Q&A with Bernadette Peters


Posted on Jul 7, 2008
By Glenn Close

Comments(3)
If you met Mick from this angle, you'd feel like the luckiest person alive.
Bernadette and Kramer
I don't remember when I first met Bernadette, but it must have been at least twenty-five years ago, not long after I'd moved to New York City to begin my career. She'd already had multiple Broadway shows under her belt, having started in show business when she was only three and a half years old. She is one of the most beloved and respected members of the Broadway community and far beyond: a uniquely spectacular lady whose prodigious talents continue to light the world. And she is a passionate animal lover. Along with her friend, Mary Tyler Moore, Bernadette co-founded Broadway Barks, an annual, star-studded dog and cat adoption event benefiting New York animal shelters. Broadway Barks also works year round to be a point of communication and community for many of the struggling grassroots shelters throughout the city. When she is not stopping people's hearts with her performances, Bernadette is personally rescuing dogs and finding them homes. I certainly plan to be at this year's Broadway Barks event in Shubert Alley on July 12th. In celebration of all that she is and does, I am extremely proud to welcome Bernadette to LIVELY LICKS. Bill and Jake look forward to meeting Kramer and Stella, maybe around one of the more popular trees in the park.

Mick reports for duty atop Sundance Resort.
Bernadette with Stella
Glenn Close: When and how did you become a dog lover?
BP: All my Life! As far back as I can remember. I was always begging my parents for a dog.

GC: Why dogs?
BP: It's the ultimate wonderful communication. They insist on connecting with you, and they don't speak English. They're like Italians in Italy. It's beautiful!



GC: How have you balanced work with your dogs?
BP: I try to stay in NYC a lot or take fast trips. I'm lucky I can do a concert on the weekend then come right home.

GC: How many dogs have you rescued?
BP: Many times! I have two rescues of my own. Taking dogs out of a shelter myself, I've seen first hand their faces before and after they are rescued. It's absolutely like looking at two different dogs.

Bernadette Peters
GC: How did your present dogs come into your life?
BP: Kramer was from the ASPCA. No one would adopt him because of his high energy. He was dancing on the walls. I wanted to name him Fred Astaire but decided on Kramer because of the way he slid into a room like the “Kramer” character on Seinfeld. Stella had a big gash in her neck because she was tied up since she was very small. The rope had grown into her throat. She needed hospitalization and we didn't know if she would make it.


GC: What kinds of car would your dogs drive?
BP: Stella always enjoyed our 1957 Chartreuse Cadillac Convertible.
Kramer would drive an old Green "Rover" with a pipe in his mouth.

GC: What would be the title of your dogs' autobiographies?
BP: Stella is a Pit Bull, and of course we know they are much maligned. Her book would be Don't Judge A Book By Its Cover: I'm Just a Love Muffin
Kramer's would be The Autobiography Of A Dog Who Thought He Was A Man.

GC: Is there a secret about you that only your dogs know?
BP: They'd never tell!

Tracy and Mick making their commute to work.
Kramer with Stella
GC: What is your dogs' pet peeve about you?
BP: I can't get the food in their bowl fast enough for them.

GC: What is your pet peeve about your dogs?
BP: They read my mind, but I love it.

GC: What musical instruments would your dogs play?
BP: Kramer loves music and he would play the cello. Stella would play the drum with her tail.


GC: What do your dogs think about cats?
BP: Stella, the Pit Bull, loves them and rubs up against them.
Kramer does what dogs do, he chases them.

Help Broadway Barks when you start shopping HERE!

Shop For CharityMaking your purchases count for charity is easy. You can start by clicking here. We'll track your purchases and will donate a percentage of those proceeds to Broadway Barks. There is no added cost to you - just do your routine shopping and FetchDog donates a portion of the sale, on behalf of Bernadette, to Broadway Barks.
Bernadette Peters

Broadway Barks - http://www.broadwaybarks.com/
Originally conceived as a program to promote the adoption of shelter animals, Broadway Barks has evolved into an event that has not only focuses on the plight of homeless animals but has opened the door of communication and fostered a spirit of community among the numerous shelters and rescue groups working throughout the city.

