Barbra Streisand (full name — Barbra Joan Streisand, born April 24, 1942, Brooklyn, New York, USA) is an American singer, actress, film director, producer and one of the most awarded and influential artists in the history of American show business. She is a winner of an Academy Award, Grammy, Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony — the rare and prestigious EGOT set. Her name stands alongside the greatest figures of 20th–21st century art.
Early years
Barbra grew up in Brooklyn in a modest Jewish family. Her father, Emanuel Streisand, an English teacher, died from complications after an epileptic seizure when Barbra was only 15 months old. Her mother, Diana Rosen, later remarried, but Barbra’s relationship with her stepfather was difficult.
From childhood Barbra showed a natural gift for performing and a powerful vocal potential. At school, she eagerly took part in choir and theater productions, while academic subjects interested her much less — almost all of her free time went into creativity.
After graduating from high school, she began taking acting classes in New York and set herself a clear goal: to become a professional performer.
The beginning of her vocal career (1960–1962)
In 1960, Streisand started performing in Manhattan clubs — including the popular gay bar “The Lion.” There she received her first positive reviews from critics and noticed that people often mispronounced her name, so she shortened “Barbara” to Barbra to make it look and sound more distinctive.
Before long she attracted the attention of theater producers and, alongside club performances, began appearing in Off-Broadway musicals.
Theater and Columbia Records contract (1962–1963)
Her breakthrough came with the role of Miss Marmelstein in the Broadway musical “I Can Get It for You Wholesale” (1962). Although it was a supporting role, critics called Streisand “the discovery of the year.” The performance earned her a first nomination for a Tony Award.
The impact of the show was so strong that Columbia Records offered Barbra a recording contract. One of her conditions was artistic freedom — she insisted on the right to choose her own material, and the label agreed.
In 1963, her debut album, “The Barbra Streisand Album”, was released and brought her two Grammy Awards, including “Album of the Year.”
Rise to musical stardom
Over the following decades, Barbra released dozens of albums, many of which went platinum. She became one of the most commercially successful singers in U.S. history.
Among her best-known hits are:
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“People”
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“The Way We Were” (No. 1 song in the U.S., 1974)
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“Evergreen (Love Theme from A Star Is Born)”
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“Guilty” (duet with Barry Gibb)
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“Woman in Love” (one of her most successful recordings)
Streisand is the only artist whose albums have reached No. 1 on the Billboard charts in six consecutive decades.
Film: “Funny Girl” and international acclaim
Streisand’s long-held dream of becoming a film actress came true in 1968, when she played the lead in the screen adaptation of the Broadway musical “Funny Girl”.
Her portrayal of Fanny Brice became legendary: Barbra won the Academy Award for Best Actress, securing her position as one of Hollywood’s major stars.
Film career (1969–1990s)
She went on to star in many successful films, including:
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“Hello, Dolly!” (1969)
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“The Way We Were” (1973)
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“A Star Is Born” (1976)
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“Nuts” (1987)
In 1983, she made her debut as director, producer and leading actress in the film “Yentl”. The movie won an Oscar for Best Original Score and entered history as one of the first major Hollywood studio films directed by a woman.
The 1990s: return to the stage
In 1994, Streisand returned to live performance with the landmark project “Barbra Streisand: The Concert”. The tour became one of the highest-grossing live shows of the 1990s and earned her multiple Emmy Awards.
Each new album and concert by Barbra turned into a national cultural event.
2000s: new recordings and box office hits
In 2004, Streisand appeared in the comedy “Meet the Fockers”, which became the top-grossing comedy of the year and cemented her image as a truly versatile actress.
In 2009, she released the album “Love Is the Answer”, which debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200. This made her the first woman in history to top the chart in four different decades.
2010s and later work
In 2011, Streisand starred in the film “The Guilt Trip”, playing one of the lead roles.
She has been actively involved in public and political life in the United States, supporting Democratic campaigns, engaging in philanthropy and funding medical research.
Personal life
Barbra has been married twice:
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to actor Elliott Gould (1963–1971),
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to actor James Brolin (from 1998 to the present).
She has one son, Jason Gould, who also appeared with her in the film “The Prince of Tides.”
Conclusion
Barbra Streisand is one of the most versatile and decorated performers in American history. She has made an enormous contribution to film, music, theater and culture at large. Her career has spanned more than six decades, and her influence on global pop culture remains immense. Barbra is a symbol of unrivaled professionalism, artistic taste and the power of individuality, inspiring millions of fans around the world.
