10 Reasons Why Georgette From Oliver & Company Is Disney's Most Underrated Diva

As of December 10, 2025, Georgette, the high-maintenance, pedigree poodle from Disney's 1988 film *Oliver & Company*, continues to be one of the most memorable and hilariously self-absorbed characters in the Disney canon. Voiced by the legendary Bette Midler, Georgette is the epitome of New York City glamour, a pampered pet whose life revolves around beauty pageants, impeccable grooming, and maintaining her status as the undisputed star of the Foxworth mansion. Her initial role as a reluctant "foster sister" to the stray kitten Oliver provides much of the film's comedic friction, cementing her status as a true animated diva. This deep dive explores the character's enduring appeal, the genius casting behind her voice, her iconic musical number, and the fascinating trivia that makes her more than just a spoiled dog. Georgette’s dramatic flair and over-the-top antics are a perfect reflection of her voice talent, creating a performance that is both a major antagonist-turned-supporting character and a true scene-stealer in an ensemble cast that includes Dodger, Tito, and Rita.

The Divine Miss M: Bette Midler’s Profile

The character of Georgette is inseparable from her voice actress, the incomparable Bette Midler. Midler's signature brand of theatricality and comedic timing gave the pampered poodle her distinct, melodramatic personality. This casting choice was a masterstroke, infusing the animated character with the unmistakable charisma of the "Divine Miss M." Bette Midler is a quintessential American entertainer, known for her powerful singing voice, vibrant stage presence, and versatile acting career. She is one of the few artists to achieve the coveted EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony) nomination status, having won three Grammy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, three Emmy Awards, and two Tony Awards.

• Full Name: Bette Davis Midler
• Date of Birth: December 1, 1945
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.
• Occupation: Singer, Actress, Comedian, Producer
• Spouse: Martin von Haselberg (m. 1984)
• Children: Sophie von Haselberg
• Notable Film Roles: *The Rose* (1979), *Down and Out in Beverly Hills* (1986), *Beaches* (1988), *Hocus Pocus* (1993, 2022)
• Grammy Awards: Best New Artist (1973), Best Female Pop Vocal Performance for "The Rose" (1980), Record of the Year and Song of the Year for "From a Distance" (1991)
• Voice Role in *Oliver & Company*: Georgette (1988)

Midler's involvement in *Oliver & Company* came during a period of significant career success in the late 1980s, following major box office hits like *Down and Out in Beverly Hills* and *Ruthless People*. Her performance as Georgette added a layer of adult, sophisticated humor that elevated the film beyond a standard children's adaptation.

The Art of Being Perfect: Georgette’s Character Deep Dive

Georgette is introduced as the prize-winning Poodle of Jenny Foxworth, a wealthy young girl living in a luxurious Fifth Avenue mansion in New York City. Her existence is one of endless pampering, professional grooming, and a relentless pursuit of perfection, as she frequently competes in dog shows. This life of luxury has cultivated a personality that is overwhelmingly self-centered, dramatic, and utterly convinced of her own superiority. Her world is thrown into chaos when Jenny adopts Oliver, a small, scruffy, orange tabby kitten. Georgette views Oliver not as a new family member, but as a direct threat to her status and the attention she receives from Jenny. This jealousy drives her initial antagonism, where she attempts to sabotage Oliver's welcome and even plots to get rid of him.

Georgette's Key Character Traits and Entities

The complexity of Georgette lies in her transition from a minor antagonist to a supporting character who, despite her flaws, eventually aids Oliver and the street dogs. Her character is a brilliant satire of high-society pet culture. * Breed: Standard Poodle, known for their elegance and show-dog status. * Owner: Jenny Foxworth, a kind and wealthy child. * Antagonist Role: Driven by jealousy and a fear of losing Jenny's affection. * Supporting Role: She eventually participates in the rescue of Jenny, demonstrating a hidden loyalty and bravery. * Love Interest: Tito, the small, fiery, and flirtatious Chihuahua from Dodger's gang, harbors an enormous crush on her, a comedic pairing of opposites. * MBTI Type: Many character analysts speculate her personality type is ESTJ (Extraverted, Sensing, Thinking, Judging), defined by strong organizational instincts and decisiveness, which aligns with her "perfect" and controlling nature. * Thematic Role: She represents the stark contrast between the pampered world of Fifth Avenue and the gritty reality of the New York streets, a central theme in the *Oliver Twist* adaptation. Despite her snobbish exterior, Georgette is undeniably funny and hilarious, a trait that makes her memorable and endearing to fans. Her melodramatic reactions and over-the-top expressions are a hallmark of her character design.

"Perfect Isn't Easy": The Iconic Musical Number

The highlight of Georgette's time on screen is her solo musical number, "Perfect Isn't Easy." This song is not just a filler track; it is a three-minute, high-energy declaration of her life's philosophy and a brilliant showcase for Bette Midler's vocal and comedic talents. The song is a self-help anthem for the self-obsessed, detailing the rigorous, exhausting, and expensive process of maintaining her flawless appearance. It includes references to her extensive beauty regimen, which involves daily grooming, special diets, and constant upkeep. The lyrics are a comedic monologue, with Georgette lamenting the "burden" of her own beauty and talent. The musical sequence is a crucial piece of character development, as it allows the audience to understand the sheer effort that goes into her "perfect" persona. The song’s message—that true perfection requires immense effort—is delivered with such theatrical flair that it becomes one of the most quotable and rewatchable scenes in the film.

The Enduring Legacy of the Diva Poodle

While *Oliver & Company* may not be as frequently discussed as some of Disney's Renaissance films, Georgette's character has maintained a loyal following. The film celebrated its 35th Anniversary recently, reminding fans of its unique New York setting and memorable characters. Georgette stands as a pivotal example of Disney's move toward casting major celebrities in voice roles, a trend that would define animated films for decades. Her character’s design, a sleek, tall, and highly stylized poodle, perfectly captures the sophisticated, late-80s New York aesthetic. The character continues to appear in merchandise and is a favorite among Disney collectors, with items ranging from figurines to pins available on platforms like Etsy and eBay. Fans also frequently discuss her online, analyzing her personality and role, proving that even a spoiled poodle can achieve timeless icon status. Georgette's blend of high-fashion drama, genuine humor, and Bette Midler's unforgettable performance ensures that she will forever be celebrated as Disney's most glamorous and delightfully neurotic canine.