Barbra Streisand - biography

08/27/201808/27/2018 Julia Norman 0 comments

Only a truly talented person can make viewers forget about his less-than-ideal appearance and enjoy his magnificent performance. Barbra Streisand appeared on screens in the 60s, playing vivid roles of women in love. Her heroines suffered, forgave men, sought compromise in relationships and forced those around them to think about various circumstances that happen in life.

For the first time, Hollywood gave the main female role in a film to an outwardly unremarkable actress. She had a fire inside her, and she conveyed emotions convincingly, as only old-school actors can. It looked irresistible and unusual. For her undoubted talent, the public and critics called Barbara an ugly beauty. She proved that unrefined girls are also capable of love and eventually meet their man.

Childhood and adolescence

Barbara Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942 in New York. Her parents were Jews who immigrated from Austria. The family did not live well in Brooklyn, but the girl’s mother faced real need when her husband died a year after the birth of her daughter. Ida Rosen worked as a school administrator, and her modest salary was barely enough to buy food. She had to provide not only for Barbara and her brother, but also for her parents.

Under pressure from circumstances, the girl's mother remarried a family friend, Lius Kind. He did not love his stepdaughter, and she responded in kind, trying to spend more time outside the home. Soon the Kind couple had a daughter, Roslyn, together.

As a child, Barbara was often sick and rarely went to school, but she studied well due to her outstanding abilities and love of reading books.

As a teenager, she wore glasses and baggy clothes, so the students at Erasmas Hall School only noticed her when she sang in the choir or participated in theater productions. Her voice was strong and captivating.

In 1959, Streisand graduated from high school and decided to perform as a singer. Her family ridiculed her, believing that it was impossible to achieve success with her external data, but Barbara was confident in her abilities. A month after graduation, she already participated in a music competition, organized by the owner of a famous nightclub in New York. After the victory, the girl began performing on his stage.

The beginning of a creative career

Streisand dreamed of becoming an actress, although she achieved great heights as a singer. The nightclub where she sang was often visited by famous performers. Hearing Barbara's voice, they thought about collaborating with her. So, in 1960, singer Barry Dennen invited the girl to perform in a Manhattan gay bar.

Refined art connoisseurs gathered there, and it became easier for the future star to make the necessary contacts. Soon she began participating in low-budget theater productions, and 2 years later she appeared on the Broadway stage in the musical “I'll Get It for You Wholesale.”

Another important step towards a future career was a meeting with pianist and showman Vladzi Liberace. In the 60s he was at the peak of his popularity and was looking for new talent to keep the public's interest. Streisand's voice made a strong impression on him, and he signed a contract with her to perform together in Las Vegas.

Step by step, the persistent performer moved towards her goal. She had already proven to her family that she deserved success and applause, but she was surrounded by real stars. The ambitious girl wanted to achieve the same recognition.

Barbra Streisand: biography

Barbra Streisand is an American actress and singer, winner of two Oscars and other awards, including a Grammy, an Emmy, and a Golden Globe. Streisand achieved fame as a singer. To date, she has released 35 studio albums, each of which at the end of the year was included in the list of the best discs according to the most authoritative music publication, Billboard. Moreover, Barbra Streisand is the only musician to top the charts in every decade since the 60s.

The future stage star was born in the New York borough of Brooklyn in the family of grammar teacher Emanuel Streisand and secretary Diana Rosen. Unfortunately, a year later, Barbra's father died, and she developed a disgusting relationship with her stepfather, Lius Kind, as he raised his hand against her. In the new family, the mother gave birth to a second daughter, Roslyn Kind, who also performs on stage.

Actress Barbra Streisand

Streisand appeared infrequently at school, as she spent a lot of time in the local choir, which another legendary American performer, Neil Diamond, and future world-class grandmaster Bobby Fischer attended with her. And the girl’s classmate was the now famous actor Dustin Hoffman.

Streisand's relationships with her peers were not good: they offended the little girl because of her appearance.

