Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Sandra Bernhard explains how she fell out with Madonna: ‘Her relationships just don’t last’

Pair were close friends until an infamous rift in 1992

Annabel Nugent
Thursday 23 December 2021 04:21 EST
Comments
Madonna flashes audience on Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Sandra Bernhard has opened up about her falling out with Madonna.

The Pose star was close friends with the singer throughout the Eighties and early Nineties before their friendship ended in 1992 for unknown reasons.

Bernhard did not specify exactly what caused the rift, although the actor did give some insight into the situation during an appearance on the Hot Takes & Deep Divas podcast.

“I didn’t really like that level of visibility and having to work it constantly,” she said.

The 66-year-old added: “We all as performers work it to a certain degree, but I’m a very improvisational person, on stage and in my life, and I don’t like being tied down in having to be a certain way for my image.

“What I tried to impart in our friendship is, ‘I’m really your friend, I’m not just somebody that’s passing through.’”

Bernhard continued: “And I guess for a while we had a real friendship, but it’s hard for somebody like her. She doesn’t really want somebody around who reflects too much of who she is. Therefore, her relationships just don’t last.”

The actor is best known for her role as Nancy Barlett Thomas in the ABC sitcom Roseanne, which initially ran from 1988 to 1997. Bernhard joined the cast in 1991 for season four.

The series was briefly revived for one season in 2018.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in