1. Do you have a favorite role of Barbara's ?
AJ- This would be a tie between Mary Magdalene and Ann Rutledge. Both have rich source material to begin with, and a good actor can make the source material a sublime performance. Barbara does this with both roles. Her Magdalene reinforces what I've researched. I could write a novel about my thoughts on Ann Rutledge, as I still find new facets every time I watch an episode.
Tati- Cora mills in Once Upon a Time
Johanna- Yes depending on which point of view. How much I can feel a similarity to her part and myself would be Drowning on Dry Land . The most incredible of her acting is Shy People.
Sarah- Valerie in Lantana is another favorite of Barbara's roles. Again so deep and so many layers- I could feel her pain and she really stayed with me. Such a beautiful performance. Also Tish in The Baby Maker. She was so free and full of joy and emotion nobody else could bring a character to life so perfectly.
Annie- I think it's pretty impossible to pick one with an actress whose career spans over 50 years, but I know that Melody from The Bird Can't Fly is pretty high on the list.
Kryssi- There are a handful of BHersh roles which are near and dear to my heart for various but equal reasons. That's like asking me if I have ONE favorite song! I will say the first 4 to instantly cross my mind were Kate from Drowning On Dry Land( her PTSD- induced sensitivities and reactions are 100% real and relatable); Cora Mills from OUAT ( she arrived during a time in my life when I needed a strong female to empower me and encourage independence); Hilda from Uncross The Stars ( the desert-dwelling free spirit- I hope to be everything she is- youthful yet enlightened, much like Barbara herself); and Ann Rutledge from Damien( fiercely loyal and protective of what she knows to be the Truth)
2. Favorite Barbara Movie?
AJ- My favorite movie of Barbara's, hands down is The Last Temptation of Christ. It's just a stunning movie, and makes me think in all the best ways.
Tati- Insidious Chapter 2
Johanna- The Entity
Annie- Splitting Heirs because it always cheers me up
Sarah- It is very hard to choose just one as my favorite I love The Last Temptation of Christ, Lantana, Paris Trout, The Bird Can't Fly I could go on...
Kryssi- Drowning On Dry Land! That underrated little film crossed my path in a very serendipitous way that I'm convinced it was a gift/ sign from my deceased father. There was a period in my life when I would play the DVD almost every night to help me sleep. Such relatable characters and situations.
3.Favorite Barbara quote?
AJ- My all time favorite quote from Barbara is one that I haven't really talked about a lot because it has very personal connotations to me. But my second favorite quote is: " If we're willing to look deep enough and hard enough inside ourselves, we can find anybody"
Tati- " Everything will be better in the morning it always is"
Johanna- " If your willing and able to look deep enough and hard enough inside yourself you can find anybody"
Sarah-" I can be disappointed and just let myself feel that and I go through that, I don't block it I just recover"
Annie- " What's considered evil is a subjective experience"
Kryssi- " Anyone's inside of us, if we dare look". ( Basically every word she's ever spoken in regards to Empathy!)
4. What about Barbara inspires you?
AJ- Barbara is passionate, intelligent, and just so preternaturally aware of everything around her. She knows what she wants and she works to get it.
Tati- She inspires me to fight for what I believe never give up even if the most difficult times, Keep fighting keep believing in myself.
Johanna- The main thing is really what she said in this interview this quote she really acts like that. her roles are so diversified its incredible. And I have learned to accept myself, really accept because of that. Because I'm not and not just my family I have everything and everyone inside me. In my own way, everyone in his or her own way.
Sarah- I am inspired by so many things about Barbara such as her work and how she embodies so many different characters and producers such amazing work. Each time I watch her I'm inspired and also that she is a brilliant, beautiful person who takes time to communicate with her fans which is quite unusual and special.
Annie- Her ability to slip into so many roles and still know herself so very well.
Kryssi- Her obviously picky choices in scripts, whether or not the projects themselves turn out great. One can easily tell by the lines that she's always had good intentions. As a person she maintains a balance of wisdom and eagerness to continue learning, without losing heart or humor. She is exactly how I used to be( or TRIED to be) before I allowed darkness to consume my life. She's pretty much just my idea of human perfection personified. It encourages me to try to re-discover that person inside of me who is "lost"...
5.What have you learned from watching and reading about Barbara?
AJ- I have learned a lot more than I can say briefly, to be honest, but I think I can sum it up in saying that I've learned a lot more about being at peace and letting go of negativity.