Barbra Streisand in childhood

When the matured Barbra told her mother that she intended to make a career as an actress, she was indignant, because she considered her daughter unattractive, and empty attempts to succeed on the theater stage were a stupid waste of time.

Despite the lack of support and faith of her relatives in the strength of the future celebrity, Streisand developed a strong and capricious character from an early age. She once said that she would become famous and sing for the President of the United States.

Barbra Streisand in her youth

The girl did not give up. She participated in vocal competitions and passed one casting after another. After winning the mini-show, Streisand was hired as a singer in a nightclub. Then she performed at a gay bar in Manhattan's Greenwich Village.

Having gained experience, Barbra managed to get a role on Broadway in the musical “I'll Get It for You Wholesale,” which ultimately became the starting point of the girl's success. The fact is that here Barbra with her unusual appearance was noticed by screenwriter Jule Styne and wrote the plot of a musical comedy film specifically for her.

Music career

The young singer's first album, released in 1963, won first place in American music chats and received two Emmy awards.
Streisand worked with professional musicians and composers. She instinctively felt which song the audience would like, and she was always right. The composition “Woman in love” brought her worldwide fame. Other lyrical compositions were included in her next albums, artlessly titled “Second Album,” “Third Album,” and “My Name is Barbara.” All of them were released under the Columbia Records label.

The singer was often invited to appear on television in various shows, and in 1969 she began hosting her own program “My name is Barbra” on CBS. To date, Steisand has recorded over 60 solo albums. She never changes her chosen musical style, so she remains a recognizable performer.

Fans have been going to her concerts for decades and enjoying old songs that were once heard in movies. Barbra Streisand invariably includes them in her repertoire, arranging tours of major cities in America and Europe. The last such performances took place in 2006 and 2007, causing a real boom among music lovers.

The best films starring Streisand

Streisand came to cinema in the late 60s, having already gained popularity as the singer Barbra. She tried to shorten her name, like her mentor Liberace, but viewers remembered the sonorous surname Streisand, and the actress kept her full name in the credits of the films.

In 1968, the movie Funny Girl became a real event. Streisand's sparkling performance captivated the audience from the first frames. After this film, it became fashionable to be ugly, like the main character. It was Barbara who laid the foundation for a new trend in cinema, when actors with an interesting, specific appearance were also allowed on the screens.

"Funny Girl"

Success in cinema added to Barbara's fame as a singer. Many of her famous songs were featured in films and won recognition forever. The plot of “Funny Girl” is based on the biography of American comedian Fanny Brice.

A very funny film tells not only about the beginning of the actress’s career, but also about her difficult relationship with her husband. The irresistible Omar Sherif starred in his role. Like her first musical album, Steisand's debut film received numerous awards, including an Oscar for Best Actress.

"Hello, Dolly!"

The film “Hello, Dolly!”, filmed in 1969, belongs to the genre of family melodramas and musicals. The story of a resourceful matchmaker who decided to win over the bachelor who approached her solidified Streisand’s role as a comedienne.

In this film she sings and dances a lot. Certain numbers from the film were subsequently often shown on television.

"Meeting of two hearts"

Barbara adheres to a romantic style both in songs and in film roles. Director Sydney Pollack brought together two stars in the film: Streisand and Redford. A Jewish girl from a poor family and a handsome rich man meet in college and feel mutual interest.

Their destinies will intersect several times in the future, and the political activist will be able to win over a prominent guy, albeit for a short time.

"Yentl"

The film “Yentl” is based on the Broadway production of the same name. It tells the story of a Jewish orphan girl who, after the death of her father, entered a religious institution to study the Torah. She had to dress up as a man, since women are prohibited from mastering the sacred Jewish books. Streisand managed to convey the aspirations of the orphan and explain their fallacy.

"Meet the Fockers"

The funny 2004 comedy starring Ben Stiller gained additional color due to Streisand's performance. The actress, along with Dustin Hoffman, portrayed the parents of the unlucky groom. Many amazing events happened in their house that cause deafening laughter.

