Bernadette Peters successfully mastered three professions - actress, singer and children's writer. During her half-century career, she played on stage, starred in films and television, gave solo concerts. Peters is one of the most acclaimed professional critics of Broadway actresses to receive the prestigious Tony and Drama Desk theater awards.
Many praise her roles in the musicals Mack and Mabel, Goodbye, Darling, Into the Woods and Sunday in the Park with George. Bernadette Peters began playing on the stage as a child. Subsequently, she focused on work in cinema and television.
early years
Bernadette Peters was born into an Italian-American family in 1948. Her real name is Lazzara. A stage name was needed in order to avoid the stereotypical perception of Italians. Peters got into show business at the age of three and a half years. Mother organized the participation of her beloved daughter in a children's television program. This was followed by performances on the stage.
At nine years old, Bernadette Peters was officially admitted to the American Actors' Professional Union. From that moment, she began to use a pseudonym instead of her real Italian surname. Already as a professional actress, Peters played children's and teenage roles in Broadway performances, appeared in television films and programs. In parallel, she attended classes at a theater school.
Films
Since 1973, the actress took part in many film projects. The full filmography of Bernadette Peters includes 33 paintings. Her most outstanding acting work is considered to be a role in the satirical comedy directed by Mel Brooks - "Silent Movie". Peters was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for playing in this film.
In the film "The moron", her famous partner on the set was the famous comedian Steve Martin. The 1981 film "Pennies from the Sky" brought the long-awaited award. For her role in this film, Bernadette Peters was awarded the Golden Globe Award (as the best actress in a comedy or musical).
Her notable work in the cinema also includes romantic fantasy directed by Woody Allen's "Alice." In this picture, which received many prestigious nominations and prizes, the actress played a secondary role. Almost all Bernadette Peters films are in the comedy genre.
Theatre
The actress owes her success on the Broadway stage to the musicals of the famous composer, poet and playwright Stephen Sondheim. The main roles played in the productions of this author brought Peters recognition of critics and the love of the audience.
The actress, who began her career on Broadway as a child, left the stage for the sake of cinema and television for a long eight years. The return to the stage was a triumph. And all thanks to two musicals by Stephen Sondheim - "Sunday in the Park with George" and "Into the Forests". According to the composer, Bernadette Peters belongs to a very limited number of people who can simultaneously sing and play a role. Stephen Sondheim called her work on stage flawless. The creative union of the actress and composer lasted for many years.
Children's books
Since 2008, Peters has written three literary works to support a charity that helps homeless animals. Picture books are for children. The first tells the story of a dog named Kramer. Peters wrote the words and music of a lullaby, the disc of which is attached to the book. Her work took fifth place in the list of children's bestsellers.
A second book, entitled "Stella Star," was published in 2010. She talks about a pit bull terrier dreaming of dancing ballet. Bernadette Peters gave her characters the names of their own dogs. The third book is entitled "Stella and Charlie are Friends Forever." It was released in 2015. In her latest book, Peters talks about the relationship between the pit bull terrier Stella and Charlie, the new dog that has settled in the actress's house.
In addition to helping homeless animals, the celebrity takes an active part in many other charitable projects. Peters is a member of the board of directors of a nonprofit organization offering special educational programs for children with disabilities. She also repeatedly acted as a singer at charity concerts.