1. Born Barbara, Changed Her Name to Barbra
Barbra Streisand was born Barbara Joan Streisand on April 24, 1942. At the age of 18, she decided to make a slight alteration to her name, changing it from Barbara to Barbra. She explained that she "hated" her given name, but felt that changing it completely would be "too false". This small change has become an iconic part of her identity, and has been with her ever since.
Also → Shirley MacLaine and Barbara Streisand share the same birthday!
Advertisement2. A Voice for the Ages
At the tender age of sixteen, Barbra Streisand began her illustrious career as a singer by performing in a nightclub. Her powerful voice and captivating stage presence quickly earned her recognition and acclaim, and she soon became a household name. Her career has spanned over six decades, and she has released over sixty albums, won two Academy Awards, and has been nominated for a staggering thirty-two Grammy Awards.
Also → Don Johnson: Multi-talented entertainer
3. Legendary Singer Barbra Streisand is Still Going Strong
Barbra Streisand is a legendary singer and entertainer who has achieved remarkable success throughout her career. With a total of 145 million records sold worldwide, she is now one of the most successful singers in the history of entertainment. Her music has been embraced by fans across the globe, and her influence on the music industry is undeniable. From her early days as a Broadway star to her current status as a global icon, Streisand has made an indelible mark on the world of music.
Also → Virginia Madsen: American Actress with a Successful Career
4. From Off-Off-Broadway to Hollywood Stardom
Barbra Streisand had a lifelong dream of becoming an actress, and she worked hard to make it a reality. She appeared in several Off-Off-Broadway productions, including a 1959 production of Driftwood, where she shared the stage with the legendary Joan Rivers. This was a major milestone in Streisand's career, and it was a sign of the success that was to come.
Also → Marion Cotillard: Multi-talented Actress and Singer
Advertisement5. From TV debut to legendary singer
In 1961, Barbra Streisand made her television debut on The Tonight Show, hosted by Jack Paar at the time. However, it was Orson Bean who was standing in for Paar on the night that Barbra was invited to perform Harold Arlen's "A Sleepin' Bee". This performance marked the beginning of Barbra's illustrious career, and she has since gone on to become one of the most successful and acclaimed singers and actresses of all time.
Also → Julia Roberts: Actress of TV & Film Fame
6. First Woman to Win an Academy Award for Best Actress
In 1968, Barbra Streisand made her first foray into film with a reprisal of her hit Broadway show “Funny Girl”. Her performance in the show was so impressive that it earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress, making her the first woman to win the award in that category. This was a major milestone in Streisand's career, and it opened the door for her to become one of the most successful and acclaimed actresses of all time.
Also → Liza Minnelli: Early career in film and television
7. The Icon of Comedy
In the 1970s, Barbra Streisand starred in a number of screwball comedy films, including the 1972 classic "What's Up, Doc?" and the 1974 hit "For Pete's Sake". Both films were well-received by critics and audiences alike, with "What's Up, Doc?" earning Streisand a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Musical or Comedy. Streisand's performance in "For Pete's Sake" was also praised, with the New York Times calling her "the film's saving grace".
Also → Will Smith: Music & Film Success
Advertisement8. Barbra Streisand's career reaches a new peak
Barbra Streisand's career reached a new peak in 1976 when she composed the original song 'Evergreen' for the film 'A Star Is Born'. Her hard work paid off when she was awarded her second Academy Award for Best Original Song, cementing her place as one of the most successful and influential female artists of all time.
Also → Bruno Mars: 12 Grammy Awards, Song of the Year
9. Multi-Talent, Multi-Success!
Barbra Streisand is a multi-talented artist who has achieved success in many areas of the entertainment industry. Not only is she a renowned singer and actress, but she has also produced a number of films, including the 1983 classic "Yentl", the 1991 drama "The Prince of Tides", and the 1996 romantic comedy "The Mirror Has Two Faces". Her impressive body of work has earned her numerous awards and accolades, cementing her place as one of the most iconic figures in show business.
Also → Matt Dillon: Early Career Highlights
10. Duck Sauce tribute song "Barbra Streisand" becomes global hit
On 10 September 2010, the American-Canadian DJ duo Duck Sauce released a song titled "Barbra Streisand" to critical acclaim. The song quickly rose to the top of the charts, becoming a global hit and earning the duo a Grammy nomination. The song's title is a tribute to the iconic American singer and actress Barbra Streisand, who has been a major influence on the duo's music. The song's catchy beat and humorous lyrics have made it a fan favorite, and it continues to be a popular choice for DJs around the world.