De Niro, playing the role of the father of the bride, with his ideas and suspicions turns the acquaintance of two families into complete absurdity.

The second film in this series failed at the box office. Even the brilliant acting ensemble could not save him.

Other films

A place of honor in the actress’s filmography was occupied by the film “A Star is Born,” in which Kris Kristofferson became her partner. The biographical drama about an aspiring singer who falls in love with a famous musician simultaneously evokes both joy and tears. The greater heights a singer conquers, the lower her mentor sinks. The story is reminiscent of Streisand's own life.

Several times Barbara acted as a producer and director of her films. “Yentl,” “The Lord of the Tides” and “The Mirror Has Two Faces” were successful experiences for Streisand as a producer. She performed the title compositions in them, which brought her many awards.

September 21, 2014 On her new album, gay icon Barbra Streisand sang duets with many famous musicians such as Billy Joel, Stevie Wonder and Michael Bublé. Among them is a guy named Jason Gould. And it was this duet that attracted the closest attention. Because Jason is Barbra’s only son, with whom she has had a difficult relationship for a long time.

Jason's father is actor Elliott Gould, to whom Streisand was married from 1963 to 1971.
Jason himself also became an actor and screenwriter and appeared in such films as Say Anything and The Lord of Tides. The latter, by the way, was filmed by his mother and was nominated for an Oscar. Jason has long made no secret of the fact that he is gay, having come out at the age of 21. This was not the reason for his tense relationship with Barbra. On the contrary, in an interview with The Advocate magazine published in 1999, Streisand said: “I never wanted my son to be anyone else, just the way he is. He is bright, kind, sensitive, caring, very responsible and a good person. He is a very talented actor and director. What more could a parent ask for for their child? Most parents believe that their child is special, and I am no exception in this sense. I have a wonderful son." The relationship became strained after Jason revealed to the world that Barbra was a rather tyrannical mother who imposed her opinions and tried to keep everything under control. However, today the problems are behind us. Jason is 47 years old, and this is not the age at which they continue to sort things out with their parents.

He became interested in music after he turned forty. In the old days, Jason was just shy, talking about how he would never have thought that he would do vocals, because his mother is one of the most outstanding singers of our time, and people would definitely compare him to Barbra if he just opened his mouth and made a noise. some kind of musical sound. However, the need to express myself through music took over.

Streisand herself claims that after hearing some of the songs recorded by her son, her “jaw literally dropped.” “Where was all this before?” - she asks a question.

This is not the first time that a son and mother sing a duet: Jason took part in Barbra’s extremely successful “Back to Brooklyn” tour. Then they performed the song “How Deep is the Ocean” from the stage. It was decided to record it for Barbra’s new album.

Awards and nominations

Barbra Streisand is one of America's highest-grossing creative figures. Her concerts were always sold out, and her films were nominated for various film awards. Like any artist, she had her failures. Twice she received the Golden Raspberry Award for her roles in the films Up All Night and Meet the Fockers 2.

Among the honorary awards:

• 2 Oscars;
• 4 Golden Globes;
• 2 Emmys;
• 11 Grammys;
• 1 "Tony";
• 2 "David di Donatello".

In 2000, the singer was awarded the National Medal of Arts, and in 2007 she became a Knight of the Legion of Honor.

Barbra Streisand family

Barbra Streisand was married twice. With her first husband, actor Elliott Gould, with whom she lived from 1963 to 1971, Barbra gave birth to a son, Jason Gould.

On July 1, 1998, she married actor James Brolin.

Streisand and Shirley MacLaine share the same birthday. For many years they have been celebrating them together. One of Streisand's best friends is fashion designer Donna Karan.

Streisand Awards

Oscar:

• 1968 - “Best Actress” (“Funny Girl”);
• 1976 - “Best Original Song” (“Birth of a Star”).

