Kelsey's Kingdom: Happy Birthday Barbara!!

Hello everyone today is a very special blog post. Today is Barbara Hershey's Birthday!!!

You might ask yourself How do you say thank you to such an amazing woman for all that she has done. I asked a few of her fans What about Barbara inspires you ? What have you learned from Barbara? How has she changed your life? and what better way to answer these questions then on her birthday.

Annie- What I admire the most about Barbara is her ability to tackle so many different roles and make each and every one totally different . She seems to do it so very easily, I've never seen a character she plays and didn't fully believe that this sure must be it's very own person with her own feelings, issues and beliefs. She truly manages to give each role their very own personality, even if she just has a very short part with a couple lines. I often imagine Barbara as a beautiful, blank canvas, able to pick up every form and color. Even in movies I didn't really connect to, her talent never made me regret watching it and I truly enjoyed seeing her take on so many interesting characters through years.

On top of that, I'm so very lucky to have learned that she's not just raw, passionate talent but also an incredible human being. Her Twitter account is always buzzing with energy, motivating her followers to support change in both in themselves and others. Barbara really seems to enjoy being in contact with her fans, always grateful for feedback on her roles all the while being incredibly modest and kind. I'm very thankful she decided to join us in this crazy social media rollercoaster and I always find myself looking forward to her posts.

Through the years, I often found myself being inspired by Barbara and her roles, I'm very grateful for that. Her interviews have always made me think and reflect or smile, often both. I'm incredibly proud to call myself a fan of hers and can happily say I've made friends all over the world with other fans.

Sarah- Barbara is an inspiration to me everyday. The way in which she fights for what she believes in and encourages everyone to do the same. She is courageous, smart and such a beautiful and caring soul. Barbara has such empathy for others. I have seen her take the time to make someone feel better when they are feeling low and how she talks to her fans on such a real and human level. Such a rare thing. Her whole being makes me want and try to be the best I can be. I have so much respect and love for Barbara as an actor and truly believe that nobody compares to her. Her work brings me such joy and brightens my days. I don't think any other actor can convey such truth and emotion and really makes me feel what the character is feeling. We love her so much and wish her the happiest birthday ever.

Rachael- Happy Birthday, Barbara! I am wishing you all the love, peace, and joy that your heart can stand to hold. You are deserving of all that and so much more. You are a wonderful and awe-inspiring role model for any person to have, not only as an artist, but also as a humanitarian. I am so very proud to call myself a fan and 'pseudo-student' of your work. I have gleaned so much from you over the years, and even though I have put aside my pursuit of the stage, I still find myself always captivated and learning when I am watching you work. It has been such a pleasure having a chance to get to know more of you these past few years, via Twitter, and to meet you in PA this past December. Its provided me the opportunity to see first hand that you are just as gracious, insightful, and endearing as I have always thought you to be. You never fail to brighten my day and I hope we get a chance to meet again someday soon- hopefully somewhere warmer & closer to the West Coast next time!

Tati- Barbara learned me to be always myself no matter what and to fight for what you want. That dreams come true. She inspires me just the person she is. Her love for her fans is so amazing and so touching and gives her fans strengths and hope to believe in yourself. She is one of the persons that help me to get help so I can love myself again.

Kelsey- What I have always admired about Barbara is kindness and generosity . Never in my life have I met a kinder person than Barbara. She's so generous with her time when it comes to her fans. She's always willing to lend a listening ear and help others when they need it. She really takes the time to get to know her fans. What I also admire about Barbara is how she's stands up for what's right and fights for what she believes in. She inspires us all to do the same.

I learned from Barbara to stand up for what I believe in . I learned to follow my heart and pursue my passion. Barbara has always had a very good work ethic you can tell how much she loves acting. Sometimes you will have good luck and sometimes you'll have bad luck, but the important thing is that when the bad luck happens to keep moving forward and never give up. Things happen for a reason and with hard work and determination you can make your dreams become a reality.

Barbara has changed my life for the better. Two years ago I was at a real crossroads. I didn't feel like I had a purpose . I wondered if my life would be better if I didn't exist . I felt so alone until Barbara came on Twitter. She was so kind to me and she inspired me to pursue what I'm passionate in . Barbara saved my life I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for her. Because of Barbara I'm now in college in the hopes to make my dream of becoming a writer come true. I have Asperger's and never had friends or felt like I belonged, but watching Barbara in her roles and speaking with Barbara I finally felt like I belonged. Her kind and caring heart has brought light to my darkest of days. Barbara gave me strength to be myself and not to worry about what others think. Barbara thank you so much for saving my life . I wouldn't have become the person I am today without you Happy Birthday.

I think we can all agree Barbara Hershey is an amazing human being. She inspires so many with her exceptional talent. She is empathetic and accepting toward other people. She has a beautiful soul and caring spirit. I am so proud to call myself a fan.