Bernadette Peters Biography: Age, Husband, Height, Net Worth, Parents, Movies & TV Shows

Bernadette Peters (née Lazzara) is a celebrated American actress, singer, and author renowned for her extraordinary contributions to Broadway musical theatre and her distinctive performances in film and television.

With a career spanning over six decades, she is widely known for her Tony Award-winning roles in Song and Dance and Annie Get Your Gun, as well as iconic interpretations of Stephen Sondheim‘s works and memorable screen appearances in films such as The Jerk and Annie.

Bernadette Peters
Wiki Facts & About Data
Real Name:	Bernadette Lazzara Peters
Stage Name:	Bernadette Peters
Born:	28 February 1948 (age 78 years old)
Place of Birth:	Ozone Park, New York, United States
Nationality:	American
Height:	1.6 m
Parents:	Peter Lazzara, Marguerite Maltese
Siblings:	Donna DeSeta, Joseph Lazzara
Spouse:	Michael Wittenberg (m. 1996–2005)
Relationship:	Widowed
Occupation:	Actress, singer, author
Net Worth:	$20 million USD

Early Life and Education

Bernadette Lazzara Peters was born on 28 February 1948 in Ozone Park, Queens, New York, United States, to parents Peter Lazzara and Marguerite Maltese. Her siblings are Donna DeSeta and Joseph Lazzara.

She began performing as a child, appearing on television at age three and a half, and later attended Quintano’s School for Young Professionals in Manhattan. Her ethnicity is Italian American (Sicilian descent), and her religion is not publicly known.

Career

Bernadette Peters began her career as a child performer in the 1950s, making early television appearances and changing her surname to Peters to avoid typecasting.

She gained initial recognition in the late 1960s with Off-Broadway work in Dames at Sea and her Broadway debut, quickly establishing herself through roles in George M! and earning early Tony nominations for her vibrant stage presence and vocal talent.

Her career reached major heights with acclaimed performances in Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Tony-winning turns in Song and Dance (1985) and the 1999 revival of Annie Get Your Gun.

She expanded into film with notable roles in The Jerk (1979), Annie (1982), Pink Cadillac (1989), and voice work in projects like Cinderella (1997), while releasing solo albums and becoming a leading interpreter of Stephen Sondheim‘s music.

Later work has included acclaimed revivals such as Gypsy, A Little Night Music, Follies, and Hello, Dolly!, along with television roles, concert performances, and children’s books.

Her legacy as a Broadway icon includes elevating musical theatre standards, advocacy for animal welfare through Broadway Barks, and sustained influence inspiring performers through her artistry, resilience, and dedication to the craft.

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @officialbernadettepeters
• Facebook Handle: Bernadette Peters

Personal Life

Bernadette Peters was married to investment adviser Michael Wittenberg from 1996 until his death in a helicopter crash in 2005.

She has no children and has maintained a private personal life focused on her career, rescue dogs, and philanthropy, particularly animal adoption initiatives.

Filmography

• The Jerk (1979)
• Annie (1982)
• Pink Cadillac (1989)
• Cinderella (1997)

Net Worth

Bernadette Peters‘ estimated net worth is around $20 million USD. Primary income sources include decades of Broadway performances and cast recordings, film and television roles, solo albums and concerts, royalties from her extensive catalog, and authorship of best-selling children’s books.