Bette Midler

Hip-hop recording artist Curtis James Jackson III, better known by his stage name 50 Cent, and Bette Midler were seen working together at the Park Restoration Project in Queens, New York. The two, who teamed up at the New York Restoration Project spring picnic (May 22, 2009) at Manhattan's Fort Tryon Park, have been collaborating on Midler's Restoration Project initiative, which raises money to restore, develop and revitalize underserved parks. At the proceedings, Bette referred to the rapper, who was born in South Jamaica, Queens, as its "Godfather."

Bette's 1982 film, Jinxed, lived up to its name with well-publicized production squabbles between Midler, the director, producers, and a few of her co-stars. Following the film's failure, Bette suffered a nervous breakdown and wasn't seen onscreen until she signed a contract with Disney in 1986, then establishing a new film identity as a character comedienne in Down and Out in Beverly Hills (1986), and as a loudmouthed kidnap victim in Ruthless People (1987).

Bette organized a Lennon Sisters-like vocal trio called The Pieridine Three during her high school years. The group got its start performing at school functions, but later toured military bases, giving her experience with more mature audiences.