Barbara Lynn Herzstein, better known as Barbara Hershey (born February 5, 1948), is an American actress. With a career spanning over 50 years, she has performed in a wide range of television and film roles across genres like Westerns, horrors, and comedies.
She began acting at age 17 in 1965 but gained widespread critical acclaim in the 1980s, when the Chicago Tribune called her “one of America’s finest actresses.”
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Barbara Hershey Net Worth
Barbara Hershey has a net worth of $4 million. She is best known for her roles in films such as Hannah and Her Sisters. On August 8, 1992, Hershey married artist Stephen Douglas in a private ceremony at her Oxford, Connecticut home.
The only guests were their two mothers and Hershey’s 19-year-old son, Tom Carradine. The couple separated and divorced just one year later.
Early Life
Barbara Lynn Herzstein was born in Hollywood to Arnold Nathan Herzstein, a horse-racing columnist, and Melrose Herzstein (née Moore). Her father’s parents were Jewish emigrants from Hungary and Russia, while her mother, from Arkansas, was a Presbyterian of Scots-Irish descent.
The youngest of three children, Barbara always wanted to be an actress and was nicknamed “Sarah Bernhardt” by her family. She was shy and quiet in school, leading some to think she was deaf. By age 10, she was an A student. Her high school drama coach helped her find an agent, and at 17 in 1965, she landed a role on Sally Field’s TV series Gidget, where she found Field very supportive.
Career
Barbara Hershey made her acting debut in two episodes of Gidget, followed by the short-lived TV series The Monroes (1966), which also starred Michael Anderson Jr. By then, she had adopted the stage name “Barbara Hershey.”
Although she credited the series with helping her career, she expressed frustration with her inconsistent role, saying, “One week I was strong, the next, weak.” During this time, she also appeared in Doris Day’s final film, With Six You Get Eggroll.
Personal Life
In 1968, Barbara Hershey met David Carradine while working on Heaven with a Gun. They began a domestic relationship that lasted until 1975. Carradine recalled that during the rape scene in the film, he accidentally cracked one of Hershey’s ribs.
The couple appeared together in other films, including Martin Scorsese’s Boxcar Bertha. In 1972, they posed nude together in a Playboy spread, recreating some sex scenes from Boxcar Bertha.
What Was Barbara Hershey Most Famous For?
Barbara Hershey’s fame can be attributed to her exceptional acting skills, showcased in a variety of roles. She is particularly renowned for her performances in “Shy People” and “A World Apart,” for which she won consecutive Best Actress awards at the Cannes Film Festival, and her role in “A Killing in a Small Town,” which earned her an Emmy and a Golden Globe.
Conclusion
Barbara Hershey’s net worth in 2024 reflects not just her financial wealth but also her rich contributions to the world of acting. Her career, marked by critical acclaim, awards, and a devoted audience, showcases her enduring impact on the entertainment industry. Hershey’s journey from a young actress in Hollywood to a seasoned and respected performer is a narrative of resilience, talent, and strategic financial management.
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FAQs about Barbara Hershey
- What is Barbara Hershey’s net worth?
- As of 2024, Barbara Hershey’s net worth is estimated at $12 million.
- How did Barbara Hershey accumulate her wealth?
- Her wealth comes from her successful acting career, strategic real estate investments, endorsements, and other ventures.
- What are Barbara Hershey’s most notable roles?
- Hershey is famous for her roles in “The Stunt Man,” “The Right Stuff,” “Shy People,” “A World Apart,” and “A Killing in a Small Town.”
- Has Barbara Hershey ventured into other business or philanthropic efforts?
- Yes, Hershey is known for her philanthropy, supporting various charitable causes and organizations.
- What are Barbara Hershey’s future projects?
- Hershey remains active in the film industry with upcoming projects that promise to contribute further to her legacy and net worth.
