My Name Is Barbra

1. Embrace Individuality and Defy Expectations

They say that success changes a person, but I think it actually makes you more of who you really are.

Authenticity over conformity. Barbra Streisand's journey is a testament to the power of embracing one's unique qualities, even when they defy societal norms. From her unconventional looks to her refusal to conform to industry expectations, Streisand's success stemmed from staying true to herself.

• Early reviews criticized her appearance, calling her an "amiable anteater" and a "furious hamster."
• Despite pressure to get a nose job, she refused, recognizing that her distinctive features were part of her identity.
• She challenged traditional gender roles by pursuing a career in a male-dominated industry and expressing her opinions openly.

Defying expectations. Streisand's career is marked by a consistent pattern of challenging conventions and breaking down barriers. This willingness to defy expectations not only set her apart but also paved the way for other artists to follow their own paths.

2. The Power of Mentorship and Collaboration

I wanted to be an actress ever since I was a child . . . maybe from the moment I was taken to my first movie, and stood up on the seat so I could see the screen.

Guidance and support. Streisand's success was not solely a product of her own talent and determination. She benefited greatly from the guidance and support of mentors who recognized her potential and encouraged her to pursue her dreams.

• Tobey Borookow, a neighbor, provided care and affection during Streisand's childhood.
• Muriel Choy, a Chinese restaurant owner, offered advice and support, acting as a surrogate mother.
• Allan Miller, an acting teacher, provided training and encouragement, helping Streisand develop her craft.

Collaboration and synergy. Streisand's career is also characterized by a series of fruitful collaborations with other artists, including Jule Styne, Marilyn and Alan Bergman, and Peter Matz. These partnerships allowed her to explore new creative avenues and push the boundaries of her artistry.

3. The Artist's Responsibility to Speak Out

For forty years, publishers have been asking me to write my autobiography. But I kept turning them down, because I prefer to live in the present rather than dwell on the past.

Using fame for good. Streisand believes that artists have a responsibility to use their platform to speak out on issues that matter to them. She has consistently used her voice to advocate for social justice, gender equality, and political change.

• She campaigned for Bella Abzug, a congresswoman who championed women's rights and other progressive causes.
• She sang at the White House Correspondents' Dinner for President Clinton, using the opportunity to express her views on important issues.
• She donated the proceeds from her "One Voice" concert to support nuclear disarmament and environmental protection.

Art as a catalyst for change. Streisand recognizes the power of art to raise awareness, challenge assumptions, and inspire action. She has consistently used her work to promote dialogue and encourage positive change in the world.

4. The Complexities of Love and Relationships

They say that success changes a person, but I think it actually makes you more of who you really are.

Love's many forms. Streisand's life has been marked by a series of complex and often tumultuous relationships. From her early infatuation with Marlon Brando to her marriages to Elliott Gould and James Brolin, she has explored the many facets of love, including its joys, its challenges, and its inevitable losses.

• Her marriage to Elliott Gould was a partnership of two young artists, but it eventually dissolved as their careers took them in different directions.
• Her relationship with Jon Peters was passionate and intense, but it was also marked by conflict and control.
• Her marriage to James Brolin has been a source of stability and support, allowing her to embrace her many roles as an artist, a mother, and a friend.

Self-discovery through relationships. Streisand's relationships have served as a catalyst for self-discovery, helping her to understand her own needs, desires, and limitations. She has learned that love is not always easy, but it is essential for personal growth and fulfillment.

5. The Importance of Creative Control and Artistic Vision

I wanted to be an actress ever since I was a child . . . maybe from the moment I was taken to my first movie, and stood up on the seat so I could see the screen.

Protecting the vision. Streisand has consistently fought for creative control over her work, recognizing that it is essential for realizing her artistic vision. From her early days as a recording artist to her later career as a filmmaker, she has fiercely defended her right to make her own choices and express her own unique perspective.

• She negotiated a contract with Columbia Records that gave her creative control over her albums.
• She insisted on directing "Yentl" despite resistance from studio executives who doubted her abilities.
• She fought to retain final cut on "The Prince of Tides," ensuring that the film reflected her vision.

Collaboration and compromise. While Streisand values creative control, she also recognizes the importance of collaboration. She has consistently sought out talented and supportive collaborators who share her passion for excellence and are willing to work together to achieve a common goal.

6. The Healing Power of Art and Self-Expression

For forty years, publishers have been asking me to write my autobiography. But I kept turning them down, because I prefer to live in the present rather than dwell on the past.

Transforming pain into beauty. Streisand has consistently used her art as a means of processing her own pain and transforming it into something beautiful and meaningful. From her early performances of torch songs to her later films that explore complex social issues, she has found solace and strength in self-expression.

• She channeled her childhood experiences of loss and rejection into her portrayal of Fanny Brice in "Funny Girl."
• She used her film "Yentl" to explore themes of gender equality and the pursuit of knowledge.
• She used her music to express her political beliefs and advocate for social change.

Connecting with others. Streisand's art has resonated with audiences around the world, providing comfort, inspiration, and a sense of connection. By sharing her own vulnerabilities and experiences, she has created a space for others to feel seen and understood.

7. The Enduring Impact of Childhood Experiences

Maybe that’s because I was lied to as a child.

Shaping the future. Streisand's childhood experiences, both positive and negative, have had a profound impact on her life and her work. The loss of her father, the strained relationship with her mother, and the challenges she faced growing up in poverty all shaped her into the artist and the person she is today.

• Her father's death left her with a lifelong sense of loss and a need to achieve greatness in his memory.
• Her mother's lack of support fueled her determination to prove herself and defy expectations.
• Her experiences of being bullied and ostracized as a child instilled in her a deep empathy for others who feel marginalized.

Understanding the past. Streisand's autobiography is an attempt to understand and come to terms with her past, recognizing that it has shaped her present and will continue to influence her future. By exploring her childhood experiences, she hopes to gain a deeper understanding of herself and her motivations.

8. The Pursuit of Truth and Authenticity

There’s one thing that’s very hard for me to deal with, and that’s lying.

Honesty as a guiding principle. Streisand has always valued truth and authenticity, both in her personal life and in her work. She has consistently strived to be honest with herself and with others, even when it is difficult or unpopular.

• She refused to get a nose job, despite pressure from others to conform to conventional beauty standards.
• She insisted on telling the truth about her relationship with Elliott Gould, even when it was awkward or embarrassing.
• She has consistently used her platform to speak out on issues that she believes in, even when it has put her at odds with the establishment.

The power of vulnerability. Streisand recognizes that vulnerability is essential for creating meaningful art and connecting with others. She has consistently allowed herself to be open and honest in her work, even when it has meant exposing her own flaws and insecurities.

9. Finding Strength in Forgiveness

I think that was the first time I realized how easy it is for people to misunderstand each other.

Letting go of resentment. Streisand's journey has been marked by a process of forgiveness, both of herself and of others. She has learned to let go of resentment and anger, recognizing that holding on to these emotions only harms herself.

• She has come to terms with her mother's limitations, recognizing that she did the best she could under difficult circumstances.
• She has forgiven Sydney Chaplin for his behavior during "Funny Girl," recognizing that he was also struggling with his own demons.
• She has learned to accept her own imperfections, recognizing that they are part of what makes her unique and human.

Embracing compassion. Streisand's journey has also been marked by a growing sense of compassion for others. She has consistently used her success to help those in need, recognizing that we are all interconnected and that our actions have a ripple effect on the world.

Last updated: March 31, 2025