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7 Shocking Facts About Martin Von Haselberg: Bette Midler's 'Outrageous' Husband Who Sleeps In A Separate Bedroom

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Martin von Haselberg, the famously private husband of entertainment icon Bette Midler, is far more than just a celebrity spouse; he is a complex, multi-disciplined artist, a former avant-garde performance provocateur, and even a commodities trader. As of December 2025, the couple continues to make headlines, not for scandal, but for the unconventional longevity of their four-decade marriage, with Midler recently opening up about the surprising secret to their enduring union: sleeping in separate bedrooms.

This Argentine-born artist of German descent has carved out a unique and boundary-pushing career that spans the worlds of performance art, contemporary sculpture, and finance, all while maintaining a remarkably stable personal life with one of Hollywood's biggest stars. From his early days as the anarchic "Harry Kipper" to his current work as a visual artist, von Haselberg's journey is a fascinating tapestry of creativity and contradiction. This deep dive uncovers the most recent updates and the most shocking facts about the man Bette Midler affectionately calls "outrageous."

Martin von Haselberg: Complete Biography and Profile

  • Full Name: Martin Rochus Sebastian von Haselberg
  • Date of Birth: January 20, 1949
  • Age (as of 2025): 76 years old
  • Birthplace: Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Nationality: Argentine-born, German descent
  • Spouse: Bette Midler (m. 1984)
  • Daughter: Sophie von Haselberg (b. 1986)
  • Primary Professions: Performance Artist, Contemporary Sculptor, Commodities Trader, Actor
  • Notable Alias: Harry Kipper (as part of The Kipper Kids)
  • Education: Attended drama school
  • Key Art Collaborator: Brian Routh (Co-founder of The Kipper Kids)

The Shocking Secret to a 40-Year Marriage

In a world of fleeting celebrity romances, the marriage between Martin von Haselberg and Bette Midler stands as a testament to commitment, celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2024. The couple, who famously eloped in Las Vegas just six weeks after meeting, have often been candid about the challenges of a long-term relationship, but recent interviews have revealed a surprising, and highly effective, strategy for maintaining their bond.

The latest revelation from Midler is that she and von Haselberg have never shared a bedroom, a conscious decision that she credits with keeping their relationship fresh and preventing the kind of mundane irritations that can erode a marriage over time. This arrangement, where each partner has their own private space, allows them to maintain a sense of independence and personal sanctuary, a crucial element for two strong, creative personalities.

Furthermore, Midler has emphasized the importance of humor and a mutual appreciation for the absurd, a quality von Haselberg certainly brings, given his background in anarchic performance art. Their daughter, Sophie von Haselberg, an accomplished actress, is the product of this enduring, if unconventional, partnership, showcasing a successful blend of art, finance, and family life.

From Anarchy to Art: The Kipper Kids Phenomenon

Long before he was known as Bette Midler’s husband, Martin von Haselberg was an icon in the avant-garde performance art world under the pseudonym "Harry Kipper." He, along with his partner Brian Routh (who went by "Harry Kipper" as well, and sometimes "Kipper"), formed the notorious duo known as The Kipper Kids.

Active from the 1970s, The Kipper Kids were known for their boundary-pushing, often grotesque, and highly theatrical performances. Their work was a commentary on social norms, involving elaborate costumes, heavy makeup, and a deliberate use of absurdity and chaos. They specialized in a form of "ritualistic performance art" that blurred the lines between comedy, theater, and visual spectacle.

This period cemented von Haselberg's reputation as a fearless, outrageous, and truly original artist. The duo's work was influential and was featured in major art institutions, including the Los Angeles Institute of Contemporary Art (LAICA), Galerie Krinzinger, and the Whitechapel Art Gallery. The archives of their work, spanning from 1970 to 2014, are now held in the Research Collections at the Getty, a testament to their lasting impact on the conceptual art movement.

