Barbra Streisand Quotes: Inspiring Words from an Iconic Talent

Barbra Streisand, a name synonymous with talent, grace, and unparalleled success, has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Her illustrious career spans singing, acting, directing, and producing, making her one of the most versatile and accomplished artists of our time. In this article, we delve into the wisdom and inspiration that can be gleaned from Barbra Streisand’s quotes, offering a glimpse into the mind of a true icon.

 

The Early Years

A Star is Born

Barbra Streisand’s journey to stardom was nothing short of remarkable. Born on April 24, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, her humble beginnings never deterred her dreams.

A Determined Soul

Barbra’s early life was marked by challenges, but her determination to succeed shone through. She once said, “I arrived in Hollywood without having my nose fixed, my teeth capped, or my name changed. That is very gratifying to me.”

 

Music and Artistry

The Voice of an Angel

Streisand’s extraordinary vocal talent catapulted her to fame. Her voice, often described as “angelic,” resonates with millions worldwide.

Musical Mastery

Barbra’s music has touched hearts across generations. Her songs, such as “People” and “The Way We Were,” continue to be timeless classics.

Pursuit of Excellence

She believed in always striving for excellence, stating, “Art does not exist only to entertain but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, in a constant search for the truth.”

 

Acting and Filmmaking

The Silver Screen

Barbra Streisand’s foray into acting showcased her versatility. Her roles in movies like “Funny Girl” and “Yentl” earned her critical acclaim.

Directing Triumphs

She made history as the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director. Her dedication to her craft knew no bounds.

 

Wisdom and Inspiration

Life Lessons

Barbra’s quotes are a treasure trove of wisdom. She once said, “I’m not a diva. I’m a hustler who happens to be blessed with the gift of articulation.”

Overcoming Challenges

Her life experiences taught her resilience. “I’ve been called many names like perfectionist, difficult, and obsessive. I think it takes obsession, takes searching for the details, for any artist to be good.”

 

Legacy and Impact

A Lasting Legacy

Barbra Streisand’s impact on the world of entertainment is immeasurable. Her influence transcends generations, and her legacy endures.

Inspiring Future Generations

She encouraged aspiring artists by saying, “Don’t rain on my parade, but if you do, I’ll find an umbrella and make art out of it.”

Barbra Streisand’s quotes offer a glimpse into the life and mind of an iconic artist. Her journey from humble beginnings to global stardom is a testament to her unwavering determination and unparalleled talent. Whether you seek inspiration, wisdom, or a deeper understanding of the entertainment industry, Streisand’s words provide it all.

  1. What is Barbra Streisand’s most famous song? Barbra Streisand’s most famous song is arguably “People,” which remains an iconic classic in the world of music.

  2. Has Barbra Streisand won any awards for her acting? Yes, she has won several awards for her acting, including an Academy Award for her role in “Funny Girl.”

  3. How did Barbra Streisand break barriers in the film industry? Barbra Streisand broke barriers by becoming the first woman to win a Golden Globe for Best Director for her work on “Yentl.”

  4. What is Barbra Streisand’s approach to perfectionism? Barbra Streisand embraces perfectionism, believing it takes obsession and attention to detail for any artist to excel.

  5. Where can I learn more about Barbra Streisand’s life and career? You can explore Barbra Streisand’s life and career in detail through her autobiography, documentaries, and interviews. Additionally, her official website provides a wealth of information about her journey.

 

Phrases

01. “I’ve been called many names like perfectionist, difficult, and obsessive. I think it takes obsession, takes searching for the details, for any artist to be good.”

02. “Art does not exist only to entertain but also to challenge one to think, to provoke, even to disturb, in a constant search for the truth.”

03. “I have no time for those who say there is no way we can screen out terrorists from refugees. If that’s the case, then we need to keep the refugees out.”

04. “Don’t allow anyone to take your sparkle away.”

Barbra Streisand Quotes

05. “In an actor, we have to trust. An actor has to be like a sponge, willing to soak everything up.”

06. “I am simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy, and driven.”

07. “You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.”

08. “I arrived in Hollywood without having my nose fixed, my teeth capped, or my name changed. That is very gratifying to me.”

