Politics | 12/31/2008 8:45 am

Streisand 'Difficult'? Babs Discusses Mother, Career and Gossip

By The Staff at wowOwow.com

It’s a good thing Barbra Streisand didn’t listen to her mother!

Convinced her daughter — "too skinny" and "not pretty enough" — would never make it as an actress, Mama Streisand suggested she go into the school system. Streisand, of course, wouldn’t hear it and followed her dreams to the big screen, stage, television and almost everywhere else. Now, having garnered Grammys and Oscars, Streisand this month picked up one of the nation’s top artistic honors: a Kennedy Center Honor. And, in honor of the event, Streisand sat down with CBS’s Early Show to discuss her landmark career, including defying her mom. Said Streisand of her youthful determination:

She kept saying, she was a school secretary, she kept saying, "You have free vacations, summers off and this is going to be good for you." I kept saying, "But, mom, I want to be an actress." "No, you’ll never make it. You’re not pretty enough, you’re not this enough, you’re too skinny." I was always very skinny. But I owe her a lot because, in a sense, I was proving to my mother that this skinny little girl, unconventional looking, I suppose, could be a movie star.

Indeed she did, growing past her dirt-poor roots and into one of the world’s biggest celebrities. And, like so many meteoric women, Streisand’s been plagued by criticism of her "difficult" nature. That nature, she insists, is simply a myth.

Maybe in the search for the — striving for excellence, I think may be perceived as difficult. It’s not perfection because there is no such thing as perfection. I remember writing in my journal when I was 15, observing an acting class, that perfection was imperfection. Because, otherwise, it’s inhuman, you know? It’s almost too perfect.

Streisand wasn’t the only legendary entertainer to take home an honor this year: The Who’s Peter Townsend and Roger Daltrey, George Jones, Morgan Freeman and Twyla Tharp were all celebrated for their respective works and contributions. Streisand’s in pretty good company, no? Not that we’re surprised by this funny girl.

Read more about: Barbra Streisand, Kennedy Center Honor, Music, News

20 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

Babs is by far the single most greatest female singer ever. However, with all the money she contributed to the democratic party, begining with Bill Clinton, that woman more than paid for that award!

By HA BIBI on 12/31/2008 9:37 am

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Those who strive for excellence are often labeled as difficult by those who are satisfied with “good enough.”

By Buh- Bye on 12/31/2008 10:21 am

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Pi There is that - the striving for perfection in art that requires one to work for higher standards of excellence. Unfortunately they conclude that since what they are striving for is so special, and no one could possibly understand, they therefore have a special license to be impatient, difficult and demanding, or disregard others lives in the wake of theirs. Other artists have a deeper understanding of their art and what it takes to deliver it. I think there is a difference between being difficult and wanting to get something “right”. The “right” is important to the fabric of our culture and the enjoyment of the arts, and bless those that can really do that. I have been around many highly artistic people, and some are aware that they are not the center of the universe, and others just don’t see much besides the revolution of their own lives. They stop for a few minutes and acknowledge others, but then are right back making sure their lives are the focus of everyone around them. Having been an assistant to a few actresses, traveled with them etc. I knew you could never lose site that you were hired and accepted the responsibilities of the job, and it was only a job, you didn’t and couldn’t make the rotation of the earth revolve in the opposite direction for them, no matter how much they pressured and cajoled you to do it. LOL That ability isn’t on a resume. Of course, then there is the rumor mill. Something may have been said in a restaurant and then the press will blow it so out of proportion it is ridiculous. Many stars are plagued by any and everything they do and say being twisted into something it was not. It is truly a shame. We should not do that to our artists. I think as a world we have been lucky to have Ms Striesand’s voice and music decorate our lives.

By Frannie Em on 12/31/2008 3:51 pm

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Ahhh, we part company on this topic, Frannie Em. I give artists that leeway. I believe that singularity of mind and direction may be the very thing that enables their artistic greatness. For the most part, artists are highly misunderstood. A breed unto themselves. Having encountered Ms. Streisand on one occasion, I was witness to her perfectionism, vulnerability and astounding creative vision. What an artist! She stuck to her guns on a very minor issue regarding the overall look of her performance and I listened to the grumbling behind the scenes about it. Camera issues, lighting, blah-blah-blah, by those who were certain they knew more than this singer. Of course she was 100% right. Her decision flew in the face of traditional practices and was the very thing that made her appearance special, giving it the ethereal quality she is known for. Sometimes the greats are not understood by the middling classes in their own craft and become mistreated. And it’s not just performers. I recall Alan Ball (writer) stating in an interview how miserable his experience was on a ho-hum sitcom. Then he broke out with “American Beauty” (which had been initially turned down by every studio in town), and of course went on to do the groundbreaking “Six Feet Under” later on. The originals may appear to be the centers of their own universe (and those around them) because they tend to divert from the road most taken. It’s true they do often need devoted support staff to enable the work, but they are worth it. They so enrich our lives. Just MHO.