Golden Globe:

• 1968 - “Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy” (“Funny Girl”);
• 1977 - “Best Actress in a Musical/Comedy” (“A Star Is Born”);
• 1977 - “Best Original Song” (“The Birth of a Star”);
• 1983 - “Best Director” (“Yentl”).

Emmy:

• 1995 - “Best individual performance in a musical program/variety show” (Barbra Streisand: The Concert);
• 2000 — “Best individual performance in a musical program/variety show” (Timeless: Live in Concert).

Grammy:

• 1963 - “Album of the Year” (The Barbra Streisand Album);
• 1963 - “Best Female Vocal Performance” (The Barbra Streisand Album);
• 1964 - “Best Female Vocal Performance” (“People”)
• 1965 - “Best female vocal performance” (My Name Is Barbra);
• 1977 - “Best Female Popular Vocal Performance” (“Love Theme from A Star Is Born”);
• 1977 - “Song of the Year” (“Love Theme from A Star Is Born”);
• 1980 - “Best female vocal performance in a duet, group or choir” (“Guilty” - duet with Barry Gibb);
• 1986 - “Best Female Popular Vocal Performance” (The Broadway Album);
• 1992 - “Legend of the Grammy Award”;
• 1994 - “Lifetime Achievement Award”;
• 2011 - MusiCares Person of the Year.

Tony:

• 1994 - “Star of the Decade” (for his career in the theater).

David di Donatello:

• 1969 - “Best Foreign Actress” (“Funny Girl”);
• 1974 - “Best Foreign Actress” (“Meeting of Two Hearts[en]”).

National Medal of Arts:

— 2000.

Personal life

Barbara is an extremely emotional and passionate person. She treats her loved ones with care, but if they do the wrong thing, her anger is terrible. From her youth, she proved that she was capable of earning a living on her own, and escaped the tutelage of her mother and stepfather. In turn, her only son complained that his mother controlled his every move, which is why he had to leave Los Angeles and move to New York.

The actress entered into her first marriage in 1963 with actor Elliot Gould. The couple had a son, Jason. Because of her pregnancy, Barbara refused a lucrative million-dollar contract, but after the divorce in 1971, she sent her five-year-old son to a boarding school.

He grew up gay, which shocked the star. For a long time she blamed herself for the lack of attention to the child, which, in her opinion, became the main reason for his orientation.

In the 70s and 80s, Barbara had affairs with actor Omar Sherif, entrepreneur Richard Baskin, singer Elvis Presley, hairdresser Jon Peters, tennis player Andre Agassi and Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. The latter proposed to her, but she did not accept him.

There was talk about her relationships with Dodi al-Fayed and Bill Clinton. It is known that she invested large sums in the company of the American President and helped with her extensive connections.

In 1998, the actress married actor James Brolin. Their marriage cannot be called cloudless, since Brolin is a famous womanizer. News about his adventures flashes in the chronicle every now and then, but their marriage with Streisand lasts more than 20 years. The couple appears together at social events.

Biography and personal life of Barbra Streisand

The bright actress married actor Elliott Gould in 1963. The couple had a son, Jason. The marriage between the artists lasted 8 years, after which they decided to separate. The child was sent to be raised in a boarding school. Barbara's son became an actor. He starred in films such as Say Anything and his mother's film The Lord of Tides.

After her divorce, Streisand was seen having affairs with many Hollywood beauties. Among them were Jon Voight, Richard Gere, Don Johnson. In 1998, the actress chose her colleague James Brolin. He became her second husband, thereby interrupting the series of love victories of the actress.

Barbra Streisand now - latest news

In 2020, Barbara released a record with soundtracks to her films. It's called Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway. The collection of songs contains compositions recorded together with Alec Baldwin and Hugh Jackman.

The singer, who is 76 years old, spends a lot of time on an estate near Los Angeles with her husband. They are published infrequently, but Streisand continues to be invited to significant events: she presented a statuette at the Oscars and participated in the Oprah Winfrey and Larry King shows.