09. “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.”

10. “I just don’t want to be hampered by my own limitations.”

11. “A person doesn’t have to be perfect to be exactly what you need.”

12. “I’ve been called a diva because I work with voice coaches and I don’t like to sing when I don’t feel my best.”

13. “I’m not a diva. I’m a hustler who happens to be blessed with the gift of articulation.”

14. “I’ve always thought of acting as more of an exercise in empathy, which is not to be confused with sympathy. You’re trying to get inside a certain emotional reality or motivational reality and try to figure out what that’s about so you can represent it.”

15. “Why does a woman work ten years to change a man’s habits and then complain that he’s not the man she married?”

15. “Fear is the enemy of logic.”

16. “I wasn’t always black… and I wasn’t always a girl. Those two things I became, and I’m proud of them.”

Barbra Streisand Quotes

17. “I was a personality before I became a person – I am simple, complex, generous, selfish, unattractive, beautiful, lazy, and driven.”

18. “I’ve been called a ‘Sorceress of the Upper West Side,’ but that’s my old neighborhood.”

19. “I don’t enjoy public performances and being up on a stage. I don’t enjoy the glamour. Like tonight, I am up on stage and my feet hurt.”

20. “It is every woman’s dream to be some man’s dream woman.”

21. “I am not a ‘diva.’ I am a ‘dynamite’ that’ll explode if you mistreat me.”

22. “You have got to discover you, what you do, and trust it.”

23. “I’m a work in progress.”

24. “I’ve always liked working with kids because I look like a doll and then I start to talk and they’re staring.”

25. “People who know me know I’m strong, but I’m vulnerable.”

26. “The power of a bold idea uttered publicly in defiance of dominant opinion cannot be easily measured.”

27. “Achievement, it turns out, is not a destination but the journey.”

28. “I’ve always taken risks, and never worried what the world might really think of me.”

29. “Why does a woman work ten years to change a man’s habits and then complain that he’s not the man she married?”

30. “The more you reason, the less you create.”

Barbra Streisand Quotes

31. “Why am I so good at playing bitches? I think it’s because I’m not a bitch. Maybe that’s why Miss Crawford always plays ladies.”

32. “I don’t like to be where I’ve already been.”

33. “A voice coach once told me the key to a beautiful voice is relaxation, and I can’t agree more.”

34. “I always get very calm with going into a plane because I’m always prepared for the crash.”

35. “A human being is only interesting if he’s in contact with himself. I learned you have to trust yourself, be what you are, and do what you ought to do the way you should do it.”

36. “In an actor, we have to trust. An actor has to be like a sponge, willing to soak everything up.”

37. “You have to surrender to the fact that you are of too many in a highly competitive field where it is difficult to stand out.”

38. “I am endlessly busy, bringing up five young kids, and trying to keep up with the three older ones. I still spend most of my life driving car pools.”

39. “I don’t enjoy public performances, and being up on a stage is not my favorite place in the world. I’m more of a writer and a director, so that’s where I’m most comfortable.”

40. “I’m a private person; I think that’s something people are learning about me. I’m not hiding, but I am private.”

41. “There is a film called ‘The Way We Were,’ with Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, where my name is mentioned and Streisand says, ‘Hubbell, he writes, he’s the one.'”

42. “I’m not a political person. When I start to get into it, it just upsets me. I feel so powerless when it comes to politics.”

43. “The audience is the barometer of the truth.”

44. “Success to me is having ten honeydew melons and eating only the top half of each slice.”

Barbra Streisand Quotes

45. “I’m the most inappropriate person in the world. I’m the person who says what you’re not supposed to say.”

46. “Why am I so good at playing bitches? I think it’s because I’m not a bitch. Maybe that’s why Miss Crawford always plays ladies.”

47. “I’m not sure what the future holds, but I do know that I’m going to be positive and not wake up feeling desperate.”

48. “To have ego means to believe in your own strength. And to also be open to other people’s views. It is to be open, not closed. So, yes, my ego is big, but it’s also very small in some areas. My ego is responsible for my doing what I do – bad or good.”

49. “I was raised to be an independent woman, not the victim of anything.”