By Buh- Bye on 12/31/2008 9:41 pm

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Hi Pi No we agree on that, when I said that sometimes they want to get it right - that is what I mean. I believe that if an artist knows the level that has to be reached to achieve their goals, then they are right in their pursuit to reach them. Whether it is the lights, the microphone, the curtains, whatever. Trust me, my mother, who sang light opera was that way, as well as my sister, who is a composer is also that way. I am gratified that they stick to their guns because the results are amazing works of art that enrich our culture. I guess I didn’t distinguish well enough what I am talking about. Years ago I had many dealings with the Streisand household. On the occasions that I was fortunate to meet and speak with her, she was always friendly yet direct. Her vivid artistic intelligence seemed ever present and there was always something to learn by just being in her presence. She is hands down. if not the greatest popular singer of our times, she would be in the top five. Ella Fitzgerald and Aretha Franklin are way up there too. I also think the obsession with perfection can go too far. In her movie with Nick Nolte, The Prince of Tides, she got wonderful results from many of the actors, but to me it was too thought out. Too constructed to try to force perfection. There were not that many moments of inspiration, it was so controlled, Nolte had his moments, but not uncharacteristic of his work. Streisand was very careful to stay understated so the other actors could shine, but it just seemed too controlled. I think when the obsession gets in the way of art, then there is a problem. Sometimes I have stopped and started drawings to try to get it more right or more something, and the results went both ways, better and worse. I always look at art being finished when there is nothing more to add, or nothing more to take away and hopefully that sense of expansion of awareness while in the act of art will be there, and something wonderful becomes of it. Other than that, not wanting to say more about private situations, except that you had to be there. LOL

By Frannie Em on 01/01/2009 4:02 am

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That was the general consensus on Prince of Tides. (Having also had dealings with the artist, then you likely know of the performance I am speaking.) Let’s face it, anyone who lives in SoCal has most likely had some dealings with celebrities and knows way more than they wish they knew. You wouldn’t believe my stories! But hey, art is hard. Creating something from scratch is a birthing process. There’s a lot of tension and angst around the process, and then there are the moths who flock to the flame and further complicate things. The older I get, the more understanding I am of artists… and the more judgmental I am of public servants. (haha)

By Buh- Bye on 01/01/2009 9:26 am

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Pi I know of what you speak. I would believe your stories! Trust me. Oh yes. And art is intense, and sometimes, in order to get the results you want artistically, if feels like struggling to control every vibration. The moths who flock to the flame certainly do complicate things, like flies in the ointment. I heard an older prominent artist speaking once who believed that artists should not get support from the government or the state. He believed that it was the process of struggle, whether it was to do their art no matter what the obstacles, coupled with the interior struggle, which resulted in great works of art. Love your viewpoint.

By Frannie Em on 01/01/2009 1:08 pm

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I saw the Lincoln Center Honorees last night. I couldn’t help think many of them (Dem supporters) would have liked to have waited just one more year for that honor so they could share their seats with the Obamas. Lily Tomlin was great.

By Brooklyn Gal on 12/31/2008 11:34 am

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I love Barbara! She is such an awesome woman in every respect.

By Belinda Joy on 12/31/2008 12:29 pm

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I love Barbra, always have, always will. Her voice is just wonderful. The movies that she made were awesome. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite. She is one of the top stars who can act and sing. Congrats Barb, enjoy yet another award!

By Joan Brown on 12/31/2008 3:15 pm

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The difficulty or estrangement between Ms. Streisand and her mother has been talked about for years. Both women appeared on 60 Minutes with Mike Wallace (though not together) and it appeared as if Barbra was the one who was unwilling to breach the giant gap between them. Maybe she had cause. But the mother was most complimentary of her daughter and wished for a better relationship; and when Mike Wallace related that info to Barbra she had tears in her eyes ……but apparently nothing came from the interviews. The wonderful actor Walter Matthau said, after Hello Dolly, that we would never work with her again. Her difficulty on the set went beyond patience. Her continued requests for takes and then more takes was one of the problems. However, Walter did acknowledge Barbra Streisand’s talent. I don’t recall if I ever read any comments made by Billy Wilder who directed Funny Girl. However, I think most would agree that the Kennedy Honor Awards is befitting.

By Bonnie Oliver on 12/31/2008 4:23 pm

I love Babs! She is a perfectionist, true to her art and talent. If that makes her “difficult”, so be it. I too watched the Kennedy Center Honors last night, and was thrilled to see Morgan Freeman being honored as well.

By Catherine Kaiman on 12/31/2008 6:06 pm

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Whatever her problems, whatever her demons, whatever her temperment, she is right up there with so many more artists who are plagued with ideas of grandeur and expectations of adulation from lesser others. However, her wonderful voice has given us so much pleasure, and, like Sinatra’s, is right up there with romantic songs to warm our hearts. Last night, at the Kennedy Center was such a joy to watch.

By Lizzie R. on 12/31/2008 6:52 pm