Full Name: Barbara Joan Streisand (Barbra Streisand)
Born: April 24, 1942 (Brooklyn, New York, USA)
Occupation: Singer, Actress, Director, Producer
Genres: Pop, Broadway, Traditional Pop, Jazz
Years Active: 1960–present
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Barbra Streisand was born in Brooklyn, New York, to a Jewish family. Her father passed away when she was just 15 months old, and her mother, a school secretary, raised her and her brother. She attended Erasmus Hall High School, where she sang in the choir alongside Neil Diamond.
At 16, she began performing in nightclubs, and by 1960, she won a talent contest at a Greenwich Village club, launching her career. She adopted the stage name “Barbra” by dropping the second “a” from her birth name, making it unique.
Rise to Fame: Music and Broadway
Streisand’s big break came in 1962 when she landed a role in the Broadway musical I Can Get It for You Wholesale. Her performance caught attention, and she soon released her debut album, The Barbra Streisand Album (1963), which won two Grammy Awards.
In 1964, she starred as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl on Broadway, earning widespread acclaim. Her signature song, “People,” became a major hit. The show’s success led to the 1968 film adaptation, which earned her an Academy Award for Best Actress (tied with Katharine Hepburn).
Hollywood and Film Career
Streisand transitioned into Hollywood successfully with roles in:
- Funny Girl (1968) – Academy Award win
- Hello, Dolly! (1969)
- The Way We Were (1973) – Academy Award-nominated performance
- A Star Is Born (1976) – Won an Oscar for Best Original Song (“Evergreen”)
By the late 1970s, she expanded into directing and producing. She became the first woman to direct, produce, write, and star in a major studio film with Yentl (1983), which won her a Golden Globe for Best Director.
Music Career and Achievements
Streisand is one of the best-selling female artists of all time, with over 150 million records sold worldwide.
- Guilty (1980) – A collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees
- The Broadway Album (1985) – A return to her theatrical roots
- Higher Ground (1997) and Walls (2018) – Politically inspired albums
She is the only artist to have a No. 1 album in six consecutive decades.
Personal Life
Streisand has been married twice—first to actor Elliott Gould (1963–1971), with whom she had a son, Jason Gould. In 1998, she married actor James Brolin.
Aside from entertainment, she is a philanthropist and activist, supporting women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and political causes.
Awards and Legacy
Barbra Streisand has won numerous accolades, including:
✅ 2 Academy Awards (Best Actress & Best Original Song)
✅ 5 Emmy Awards
✅ 9 Golden Globe Awards
✅ Tony Award (Special Award)
✅ Presidential Medal of Freedom (2015)
Final Thoughts
Barbra Streisand is a groundbreaking artist known for her exceptional voice, acting talent, and directorial skills.
