In a candid conversation on David Duchovny’s podcast “Fail Better with David Duchovny,” legendary entertainer Bette Midler opened up about one of her career misses, the 2000 CBS sitcom “Bette.” With a career filled with hits, Midler’s discussion shed light on the complexities of navigating the television landscape and the challenges she faced with the ill-fated show.
Midler didn’t mince words when she labeled “Bette” as “a big, big mistake,” acknowledging that her motivations were misguided from the start. Admitting her lack of understanding of the television industry, Midler confessed to being unprepared for the fast-paced environment and hierarchical structure that came with it.
One pivotal moment in the show’s tumultuous journey came with the departure of Lindsay Lohan, who was initially cast as Midler’s daughter in the pilot episode. Lohan’s exit after the pilot left Midler grappling with the chaotic aftermath, as the show underwent significant changes that she hadn’t anticipated.
Reflecting on her experience, Midler expressed regret for not standing up for herself and her show when faced with challenges. She admitted that she underestimated the importance of contracts and the gravity of the situation, which ultimately led to her dismissal from the show.
The pressures of the production schedule also took a toll on Midler, who found the pace of making the show to be taxing both physically and mentally. A memorable appearance on David Letterman’s late-night talk show, where Midler candidly described filming as “the worst thing that’s ever happened” to her, further compounded her difficulties.
Ultimately, Midler’s tenure on “Bette” came to an abrupt end when she was fired after expressing her frustrations publicly. Despite being relieved to be released from the project, Midler’s experience with the show served as a valuable lesson in the pitfalls of the entertainment industry.
Through her candid reflections, Bette Midler’s journey with “Bette” offers a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges that even seasoned professionals face in their careers.
