Barbra Streisand (1942–)

Singer-actress-producer-director Barbra Streisand has won fame as a recording artist, a television (see entry under 1940s— TV and Radio in volume 3) performer, and a stage and screen star. Her greatest asset has been her voice. At once powerful and tender, it oozes raw emotion and allows Streisand to be equally at home singing show tunes, pop ballads, and Christmas carols. Without argument, hers is one of the great voices of her generation.

Streisand's early career was one of accomplishment and honor. She earned her initial celebrity on Broadway (see entry under 1900s—Film and Theater in volume 1) in a show-stopping supporting role as Miss Marmelstein in the musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1962). The Grammy Award–winning The Barbra Streisand Album (1963) became the first of her countless, top-selling record albums; since its release, her records have sold more than sixty million copies. However, Streisand really became a star when she played the legendary comedienne Fanny Brice (1891–1951) in the Broadway musical Funny Girl (1964).

Streisand also conquered television. My Name is Barbra (1965), her initial TV special, was an Emmy Award winner. She also appeared as a guest star opposite the legendary singer Judy Garland (1922–1969) on Garland's television series, The Judy Garland Show (1963–64). The showcasing of Streisand signaled that Streisand's voice was—and would be—on a level with that of Garland's.

Streisand became a movie star with her first feature, the screen version of Funny Girl (1968), which earned her a Best Actress Academy Award. Some of her subsequent films have been hits, but more than a few have not been as successful. She also began directing films. With Yentl (1983), she became the first woman to coauthor, star in, produce, and direct a feature film.

Streisand has been a controversial entertainment-industry figure. Some who have worked with her have described her as difficult and an egomaniac; meanwhile, Streisand has defended herself by alleging that her detractors are unable to deal with a woman in power. What remains unchallenged, however, is her cult popularity among her countless die-hard fans and her greatness as a singer.

—Rob Edelman

For More Information

Edwards, Anne. Streisand: A Biography. Boston: Little Brown, 1997.

Nickens, Christopher. The Films of Barbra Streisand. Secaucus, NJ: Carol Publishing Group, 1998.

Riese, Randall. Her Name Is Barbra. Secaucus, NJ: Carol Publishing Group, 1993.

Spada, James. Streisand: Her Life. New York: Crown Publishers, 1995.