Bernadette Peters

Early Life

Bernadette Peters was born on February 28, 1948, in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, into an Italian-American family. The youngest of three children, she was introduced to show business at a young age by her mother, Marguerite, who placed her on the television show "Juvenile Jury" when Peters was just three and a half years old. Her father, Peter Lazzara, worked as a bread delivery truck driver. Growing up, Peters showcased her talent on various television shows, including "Name That Tune" and "The Horn and Hardart Children's Hour."

Career

Peters began her professional career at the age of nine, obtaining her Actors Equity Card under the name Bernadette Peters to avoid ethnic typecasting. She made her stage debut in 1958 and quickly became a prominent figure in musical theatre. Over her six-decade career, she has starred in numerous Broadway productions, earning two Tony Awards and several other accolades, including the Isabelle Stevenson Award and the John Willis Award for Lifetime Achievement. Peters is also known for her concert performances and recordings, with notable albums such as "Sondheim, Etc.: Bernadette Peters Live at Carnegie Hall" and "Bernadette Peters Loves Rodgers and Hammerstein."

Activism and Personal Life

Beyond her artistic achievements, Peters is a passionate advocate for animal welfare. In 1999, she co-founded Broadway Barks, an annual animal adopt-a-thon, and has raised significant funds for animal charities. Peters has been married twice, first to investment adviser Michael Wittenberg, who tragically passed away in 2005, and later to sound designer Tom Sorce in 2024. She is also a proud dog owner, having adopted all her pets from shelters, reflecting her commitment to animal rescue and welfare.