Michael Wittenberg was an American investment adviser who became widely known through his marriage to Broadway legend Bernadette Peters. Though he lived a relatively private life, his tragic death in 2005 brought his story into the public eye. This article explores his life, career, love story, and the legacy he left behind.
Quick Facts About Michael Wittenberg
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael Wittenberg |
| Born | 1962 in New York, USA |
| Died | September 26, 2005 (age 43) in Podgorica, Montenegro |
| Occupation | Investment Adviser (worked for Salomon Smith Barney) |
| Spouse | Bernadette Peters (married July 1996) |
| Children | None |
| Known For | Marriage to Bernadette Peters; tragic helicopter crash |
| Film Credits | The Chumscrubber (Art Department), The Last Shot (Production Assistant) |
| Philanthropy | Supported animal welfare and AIDS-related causes |
Early Life and Background
Michael Wittenberg was born in 1962 in New York, where he grew up and eventually built his career . While details about his childhood and family background remain largely private, it is clear that he established himself as a successful professional in the world of finance.
By the time he met Bernadette Peters, Wittenberg was working as an investment adviser—a role that required sharp business acumen and took him on frequent business trips, including the fateful journey to Montenegro in 2005 .
Career and Professional Life
Wittenberg worked as an investment adviser for Salomon Smith Barney, a major financial services firm . His career demanded extensive travel, and he was known to be both smart and opinionated—qualities that those close to him admired .
In addition to his finance work, Wittenberg had a few minor credits in the film industry. He worked as a painter in the art department for The Chumscrubber (2005) and as an office production assistant on The Last Shot (2004) . These roles suggest he had an appreciation for the creative world, likely influenced by his wife’s career.
Meeting Bernadette Peters: A Romantic Beginning
The story of how Michael Wittenberg met Bernadette Peters is as charming as it is memorable. It all started one evening outside Peters’ Manhattan apartment building on the Upper West Side. She was waiting for a date who was running late, dressed formally for the occasion. Wittenberg, who lived nearby, happened to walk past wearing a tuxedo on his way to a charity event .
With remarkable confidence and humor, he walked up to her and said, “Well, are you ready to go?” Peters laughed and noticed he was missing a button on his jacket. She joked that she would sew it back on if she had a needle and thread. Wittenberg went to a nearby tailor shop, got the supplies, and Peters stitched his button back on . They went their separate ways that night—but the story didn’t end there. At some point, Wittenberg’s button fell off again. He put it in an envelope with a card bearing his phone number and left it with her doorman . That bold move paid off, and the rest is history.
Marriage to Bernadette Peters
Michael Wittenberg and Bernadette Peters were married on July 20, 1996, in a private ceremony at the home of their close friend, actress Mary Tyler Moore . It was the first marriage for both of them, and they built a life together in New York City.
Their relationship was known for being strong, happy, and remarkably low-key. Unlike many celebrity couples, they were rarely seen on the Broadway circuit, preferring instead to spend quiet time together in their Upper West Side penthouse . Peters once described their marriage as “a secure, rooted place” that allowed her to take risks and branch out in her career .
Those who knew them spoke highly of their partnership. Producer Fran Weissler noted that Wittenberg was “smart, opinionated and completely supportive of Bernadette and her career” . Barry Weissler called him “a delightful and lovely man who thought we were all a little weird in show business” .
Shared Passions and Personal Life
The couple shared a deep love for animals and was actively involved in animal welfare causes. They adopted two dogs together: Stella, a pit bull from the CACC, and Kramer, a mixed terrier from the ASPCA (named after the Seinfeld character) . They were both passionate supporters of Broadway Barks, an animal rescue charity .
Michael Wittenberg and Bernadette Peters had no children, choosing instead to lavish their affection on their two rescue dogs . His devotion to animals was so well-known that after his death, his family requested donations to animal welfare organizations and AIDS-related causes in lieu of flowers .
The Tragic Helicopter Crash
On September 26, 2005, Michael Wittenberg was on a business trip in Montenegro, inspecting properties in the Balkan nation . He was traveling in a helicopter when tragedy struck. The aircraft’s rotor blade struck a high-voltage power line, causing the helicopter to crash in the gorge of Sušica on the Durmitor mountain . All four people on board were killed, including Wittenberg .
An investigation into the crash concluded that the most probable cause was pilot error—specifically, the pilot’s insufficient knowledge of the mountainous terrain . At the time of his death, Wittenberg was 43 years old .
Aftermath and Legacy
The news of Michael Wittenberg’s death sent shockwaves through the Broadway community and beyond. Peters, who had just participated in a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims the day before, was devastated . She immediately flew to Long Island to be with Wittenberg’s family .
In the wake of his passing, the theater world mourned alongside one of its most beloved performers. Barry Weissler expressed the collective grief, saying, “They were such a terrific couple, and I’m heartsick that this has happened” .
Wittenberg’s legacy lives on through the charitable causes he and Peters supported. Donations in his memory were directed to:
- Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS
- Broadway Barks
- Standing Tall
His love story with Bernadette Peters remains a testament to finding connection in the most unexpected moments—a chance encounter on a New York City street that blossomed into a deep and lasting partnership.
Conclusion
Michael Wittenberg may not have been a public figure in the traditional sense, but his story is one of love, quiet success, and heartbreaking loss. He was a devoted husband, a passionate animal advocate, and a respected professional. His chance meeting with Bernadette Peters became the foundation of a marriage that those who knew them described as deeply loving and supportive.
Though his life was cut tragically short at 43, the memory of Michael Wittenberg endures—through the charitable causes he championed, the love he shared with Peters, and the timeless story of how a missing button led to one of Broadway’s most cherished love stories.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Michael Wittenberg?
Michael Wittenberg was an American investment adviser best known as the husband of Broadway star Bernadette Peters. He worked for Salomon Smith Barney and tragically died in a helicopter crash in 2005 .
When did Michael Wittenberg die?
Michael Wittenberg died on September 26, 2005, at the age of 43, in a helicopter crash in Montenegro .
How did Michael Wittenberg die?
He died when the helicopter he was traveling in struck a high-voltage power line and crashed in the mountainous terrain of Montenegro. Four people, including Wittenberg, were killed .
Was Michael Wittenberg married to Bernadette Peters?
Yes, Michael Wittenberg was married to Bernadette Peters. They wed on July 20, 1996, in a private ceremony at the home of Mary Tyler Moore. It was the first marriage for both .
Did Michael Wittenberg and Bernadette Peters have children?
No, Michael Wittenberg and Bernadette Peters did not have any children. They shared their love with their two adopted dogs, Stella and Kramer .
How did Michael Wittenberg meet Bernadette Peters?
They met outside Peters’ Manhattan apartment building. Wittenberg, wearing a tuxedo, approached her with the line, “Well, are you ready to go?” A missing button on his jacket led to a memorable encounter, and he later left his number with her doorman .
