Why Barbra Streisand’s Outlook on Publicity Has Changed: ’I Never Liked Being Misunderstood’

Barbra Streisand has shifted her mindset regarding publicity.

In an article published Wednesday, July 9, the EGOT winner, 83, explained to People why she’s tried to dodge the spotlight throughout much of her career.

“I always kind of avoided publicity because they got so many things wrong,” she remarked. “In the early years of my career, it was ridiculous. I never liked being misunderstood.”

However, the Broadway star admitted that since releasing her 2023 memoir, My Name Is Barbra, she views the media differently.

“I must say, the reviews of my book were so positive and so lovely that I thought, ‘Oh, maybe times have changed,’” she told the publication.

In her New York Times bestselling book, Streisand reflected on her relationship with the media and recounted how her appearance was constantly scrutinized. She said that over the years, she had been labeled “a sour persimmon, a furious hamster, a myopic gazelle and a seasick ferret.”

The Funny Girl actress also said her nose was a major topic of conversation, writing in her book, “Sometimes it felt like my nose got more press than I did.”

“On the cover of the story in Time magazine, the writer said, ‘This nose is a shrine.’ (Sounds good!) Then he went on, ‘The face it divides is long and sad, and the look in repose is the essence of hound.’ (Not so good.)” Streisand recalled referencing the 1964 cover.

Despite being in the industry for over 60 years, Streisand admitted the scrutiny is still challenging to handle.

“I wish I could say none of this affected me, but it did. Even after all these years, I’m still kinda hurt by these insults and can’t quite believe the praise,” she confessed.

“I guess when you become famous, you become public property. You are an object to be examined, photographed, analyzed, and dissected, and half the time, I don’t recognize the person they portray,” she added. “I must say I never got used to it. And I try to avoid reading anything about myself.”

Earlier this month, Streisand — who has been married to husband James Brolin since 1998 — talked to People about the couple’s unusual schedule.

“We go to bed very late, so I’m still in bed,” she told the outlet at 2:00 PM P.T. “We have a different schedule. We love the silence of the night.”

Back in April, Brolin also discussed his and Streisand’s sleep habits.

“The best investment we’ve ever made is our mattress. And don’t misunderstand me. We’re both lazy,” he shared on Today . “We love to sleep late. We do a lot of our work on the phone, on paper, reading, right next to each other.