The Unexpected Pivot to Commodities Trading

One of the most surprising and least-known aspects of Martin von Haselberg’s career is his parallel life as a commodities trader. He has stated that he was involved in trading commodities even before he attended drama school and began his work with The Kipper Kids. This dual existence—a high-stakes financial broker by day and an anarchic performance artist by night—speaks volumes about his complex personality and intellectual curiosity.

The commodities trading world even bled into his artistic persona. For a period, von Haselberg appeared on Channel 22 in Los Angeles, portraying the commodities trader character Harry Kipper, a clever nod to his performance art past. This unique blend of finance and performance highlights a rare ability to navigate two completely disparate professional worlds with equal commitment, providing for his family while still pursuing his artistic passions.

"FLOATULENTS": Martin von Haselberg's Contemporary Sculpture

As The Kipper Kids era subsided, Martin von Haselberg transitioned his focus to contemporary visual art, particularly sculpture and installations. His solo work is a natural extension of his performance background, moving the grotesque and expressive elements of his stage presence into a tangible, three-dimensional form.

His most notable solo series is titled "FLOATULENTS: Inflatable Photographs." These works are described as "time-based," a concept that directly links back to the facial contortions and grimaces that were central to his Kipper Kids performances. The inflatable photographs capture and distort these expressions, transforming fleeting performance moments into permanent, yet flexible, sculptural pieces.

Von Haselberg’s contemporary art has been exhibited in prestigious venues, solidifying his standing as a serious visual artist:

  • New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): Hosted an exhibition of his "FLOATULENTS" series in 2009.
  • Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), New York City: His solo work has been displayed here.
  • MoMA PS1: Featured his "New Works" exhibition from late 1997 to early 1998.
  • The Kitchen: Another prominent venue where his work has been shown.

The Philanthropic Entity: Hulaween 2025

Beyond his art and finance careers, Martin von Haselberg is actively involved in philanthropy, most notably through his support of the New York Restoration Project (NYRP), a non-profit organization founded by Bette Midler. The NYRP is dedicated to transforming open space in New York City’s underserved communities.

A current and relevant piece of information is von Haselberg’s involvement in the organization’s major annual fundraising event, Hulaween. As of December 2025, he is listed as a major supporter and patron of the event, reinforcing his ongoing commitment to environmental and community causes alongside his wife. This demonstrates that his public-facing role today is one of a dedicated partner and philanthropist, a stark contrast to his earlier, more rebellious artistic persona.

Topical Authority Entities & Key Concepts

To fully understand the scope of Martin von Haselberg's influence, it is essential to recognize the key entities and concepts that define his life and work:

  • The Kipper Kids: The foundational performance art duo with Brian Routh.
  • Harry Kipper: Von Haselberg's artistic and, briefly, television persona.
  • FLOATULENTS: His signature series of inflatable, time-based photographs and sculptures.
  • Bette Midler: His wife and co-parent, whose career often overshadows his own, but whose relationship remains his most high-profile connection.
  • Sophie von Haselberg: Their daughter, an accomplished actress who carries on the family's artistic legacy.
  • Commodities Broker: His professional life in finance, providing a stable counterpoint to his artistic endeavors.
  • MoMA / MoMA PS1: Key institutions that have hosted his solo visual art exhibitions.
  • New Orleans Museum of Art (NOMA): Venue for his major "FLOATULENTS" show.
  • New York Restoration Project (NYRP) / Hulaween: His philanthropic focus and current area of public involvement.
  • Brian Routh: His late partner in The Kipper Kids.
  • Avant-Garde Performance: The artistic movement that defined his early career.
  • Galerie Krinzinger / Whitechapel Art Gallery / The Kitchen: European and US venues that exhibited The Kipper Kids.

Martin von Haselberg’s life is a masterclass in duality: the commodities broker who is also a performance artist, the private man married to a global superstar, and the husband who maintains a long-lasting marriage through the surprising strategy of separate bedrooms. His continued artistic output and philanthropic work in 2025 prove that he remains a fascinating figure in his own right, forever defined by his unique blend of the absurd and the enduring.

martin von haselberg
martin von haselberg

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