Streisand Discusses Her Journey in Acting and Music in Light of Her New Memoir, ‘My Name is Barbra’

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Barbra Streisand, before delving into her memoir, briefly shifts her focus from the latest news, expressing concern about current global events and democracy, referencing (expelled Rep.) George Santos.

“It’s OK, I suppose,” she remarks, reflecting on her state of mind.

Completing ‘My Name is Barbra’ was a prolonged process, akin to her most demanding film ventures. Streisand, whose film and concert career is now behind her, admits to losing interest in performing. Yet, her engagement with current events, from the upcoming U.S. presidential election to conflicts in the Middle East, persists, demonstrating her enduring commitment as a liberal and political activist.

In the realm of entertainment news, Timothée Chalamet stars in ‘Wonka,’ Chinese comedians abroad navigate sensitive topics, and the British Museum’s loan to Greece sparks conversations about the Parthenon Marbles.

For the notoriously private Streisand, revealing her personal story poses a significant challenge. Her memoir, as she describes, is a response to those deeply interested in her creative journey and the individual behind her celebrated work.

“My Name is Barbra,” her memoir, spans nearly 1,000 pages, detailing her extraordinary ascent from 1940s and ‘50s Brooklyn to worldwide acclaim. With record sales exceeding 100 million and numerous accolades, her story attracted publishers since the 1980s, but it wasn’t until the late 1990s that Streisand began penning her memories, eventually finalizing a book deal in 2015. The decade-long writing process, she discovered, is not unusual in the publishing world.

In the memoir, Streisand vividly recounts her landmark roles in Broadway and film, her chart-topping albums, and her unique position as a woman who not only acted in but also produced and directed her films. She reflects on her personal life, including her marriage to James Brolin and past relationships.

The book’s epilogue starts with a powerful statement: “Nothing’s impossible.”

Achieving success on the New York Times bestseller list, “My Name is Barbra” has been praised for its vibrant and ambitious storytelling. Streisand, in a recent interview, shares her preferences in music and film and a sense of destiny rooted in her childhood experiences, such as seeing “The Diary of Anne Frank” on stage.

Singing was a natural talent for Streisand, who grew up known for her voice. Her taste in music leaned towards Broadway musicals over contemporary rock and roll, finding deeper connections with show tunes.

In a candid moment, Streisand expresses regret over declining a role in Martin Scorsese’s ‘Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore,’ mistakenly believing it required her to play a poor singer.

Reflecting on her multifaceted career, Streisand reminisces about an interview from her youth, where she expressed a desire to pursue various artistic endeavors, including directing an opera — a dream she still entertains.

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More about Streisand Memoir

• Barbra Streisand’s Memoir
• Streisand’s Career Highlights
• “My Name is Barbra” Book Reviews
• Barbra Streisand’s Filmography
• Streisand’s Music Albums
• Broadway Roles of Barbra Streisand
• Personal Life of Barbra Streisand
• Streisand’s Impact on Entertainment Industry