Bette Midler on ‘The Fabulous Four’ and Her Hope for a ‘Beaches’ Sequel

If you ask Bette Midler how she got her part in the new film ‘The Fabulous Four,’ it wouldn’t have anything to do with her legendary status as an Oscar-nominated actor. “I think they needed a ham, a big ole ham.” Midler plays Marilyn, a widow getting remarried who rekindles a friendship with three college girlfriends (Susan Sarandon, Sheryl Lee Ralph and Megan Mullally). “No actor doesn’t like to chew the scenery, even if they don’t admit it. So, to have the permission to pull out all the stops is always great.” Also great was working with her costars. “Working with these women was really an eye-opener because everybody’s process is different.” Midler’s performance is so fun partly because it gives fans another taste of her Divine Miss M stage persona, albeit as Marilyn. “[People] expect me to be her, and I’m not. I’ve got her, and then I’ve got me. Since I’ve taken a step back from that truly active life of touring, I find myself getting quieter. I know people want her to come back. I do love her. In a way, she’s still tweeting, but in real life, you can’t be on 24/7. You’ll die. You’ll just die.” Visit Newsweek.com to learn more about the podcasts we offer and to catch up on the latest news. While you’re there, subscribe to Newsweek’s ‘For the Culture newsletter. Follow H. Alan Scott on everything at @HAlanScott. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.