She starred in films like Ruthless People , Beaches and Hocus Pocus . Midler has won many awards in the entertainment industry . Bette Midler ( born December 1 , 1945 ) is an American singer , actress and comedian , also known ( by her informal stage name ) as The Divine Miss M. She has starred in live-action films such as Ruthless People , Beaches and Hocus Pocus , as well as featuring in animated films such as Oliver & Company and Fantasia 2000 .