Barbara Stanwyck

Date of Birth: July 16, 1907

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: January 20, 1990

Biography

Barbara Stanwyck, born Ruby Catherine Stevens, was an American actress whose career spanned over six decades in film, television, and theater. Born on July 16, 1907, in Brooklyn, New York, Stanwyck rose from a troubled childhood to become one of Hollywood’s most revered leading ladies. She began her career in the late 1920s with silent films and successfully transitioned to talkies, showcasing her versatility across various genres, including drama, film noir, and westerns. Stanwyck’s breakthrough came with the 1930 film “Ladies of Leisure,” directed by Frank Capra, who would become an important collaborator. She earned her first Academy Award nomination for her role in “Stella Dallas” (1937) and went on to receive four more nominations throughout her career. Her notable films include “Double Indemnity” (1944), “Meet John Doe” (1941), and “Sorry, Wrong Number” (1948). In the 1950s, Stanwyck transitioned to television, earning acclaim for her role in the hit series “The Big Valley” (1965-1969), for which she won an Emmy Award. She continued to work in television through the 1980s, earning another Emmy for her role in “The Thorn Birds” (1983). Stanwyck was known for her strong work ethic, professionalism, and ability to convey deep emotional complexity in her roles. She passed away on January 20, 1990, in Santa Monica, California, leaving behind a legacy as one of Hollywood’s greatest actresses.

5 Interesting Facts about Barbara Stanwyck

1. Barbara Stanwyck’s birth name was Ruby Catherine Stevens.

2. She was a chorus girl in Ziegfeld Follies before breaking into films.

3. Stanwyck was the first woman to receive an honorary Golden Globe Award, the Cecil B. DeMille Award, in 1986.

4. She was named the 11th greatest female star of classic American cinema by the American Film Institute.

5. Barbara Stanwyck was known for performing many of her own stunts.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Barbara Stanwyck

1. “Career is too pompous a word. It was a job, and I have always felt privileged to be paid for doing what I love doing.”

2. “Egotism – usually just a case of mistaken nonentity.”

3. “I’m a tough old broad from Brooklyn. I intend to go on acting until I’m ninety and they won’t need to paste my face with makeup.”

4. “I couldn’t remember my name for weeks. I’d be at the theater and hear them calling, ‘Miss Stanwyck, Miss Stanwyck,’ and I’d think, ‘Where is that dame? Why doesn’t she answer? By crickie, it’s me!’”

5. “I just want to be remembered as a good person and a good actor.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Barbara Stanwyck’s highest net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the time of her death, which would be approximately $2 million today when adjusted for inflation.