Since the 1960s, Barbra Streisand’s songs have dominated the charts. The celebrated actress and singer has won every major American award in music and film, becoming the only performer to win an Oscar for both acting and musical talent. Streisand has more platinum and multi-platinum albums than Michael Jackson and The Beatles combined. So, how did a woman who didn’t fit the typical beauty mold become a style icon and captivate the world? Let’s take a look at her story on newyorkski.info.
The Early Years of a Future Star
Barbara Joan Streisand was born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York. She decided to drop the second “a” from her name as an adult to make it more unique. Her parents were Emanuel Streisand, a grammar school teacher, and Diana Rosen, a secretary. They were both of Jewish descent. When Barbra was just one year old, her father passed away. Her mother remarried, but Streisand had a difficult relationship with her stepfather, who was physically abusive. She also struggled to connect with her peers due to her unconventional looks.
The world of film and music became her refuge. After seeing a Marlon Brando film, she began to dream of an acting career. She also had a powerful voice, inherited from her mother, and sang in the local choir. Her mother, however, didn’t support her dream of becoming an actress, believing she was not pretty enough and would only waste her time trying to succeed on stage. But a headstrong Barbra declared she would become famous and one day sing for the President of the United States.
To chase her dream, she left home at 16. Initially, she worked as a ticket taker on Broadway and a waitress. She also entered vocal competitions and regularly attended auditions. She eventually won a talent show and landed a singing job at a nightclub. Streisand later secured a role in a Broadway musical, which paved the way for her career. The show’s writer, Jule Styne, was so impressed with her that he wrote a musical comedy specifically for her.
Barbra Streisand’s Film Career
Streisand’s film debut was the comedy Funny Girl in 1968. The movie was a huge hit and earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress. Critics were captivated by her talent and acting prowess. Her subsequent roles were also mostly musical and comedic. Notably, she was the first person to use profanity on the big screen, a moment that shocked audiences. Sidney Pollack’s melodrama The Way We Were (1973), in which she starred with Robert Redford, was another major success. They created an unforgettable on-screen couple, and the film’s main theme song, performed by Streisand, highlighted her vocal talent. She won her second Oscar, this time as a composer, for the song “Evergreen” from the musical A Star Is Born.
By the 1980s, all of her films became the highest-grossing movies of the year. She not only starred in them but also tried her hand at directing. Her 1983 melodrama Yentl was hailed as a masterpiece by Steven Spielberg, and her film The Prince of Tides earned seven Oscar nominations. In The Mirror Has Two Faces (1996), Streisand took on the lead female role and also directed. She took a long break from acting after that, returning to the big screen in 2004 in Meet the Fockers. Its sequel came out six years later but wasn’t as successful. In 2012, Streisand starred in the comedy The Guilt Trip.
Barbra Streisand’s Songs and Hits
Barbra Streisand’s musical career developed alongside her film work. Her debut studio album, The Barbra Streisand Album, was a phenomenal success, winning two Grammy Awards. She favored a Broadway style for her early work, but in the 1970s, she began incorporating pop songs into her repertoire. Songs like “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough)” and “Woman in Love” became massive hits and remain popular to this day. Streisand also frequently recorded duets, such as “I Finally Found Someone” with Bryan Adams and “Tell Him” with Celine Dion. She even released entire albums of duets, including Partners and Encore: Movie Partners Sing Broadway.
Barbra was friends with Michael Jackson, and they often covered the same classic songs. For her album The Movie Album, she recorded Charlie Chaplin’s hit “Smile,” which Jackson had previously performed. In total, Streisand has recorded more than 30 albums and toured extensively. She has announced her retirement from music multiple times, only to return to the stage later.
Philanthropy and Activism
A staunch supporter of the Democratic Party, Barbra Streisand is an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights. She founded The Streisand Foundation, a charitable organization that supports environmental protection, human rights, and AIDS research. Streisand also funds other scientific research. In 2021, she provided financial support to four research centers at the University of California, Los Angeles.
The Personal Life of a Star
As a young woman, Barbra’s personal life was challenging because she was considered “unattractive.” Everything changed once she became a star. In 1963, the actress and singer married actor Elliott Gould. They had a son, Jason, but their marriage didn’t last long. They officially divorced eight years later, though their relationship had ended much earlier. Streisand’s romantic interests included legendary singer Elvis Presley, Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, producer Jon Peters, and tennis player Andre Agassi.
She married a second time to actor James Brolin. They met at a dinner party where they were set up on a blind date. The couple has been together ever since, and Streisand has become a devoted wife. In 2025, she turned 83, and she now dedicates most of her time to her family. She is active on social media, where she shares personal photos, videos, and film clips. In 2023, Streisand’s autobiography was published, and in early 2024, she received the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award. That same year, she released a new single, “Love Will Survive,” and it was announced that a documentary about her would be made. For the project, Streisand granted the filmmakers access to her personal archives, photos, and other interesting materials.
Finally, Barbra’s childhood dream of singing for the President of the United States did come true. For Bill Clinton’s 49th birthday, she called his apartment and asked to speak to the President. Upon hearing Clinton’s voice, Streisand sang “Happy Birthday” to him. Her childhood dream became a reality thanks to her self-confidence and relentless work ethic. Overall, Barbra Streisand’s creative journey and achievements have had a profound impact on American culture. Critics say the actress brought the spirit of Broadway to the screen, becoming the face of Broadway in Hollywood. Her songs are still hits, and her films are classics, proving that the star’s light is far from fading.