Bernadette Peters married investment adviser Michael Wittenberg in July 1996 during a private ceremony at the home of actress Mary Tyler Moore. Their marriage marked a distinct chapter for the legendary Broadway star, offering a grounded anchor that balanced decades of intense theatrical acclaim. Wittenberg stayed largely out of the celebrity spotlight, supporting Peters from the wings until his tragic passing in a helicopter crash in Montenegro in September 2005.
Understanding the intersection of Peters' marriage and her iconic stage career requires looking past standard tabloid narratives. Her journey encompasses seminal collaborations with Stephen Sondheim, multiple Tony Awards, and a private life that she fiercely protected even amidst public grief.
The Marriage to Michael Wittenberg
Before marrying Wittenberg in 1996, Peters had experienced high-profile public relationships, most notably with actor and comedian Steve Martin in the late 1970s and early 1980s. When she met Wittenberg in the mid-1990s, her approach to partnership shifted toward quiet stability.
In past interviews, Peters noted that her marriage provided a secure foundation that allowed her professional work to flourish. Rather than slowing down after walking down the aisle, she leaned into riskier, more demanding theatrical roles, crediting her husband for giving her the emotional safety net to expand her artistic range. Wittenberg frequently accompanied her on out-of-town tryouts and national tours, maintaining a steady presence behind the scenes while avoiding red-carpet culture.
Tragedy struck in September 2005 when Wittenberg died at age 43 in a helicopter accident while on a business trip in Montenegro. The sudden loss devastated Peters, leading her to temporarily step back from active performance schedules to grieve privately. Over time, she returned to the stage, channeling her deep emotional resilience into her craft.
A Legacy Forged on Broadway
While her marriage to Wittenberg defined a crucial decade of her personal life, Peters' professional identity is anchored by her status as one of Broadway's most decorated performers. Often hailed as the preeminent interpreter of Stephen Sondheim’s musical catalog, her career spans television, film, and decades of stage work.
Defining Sondheim Collaborations
Peters' artistic partnership with Stephen Sondheim reshaped modern musical theatre. Her ability to merge complex vocal styling with vulnerable, highly specific comedic and dramatic acting made her a favorite of the legendary composer.
- Sunday in the Park with George (1984): Peters originated the role of Dot, showcasing a delicate blend of strength and pathos opposite Mandy Patinkin.
- Into the Woods (1987): She stepped into the iconic role of the Witch, bringing depth and unexpected humanity to a traditional fairy-tale archetype.
- Gypsy (2003): Taking on the formidable matriarch Mama Rose, Peters challenged decades of performance history associated with the role, delivering a raw, obsessive interpretation.
- Follies (2011): Playing Sally Durant Plummer, she offered a heartbreaking look at regret and nostalgia.
Major Career Milestones and Accolades
Beyond Sondheim, Peters built a diverse resume that earned her critical validation across multiple mediums. She received seven competitive Tony Award nominations, winning two (plus an honorary Tony), along with three Drama Desk Awards. Her film work includes a Golden Globe win for Pennies from Heaven (1981) and memorable comedic timing in Steve Martin's The Jerk (1979). In 2018, she succeeded Bette Midler to star in the title role of the Broadway revival of Hello, Dolly!, proving her enduring vocal and theatrical stamina.
Balancing Privacy and Public Adoration
One of the most remarkable aspects of Peters' public life is her ability to maintain strict boundaries between her professional stardom and personal reality. Unlike contemporaries who court tabloid coverage, she has consistently kept her private life out of the headlines.
Even during her marriage to Wittenberg and following his passing, Peters chose art and advocacy over public lamentation. Alongside her close friend Mary Tyler Moore, she co-founded Broadway Barks in 1999, an organization dedicated to animal rescue and adoption. Her commitment to finding homes for shelter animals has remained a constant parallel to her theatrical career, demonstrating a lifelong dedication to service and compassion.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bernadette Peters get married?
Bernadette Peters married investment adviser Michael Wittenberg in July 1996 at the home of actress Mary Tyler Moore. They remained married until his death in 2005.
What happened to Michael Wittenberg?
Michael Wittenberg tragically died in a helicopter crash in Montenegro in September 2005 at the age of 43.
Does Bernadette Peters have children?
Peters does not have biological children, but she became a stepmother to Wittenberg's children from a previous relationship during their marriage.
What are Bernadette Peters' most famous Broadway roles?
She is best known for originating or starring in roles within Sondheim musicals such as Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods, and Gypsy, as well as her starring turn in Hello, Dolly!
Is Bernadette Peters still performing?
Yes, Peters continues to perform in concert halls, special television projects, and theatrical events, maintaining an active relationship with her fan base and the global theatre community.
