Although most of them know Barbara Steele as the enigmatic star of films such as Black Sunday, there is much more to this fascinating actress. He are 10 things you might not know about the ultimate British scream queen!
Barbara Steele is not just a name in horror; She is a legend. Often praised as the queen of horror, Steele’s frightening essential appearance and powerful versions defined an era of Gothic cinema. Whether you are an old fan or just discover her work, these 10 intriguing facts will deepen your appreciation for this iconic figure.
Barbara Steele started her career in comedy
Before Barbara Steele became a horror icon, Barbara Steele beat comedy! Early in her career she appeared in lighter roles, even in a comedy short with Tony Hancock. However, her striking, unconventional beauty soon caught the attention of horror film makers. They saw her potential to embody the mysterious and alien characters that she is now famous for, and the rest is history.
She rebelled against the beauty standards of Hollywood
Hollywood had a strict form for leading ladies in the 1960s: blond, sunny and conventional. Steele’s dark hair, sharp cheekbones and penetrating eyes noticed – and not always in a good way. She was once from a big American film because her appearance was considered ‘too unconventional’. They did not know that this uniqueness would make her unforgettable in Gothic horror.
Her role in Black Sunday was almost coincidental
Barbara Steele was not the first choice to play the dual role of Princess Asa and Katia in the Black Sunday of Mario Bava (1960). The casting change happened at the last minute and Steele brought a spooky intensity to the role that it made an immediate classic. Her performance is now considered one of the largest in horror history.
Barbara Steele clashed with the legendary director Federico Fellini
Steele worked with Federico Fellini on his masterpiece 8½ (1963), but their collaboration was not smooth sailing. She once described Fellini as ‘a control freak’ that did not give her the creative freedom she longed for. Despite their differences, her role added an essential, dreamy quality to the film that fans are still celebrating.
She mastered playing double roles in films
Barbara Steele became famous for her ability to play dual roles in horror films. From portraying both victims and villains in black Sunday to embodying complex characters in other Gothic stories, she added depth and nuance to every version. This talent confirmed her as one of the most versatile actresses in horror.
She withdrew from acting to produce films
In the 1980s, Steele stepped away from acting and focused on producing. She became a key figure in bringing the wind of war and war and memory – two ambitious mini series about WWII – to television. This career pivot proved that her talent extended further than acting towards forming fascinating stories behind the scenes.
She was inspired by surrealistic art and literature
Steele’s fascination for surrealism has deeply influenced her career. She admired artists such as Salvador Dalí and writers such as Edgar Allan Poe. This passion for the strange and macabre helped her to bring an almost alien quality into her versions, making it a natural fit for Gothic horror.
She had a love-hate relationship with horror
Despite her fame as a horror queen, Steele did not always love the genre. She once noticed that she felt “Typecast” and longed for rolls outside the spooky empire. As time went, however, she came to embrace her legacy and recognized the artistry of the genre and the dedicated fan base.
Barbara Steele became a feminist film icon
The characters of Steele often broke traditional molds for women in the sixties. Instead of being passive young people, they were powerful, seductive and deep complex. These roles made her a feminist icon in the cinema, which shows that women can be more than just victims or love interests in film.
Her influence still reflects in modern horror
From the Gothic aesthetics of Tim Burton to directors such as Guillermo del Toro, the legacy of Barbara Steele lives on. Her ability to embody dark, enigmatic characters, paved the way for today’s horror heroines. If you are ever under the spell of a mysterious, creepy leading lady in a horror film, chances are that the influence of Steele will be involved.
The story of Barbara Steele is a fascinating mix of talent, rebellion and artistry. These facts not only show her incredible career, but also the lasting impact she had on cinema. The next time you watch one of her films, you see her in a whole new light.
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