enduring legacy in the entertainment industry, inspiring future generations of performers.

Bernadette Peters: A Timeless Icon

Bernadette Peters has dazzled audiences for over six decades with her incredible talent and versatility. From her early days in Queens, New York, to becoming a Broadway legend, she's left an indelible mark on the entertainment world. With roles in iconic musicals like Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George, Peters has become the go-to interpreter of Stephen Sondheim's works. Her performances have earned her numerous awards, including two Tonys and a Golden Globe. Beyond the stage, she's made memorable appearances in film and television, showcasing her wide-ranging abilities. Peters' dedication to animal welfare and AIDS-related charities highlights her compassionate nature. Her enduring legacy continues to inspire future generations of performers, proving that her influence is as timeless as her talent. Bernadette Peters isn't just a star; she's a beacon of excellence in the arts.