Read More...


Mick tunnels his way through some fresh Utah powder.
Chaos on Live with Regis and Kelly

GC: What do your dogs think about politicians?
BP: They listen to the people.

GC: What excites your dogs the most?
BP: The thought of takeout being delivered to the door.

GC: What is your favorite thing to do with your dogs?
BP: Going to the park and seeing how much Stella loves little dogs. She crawls up so as not to intimidate them. She kisses them and they dance around her head.


GC: If your dogs were human, what would be their favorite movies?
BP: Stella's would be Casablanca and Here's Looking at You Kid.
Kramer's would be anything with Kevin Kline because he emulates him.

GC: What is it about you that makes your dogs most proud?
BP: They are proud of me because I understand their place in society as healing creatures and why they are called companion animals.
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GC: What is it that makes you most proud about your dogs?
BP: They love meeting new people.

GC: Who do your dogs sleep with?
BP: Me, of course!

GC: Where are your dogs' favorite spot at home?
BP: On the terrace in the snow.

GC: Do your dogs like to dress up?
BP: They willl go as far as a bandana, but they are not the dress-up kind.

GC: Do your dogs have a special talent?
BP: Stella can wag her tail in circles. Kramer knows how to use his "inside" voice.

GC: If your dogs were famous people, who would they be?
BP: Kramer would be Kevin Kline, of course. Stella would be Sylvia Sydney.

Bernadette PetersGC: Is there a question you would like to ask your dogs, or vice versa?
BP: I know they want to know where the butcher store is and why they can't run lose for a half-hour in the window.

GC: What is your dogs' idea of perfect happiness?
BP: Going to the park two times a day, getting great food, snacks and catching a ball.

Mick reports for duty atop Sundance Resort.
Stella, my love muffin
GC: What is your idea of perfect happiness?
BP: Throwing the ball, I am blessed.

GC: Describe your work with Broadway Barks and what inspires you to do what you do.
BP:  What inspires me most is the love of animals! Plain and simple. Broadway Barks has turned into such a wonderful event. The whole Broadway community gets together and gets animals adopted! We get the word out to adopt from shelters and to spay and neuter. Animals are here to make our lives better, to be healing - from lowering our blood pressure to helping a non-communicating child start to communicate - to give an older person something to get up for in the morning. They don't ask much from us and they give back lots of love. Dogs are communication in its purest form. 



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Comments
Worth mentioning that Bernadette has written a CHILDREN'S BOOK, also called "Broadway Barks," that comes with a CD (with an original song + reading) - and a portion of the proceeds go to benefit shelter animals! The book is available at pretty much all bookstores, on- or off-line.
Posted By Kip
on Jul 8, 2008
This article tells me more about who Bernadette Peters really is than any interview could ever do. God bless her sweet, beautiful soul and wishing a long, long life to preciouis Stella and Kramer.
Posted By Kathie
on Jul 9, 2008
Great interview with my favorite Broadway performer Bernadette Peters! Love to know how this year's Broadway Barks event went for you both, and kudos for increasing public awareness in high places. Our Best, Daniel & Maximus
Posted By Daniel
on Jul 13, 2008
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Welcome to LIVELY LICKS: Profiles of Dogs and their People.
I hope that you will be entertained, comforted and inspired by the people and dogs that I have the privilege of featuring on this blog. Since starting it over a year and a half ago, it has pulled me into an incredible journey. Besides being able to celebrate some of my wonderful friends and the profound bond they have with their dogs, LIVELY LICKS has introduced me to the world of avalanche dogs, bomb-sniffing dogs, service dogs for our wounded warriors and dogs in need of rescue and adoption. I have been inspired by the selfless dedication of the people who run grassroots shelters as well as urban care and control centers. I have been deeply moved by their stories in which dogs heal and empower their humans. Those of us who have dogs, know how much they enhance our quality of life with their unquestioning loyalty and unconditional love. There are an infinite number of stories to tell, so I hope you will stay with me as I continue to explore and discover and delight in the journey.
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