Bernadette Peters is an iconic stage and screen actress, singer, and dancer who has been delighting audiences for over five decades. Born in Queens, New York on February 28, 1948, Peters is now 72 years old.
Throughout her career she has won two Tony Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Emmy nominations. Her performances as the leading lady in some of Broadway’s biggest musicals such as Gypsy, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George have cemented her place in theatrical history.
She has also had a successful career in film and television appearing in numerous movies such as The Jerk, Annie, Pink Cadillac, and It Runs In The Family. Peters is also a public advocate for the humane treatment of animals.
Who is Bernadette Peters?
Bernadette Peters is a renowned actress, singer, and dancer who has been captivating audiences for over five decades. Born in Queens, New York on February 28, 1948, she is now 72 years old. Throughout her career she has received two Tony Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Emmy nominations for her performances on stage and screen. She has starred in some of the most beloved Broadway musicals such as Gypsy, Into the Woods, and Sunday in the Park with George. She has also had a successful career in film and television appearing in movies such as The Jerk, Annie, Pink Cadillac, and It Runs In The Family. Additionally, Peters is also a public advocate for the humane treatment of animals.
Importance of Age in Peters’ Career
Age has played an important role in Bernadette Peters’ career. As an actress, singer, and dancer, Peters’ age has been a factor in the roles she has been able to take on throughout her five-decade career. When she first started out, she was able to play ingenue roles with ease due to her youthful appearance and energy. As she aged, she was able to take on more mature roles and become a leading lady. Her age has also enabled her to play a variety of characters, ranging from naive young women to wise grandmothers. Additionally, Peters’ age has allowed her to have a long and successful career in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Career
Birth and Childhood
Bernadette Peters was born on February 28, 1948 in Queens, New York to a family of entertainers. Her father, Peter Lazzara, was a bus driver and vaudeville entertainer while her mother, Marguerite McPeek, was an actress and singer. At the age of three, Peters made her stage debut in the musical Maytime and by the age of five she was appearing on television.
First Steps in Entertainment Industry
At the age of 12, Bernadette Peters took her first steps into the professional entertainment industry by joining the cast of the Broadway musical “Fiddler on the Roof”. She then went on to appear in a number of other stage productions including “The Boy Friend” and “George M!”. Peters also made her film debut in 1971 as an extra in Mel Brooks’ classic comedy “The Producers”.
Breakthrough Performances
Bernadette Peters had her big breakthrough when she starred in Stephen Sondheim’s musical “Sunday in the Park with George”. Her performance as Dot/Marie earned her a Tony Award and a Theatre World Award. This was quickly followed by another successful performance in the Broadway production of “Into the Woods” where she played the Witch . This role earned her a second Tony Award. Peters also had success on the big screen, appearing in films such as “The Jerk”, “Annie”, “Pink Cadillac”, and “It Runs In The Family”. She has also been nominated for three Emmy Awards.
Current Age and Career
Current Age and Birth Date
Bernadette Peters is currently 72 years old, having been born on February 28, 1948 in Queens, New York. Throughout her five-decade career, she has won two Tony Awards, a Golden Globe Award, and three Emmy nominations for her performances on stage and screen. Despite her age, Peters continues to grace both the stage and screen with her captivating performances.
Recent Performances and Achievements
Bernadette Peters continues to captivate audiences with her recent performances and achievements. In 2019, she was honored with the Isabelle Stevenson Award at the Tony Awards for her humanitarian work. She also starred in a critically acclaimed production of “Hello, Dolly!” on Broadway alongside Bette Midler. Additionally, she has made guest appearances on hit television shows such as “The Good Fight”, “Grace and Frankie”, and “Will & Grace”. She has also continued to appear in films, recently appearing in the Netflix movie “Dumplin’”.
Impact of Age on Peters’ Career
Age has been an integral factor in Bernadette Peters’ career. When she first started out, her youthful appearance and energy enabled her to portray ingenue roles with ease. As she aged, she was able to take on more mature roles as a leading lady. Her age has allowed her to play a variety of characters, from young naive women to wise grandmothers. Additionally, her long career has enabled her to win two Tony Awards and a Golden Globe Award. Peters’ age has also allowed her to continue her remarkable career in the entertainment industry despite being 72 years old.
Peters’ Attitude towards Age
Quotes on Aging and Its Effect on Life and Career
Bernadette Peters has embraced her age and the effect it has had on her life and career. In an interview with the LA Times, Peters shared her attitude towards aging: “Age doesn’t define you; it’s how you use it. I think that as you get older, you don’t have to be so worried about what other people think of you. You can be more confident in yourself and take chances.” She also shared her views on the importance of age in the entertainment industry: “Age is an asset, not a liability, especially in this business. It gives you experience and perspective that younger actors don’t have.”
Peters’ Efforts to Stay Youthful
Bernadette Peters has taken great efforts to stay youthful throughout the years. She regularly works out and eats a healthy diet, and even occasionally indulges in the occasional facial or manicure. She also takes advantage of new technology like laser treatments and Botox injections in order to keep her skin looking smooth and youthful. Peters also puts an emphasis on staying active, participating in activities like biking, swimming, and hiking.
Comparing Peters’ Age with Peers
Age of Peters’ Colleagues in the Industry
When compared to her peers in the entertainment industry, Bernadette Peters is considered a “senior” performer. Many of her contemporaries from the Broadway stage are now retired or deceased. Her former costar in “Into the Woods”, Joanna Gleason, is 70 years old while her Tony Award-winning performance partner from “Sunday in the Park with George ”, Mandy Patinkin, is 65 years old. Other colleagues in the entertainment industry include Bette Midler, who is 73 years old and Jane Fonda, who is 81 years old.
Peters’ Impact and Legacy as an Older Performer
Bernadette Peters has had a profound impact on the entertainment industry, particularly in her role as an older performer. She has been an inspiration to those who may feel limited by their age, demonstrating that age is no barrier for success. Her numerous awards, performances, and guest appearances have celebrated the talent of older performers and provided a platform for them to be seen and heard. Her age has also allowed her to bring a unique perspective to her roles, enabling her to portray characters that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. Peters’ legacy will continue to inspire older performers who strive for success in the industry.
Challenges Peters Faces in the Industry due to Age
Despite her numerous accomplishments and accolades, Bernadette Peters still faces challenges due to age in the entertainment industry. As an older performer, she is often overlooked for leading roles in film and television due to the prevalence of youth-oriented characters and storylines. Furthermore, Peters is sometimes typecast in roles that are limited solely by her age. Additionally, Peters is also limited by the ways in which the industry portrays older women; as a result, she must constantly strive to break stereotypes and prove that age does not limit talent or creativity.
Conclusion
Bernadette Peters is a celebrated actor, singer, and dancer who has been performing in the entertainment industry for over 50 years. Throughout her long and accomplished career she has received numerous awards and accolades, including three Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards. Despite being 75 years old, Peters continues to thrive in the industry with her unique perspective on age and experience. As an older performer she is an inspiration to those who feel limited by their age, demonstrating that age is no barrier for success.