Tati- Believe in yourself put your heart in your role and always find a way of yourself in that role. It makes it more real, never be afraid to put everything you have in a role.
Johanna- That everyone is worthy and special and that you can be a happy person and your dreams can be fulfilled. She's a great role model and great example for that because she already knew when she was 5 years old that she will become an actress and this is exactly what she became so dreams can really come true. And I have learned to put myself in anybody's shoes which I wasn't before it was difficult for me, but she is such a great actor depending on each role she has to act according to the role. And because they are so different you really learn much about people in general and their behavior.
Sarah- Just be yourself and be true to who you are.
Annie- Beauty always comes with depth
Kryssi- There is always light, even in darkness there is light
6. Why do you think Barbara is still an icon today?
AJ- She's an icon because... Well, she's iconic. She's beautiful, talented as hell, and she brings a level of dignity to her work that isn't always easy to find.
Tati- Yes she Absolutely is. She is absolutely is she is a big inspiration for a lot of beginning actreses and the ones that want to become one. She is a legend. Always doing fantastic work and she cares for her fans.
Johanna- I think its really because of her talent. Its difficult especially for a woman to because she's older, but she has so much talent, really and of course she's pretty no matter what age.
Sarah- Barbara is totally unique there is no one like her she is the greatest actress and that is why she is still such an icon.
Annie- Because her talent is ageless
Kryssi- Versatility, brains, beauty, humor, wisdom, she continues to take on intriguing and/or edgy roles.
7. Would you say Barbra is your hero?
AJ- No. I'd say she's more of a role model in so many aspects of life. I prefer to learn by example and emulate certain characteristics in others. And Barbara's definitely taught me a lot already.
Tati- Yeah she is she gives me hope and strength to keep fighting in the most difficult times
Johanna- Yes!
Sarah- Yes I really admire her a lot
Kryssi- If you had asked 20- something Kryssi this question, it would have been a resounding "YES!" But I have learned not to make heroes/idols out of other people, no matter how flawless they are or seem to be. I am my own hero ( supposedly)... She's pretty damned close, though!
8.Is there a role you would like to see Barbara play that she hasn't yet?
AJ- I actually like seeing the roles that she chooses to play because they clearly speak to her in some way, so that is fascinating to me. But I would really love to see her take on a lesbian role, and not for the prurient reasons most would think.
Tati- Hard one she played so much different roles she is very good at playing a bad woman, but also playng a mother figure
Johanna- She would surely be great in playing my dad because of the way she played mothers in Shy People, Black Swan, Passion, or Hunger Point. ( unfortunately, I had no possibility to watch Sister so far.) . But she could also play Uschi Obermaier from the German movie " Das wilde Leben"
Sarah- I can't wait to see Barbara in whatever she chooses to do next.
Annie- No particular role but I have actor that I'd love to see her work with
Kryssi- I don't know how to word this without sounding crass, but she would be doing the lesbian community an enormous favor by playing a strong, multi-dimensional woman who happens to be in a relationship with another woman. Especially at her age. We love and welcome " fine wine"!
9. For those who haven't seen her work what can you tell them?
AJ- Barbara has had a wide variety of roles over the years, and while there are some works that aren't necessarily as good as others, there is something for everyone. You just need to take the time to look for it.
Tati- Advise them to watch her work you will learn a lot.
Johanna- That she's a great actress and its really worth to see many or all of her roles.
Sarah- That I really believe that Barbara brings so much trith and real emotions to each of her roles and so each of her performances stays with you in a different way that is worth watching as much of her work as you can.
Annie- Kinda impossible, isn't it? If you consider yourself a movie person, you've seen her at least once
Kryssi- " Start from the present and work your way backwards through her career- you won't regret it."
Thank you to all the fans of Barbara that I interviewed for taking the time to answer my questions. Im very impressed with your answers and I must say I learned a new thing or two about Barbara. She means so much to me like she means to all of you. I have Asperger's and I never had friends but because of her I have finally been able to make friends. Her movie Beaches had a huge impact on my life. Instead of having a group of friends that lasts a few years its better to have one great one that lasts a lifetime. I also learned to get rid of negative thoughts and become a more positive individual. I would not have become the person I am without Barbara. She is a treasure and deserves to be celebrated for all she does for us. Although this technically isn't posted on her birthday she deserves a birthweek lol so I hope everyone can take the time and wish this lovely lady a very happy birthday.
Happy Birthday Barbara!!! I hope you have a magical day you deserve this and so much more.
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