Bette Midler Remembers Her Favorite Moment with Diane Keaton and Reveals Why “The First Wives Club” Never Got a Sequel
Bette Midler is remembering her dear friend and The First Wives Club co-star, Diane Keaton, with warmth, humor, and deep affection. Appearing on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the legendary actress opened up about her most cherished memory of working with Keaton and reflected on why their beloved 1996 comedy classic never got the sequel fans have been waiting decades for.
Midler, known for her big personality and sharp wit, visibly softened as she spoke about Keaton, who passed away on October 11. “I had known Diane before we worked together,” Midler began, her voice filled with nostalgia. “But there’s something about being on set with someone like her — you see a different side. Diane was so effortlessly funny, but also incredibly kind. She never made you feel small, no matter who you were.”
The pair starred alongside Goldie Hawn in The First Wives Club, a film that became an instant cultural phenomenon upon its release. The story followed three women who band together to get revenge on their ex-husbands after being replaced by younger women. It was bold, empowering, and hilarious — a movie that perfectly captured the frustrations and strength of women in midlife. And much of its success came from the genuine chemistry between its three leads.
Midler recalled one particular day on set that has stuck with her ever since. “There was this scene where we just couldn’t stop laughing,” she said with a smile. “It wasn’t even a funny moment in the script, but Diane had this way of turning the smallest thing into something magical. She’d tilt her head, give you that look, and suddenly we were all cracking up. We must’ve ruined half the takes. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so much in my life.”
The actress went on to describe Keaton as someone who “brought light wherever she went.” She said, “She was quirky, yes, but in the best way. Diane had this rare quality of making everything feel spontaneous. Whether it was her wardrobe choices or her line delivery, it was always pure Diane. You could never predict her — and that’s what made her so special.”
When asked why a sequel to The First Wives Club never happened, Midler admitted it wasn’t for lack of interest. “Oh, we wanted to do it!” she said with a knowing laugh. “All of us — me, Goldie, Diane — we were ready. But Hollywood is what it is. The studios didn’t believe there was an audience for women like us at that time. Can you imagine that? After all that success, they still thought a movie about older women wouldn’t sell. It was heartbreaking.”
She paused, her tone turning reflective. “We were ahead of our time. Now, people talk about female friendship and empowerment all the time — but back then, it was rare to see women like us leading a comedy that didn’t revolve around a man. I wish we’d gotten the chance to tell another story together.”
Despite that disappointment, Midler remains grateful for what they created. “That movie changed a lot of lives,” she said softly. “Women still come up to me and say how much it meant to them. That’s the power of friendship — and Diane embodied that. She was a force. Losing her feels like losing a piece of that magic.”
As she reflected on Keaton’s passing, Midler added one final thought that left the audience silent. “If there’s one thing Diane taught me,” she said, “it’s that you don’t have to fit into anyone’s box. You can be bold, funny, vulnerable, and still completely yourself. That’s her legacy — and I’ll carry it with me always.”
For fans of The First Wives Club, Midler’s words are a reminder of the unique chemistry and spirit that made the film timeless. It wasn’t just about revenge — it was about resilience, laughter, and sisterhood. And in remembering Diane Keaton, Bette Midler beautifully captured all of that once again.
