Barbra Streisand (1942-    )
Brooklyn-born Barbra Streisand is one of the greatest talents in both music and film. With a soaring, seemingly effortless voice, she is one of the finest ever singers of the popular song. Ms. Streisand has also had an exceptional movie career, including winning the Best Actress Oscar in 1968 for her role as Fanny Brice in 'Funny Girl (1968)' - her first major film role. Barbra's Oscar win was also notable, because she tied for the award with Katharine Hepburn ('The Lion In Winter').

Barbra Streisand has an appealing screen presence, and, though appearing in relatively few films, she has had good roles, such as Dolly Levi in in 'Hello, Dolly! (1969)', the foul-mouthed Esther Hoffman in the rock music update of 'A Star Is Born (1976)', and Yentl/Anshel in 'Yentl (1983)' - a film she directed, produced, and co-wrote the screenplay for. She also reprised the role of Fanny Brice in 'Funny Lady (1975)', and appeared in one of the great romantic films, 'The Way We Were (1973)', which included her beautiful rendition of the song of the same title. Just for good measure, Barbra Streisand also won a 1977 Best Song Oscar for her composition, 'Evergreen', which was featured in 'A Star Is Born (1976)'. As an actress, Ms. Streisand can play both funny and sad roles with equal distinction.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.