William Holden was considered to be too lightweight for the lead role in Golden Boy (1939), but Stanwyck urged producers to keep him in the picture and it was through her efforts he was kept in the picture, and the role made him a star. In 1978, at the The 50th Annual Academy Awards (1978) (TV), before starting the presentation of the sound award, Holden publicly thanked her for what she did. She nearly broke down in tears and kissed Holden, and the exchange received thunderous audience applause.
A Star Is Born (1937) starring Janet Gaynor and Fredric March is said to be modeled after Stanwyck's rise to stardom and first husband Frank Fay's descent into obscurity.
According to biographical film Barbara Stanwyck: Fire and Desire (1991) (TV), Stanwyck became a model for women actors. Such stars as Sally Field and Virginia Madsen have publicly pointed to Stanwyck as their model.
Actors Peter Breck, Lee Majors and Linda Evans were said to be huge fans of hers, as little children. Together, all grown up, all three have co-starred alongside Stanwyck in the successful 1960s, western series, "The Big Valley" (1965).
Ailing, she was replaced by Susan Hayward in Heat of Anger (1972) (TV), which was to have been a pilot for a prospective TV series to be called "Fitzgerald and Pride."
American Film Institute Life Achievement Award. [1987]
As of the age of four, after her mother died and her father, upset by his wife's death, abandoned his kids, Barbara was brought up by her elder sister.
Attended Erasmus Hall High School, Brooklyn, New York before dropping out at age 14.
Best remembered for her role on TV for her starring role as matriarch Victoria Barkley on "The Big Valley" (1965).
Biography in: "The Scribner Encyclopedia of American Lives". Volume Two, 1986-1990, pages 796-798. New York: Charles Scribner's Sons, 1999.
Godmother of Bobbie Poledouris.
Godmother of Tori Spelling.
Has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame located at 1751 Vine St.
Her father was a bricklayer.
Her former "The Big Valley" (1965), co-stars, Peter Breck and Linda Evans, both have made guest appearances on her co-star's, Lee Majors, popular 1980s TV series, "The Fall Guy" (1981), but on different episodes.
Her mother died when she was accidentally knocked off a trolley by a drunk. Barbara was four at the time.
Her nickname among co-workers was "Missy" or "The Queen."
Her papers are in the American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming, PO Box 3924, Laramie, WY 82071.
Her performance as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity (1944) is ranked #58 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time list.
Her performance as Phyllis Dietrichson in Double Indemnity (1944) is ranked #98 on Premiere Magazine's 100 Greatest Performances of All Time list (2006).