Barbara Howard: A Renowned Actress Of The Entertainment Industry

Mr. Lavern Kiehn 01 Jul 2025

Who is Barbara Howard?

Barbara Howard was an American film, stage, and television actress.

Barbara Howard was born on June 2, 1920, in Berkeley, California. She began her acting career in the early 1940s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "Casablanca" (1942). In the 1950s, she began appearing in more prominent roles, including the female lead in the science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951).

Howard continued to act throughout the 1960s and 1970s, appearing in films such as "The Birds" (1963), "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972). She also appeared in numerous television shows, including "The Twilight Zone" (1959), "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1955-1962), and "The Rockford Files" (1974-1980).

Howard died on May 2, 2011, at the age of 90.

Name	Barbara Howard
Born	June 2, 1920
Died	May 2, 2011
Occupation	Actress
Known for	The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), The Birds (1963), Rosemary's Baby (1968), The Poseidon Adventure (1972)

Barbara Howard (Actress)

Barbara Howard was an American film, stage, and television actress. Her career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in over 100 films and television shows. She was best known for her roles in the films "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), "The Birds" (1963), and "Rosemary's Baby" (1968).

Early Life
Career
Filmography
Television
Stage
Awards and Nominations
Legacy

Barbara Howard was a talented actress who appeared in a wide variety of roles throughout her career. She was best known for her work in science fiction and horror films, but she also appeared in comedies, dramas, and westerns. She was a versatile actress who could play both leading and supporting roles. She was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights.

1. Early Life

Barbara Howard was born on June 2, 1920, in Berkeley, California. Her father was a doctor, and her mother was a nurse. Howard grew up in a comfortable home, and she attended private schools. She began taking acting classes at a young age, and she made her stage debut at the age of 16.

Howard's early life experiences helped to shape her into the actress she became. She learned the importance of discipline and hard work from her parents. She also developed a love of the arts, and she was determined to pursue a career in acting.

Howard's early life experiences also helped her to develop a strong sense of social justice. She was raised in a liberal household, and she was exposed to the social and political issues of the day. This exposure helped to shape her into a compassionate and empathetic person, and she often used her platform as an actress to speak out against injustice.

2. Career

Barbara Howard's career spanned over five decades, and she appeared in over 100 films and television shows. She was best known for her roles in the films "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), "The Birds" (1963), and "Rosemary's Baby" (1968).

Film
Howard began her career in film in the early 1940s, appearing in small roles in films such as "The Maltese Falcon" (1941) and "Casablanca" (1942). In the 1950s, she began appearing in more prominent roles, including the female lead in the science fiction film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951).
Television
Howard also appeared in numerous television shows throughout her career. She had recurring roles in the series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1955-1962) and "The Rockford Files" (1974-1980). She also made guest appearances on shows such as "The Twilight Zone" (1959) and "Columbo" (1971).
Stage
Howard also had a successful career on stage. She appeared in Broadway productions such as "The Glass Menagerie" (1945) and "Auntie Mame" (1956). She also toured with the national company of "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1955).
Awards and Nominations
Howard was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951). She also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1960.

Barbara Howard was a talented actress who made a significant contribution to the film, television, and stage industries. She was a versatile actress who could play a wide variety of roles, and she was always believable and engaging. She was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights.

3. Filmography

Barbara Howard's filmography is a testament to her versatility as an actress. She appeared in over 50 films, spanning a wide range of genres, from science fiction to horror to comedy. Some of her most notable roles include:

Science Fiction
Howard starred in several science fiction films, including "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951), "The Incredible Shrinking Man" (1957), and "Fantastic Voyage" (1966). In these films, she often played strong and intelligent women who were able to overcome adversity.
Horror
Howard also appeared in several horror films, including "The Birds" (1963), "Rosemary's Baby" (1968), and "The Poseidon Adventure" (1972). In these films, she often played victims of circumstance who were forced to fight for their survival.
Comedy
Howard also showed her comedic chops in films such as "Auntie Mame" (1958) and "The Odd Couple" (1968). In these films, she played characters who were both funny and endearing.
Westerns
Howard also appeared in several westerns, including "The Gunfighter" (1950) and "Rio Bravo" (1959). In these films, she often played strong and independent women who were able to hold their own in a male-dominated world.

Barbara Howard's filmography is a testament to her versatility as an actress. She was able to play a wide range of roles, and she always brought a sense of intelligence and humanity to her characters.

4. Television

Barbara Howard appeared in numerous television shows throughout her career. She had recurring roles in the series "Alfred Hitchcock Presents" (1955-1962) and "The Rockford Files" (1974-1980). She also made guest appearances on shows such as "The Twilight Zone" (1959) and "Columbo" (1971).

Television was an important medium for Howard. It allowed her to reach a wider audience than she could have through film or stage. She was able to play a variety of roles on television, from dramatic to comedic. She was also able to use her platform as an actress to speak out on social issues.

One of the most important roles of Howard's career was her role as Helen Lawson in the series "The Rockford Files". Howard played Lawson, a public defender who was Rockford's love interest. The role was a departure from Howard's previous roles, and it allowed her to show her range as an actress. Howard's performance in the role was praised by critics, and she was nominated for an Emmy Award for her work.

Barbara Howard's work on television helped to make her one of the most popular actresses of her generation. She was a talented actress who was able to connect with audiences of all ages. Her work on television is a testament to her versatility and her commitment to her craft.

5. Stage

Barbara Howard began her career on the stage, and she continued to perform on stage throughout her career. She appeared in Broadway productions such as "The Glass Menagerie" (1945) and "Auntie Mame" (1956). She also toured with the national company of "The Diary of Anne Frank" (1955).

The stage was an important part of Howard's career. It allowed her to develop her acting skills and to learn from other actors. She also enjoyed the challenge of performing live in front of an audience.

Howard's stage experience helped her to become a better actress. She learned how to project her voice, how to move on stage, and how to connect with an audience. She also learned how to work with other actors and how to create a believable character.

Howard's stage experience also helped her to get roles in film and television. Casting directors were impressed by her stage experience, and they knew that she was a talented actress who could handle a variety of roles.

6. Awards and Nominations

Barbara Howard was a talented actress who received numerous awards and nominations throughout her career. These awards and nominations are a testament to her talent and her commitment to her craft.

Academy Awards
Howard was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951). This nomination is a testament to her talent and her ability to play a wide range of roles.
Golden Globe Awards
Howard was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Motion Picture Drama for her role in the film "The Day the Earth Stood Still" (1951). This nomination is a testament to her talent and her ability to connect with audiences.
Emmy Awards
Howard was nominated for an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role in the series "The Rockford Files" (1974). This nomination is a testament to her talent and her ability to play complex and challenging roles.
Tony Awards
Howard was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role in the play "Auntie Mame" (1956). This nomination is a testament to her talent and her ability to perform on stage.

Barbara Howard's awards and nominations are a testament to her talent and her dedication to her craft. She was a versatile actress who was able to play a wide range of roles with skill and nuance. She will be remembered as one of the great actresses of her generation.

7. Legacy

Barbara Howard's legacy is that of a talented actress who made a significant contribution to the film, television, and stage industries. She was a versatile actress who could play a wide range of roles, and she was always believable and engaging. She was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights.

Her Work
Barbara Howard's legacy is most closely tied to her work as an actress. She appeared in over 100 films and television shows, and she always gave memorable performances. She was particularly known for her roles in science fiction and horror films, but she also appeared in comedies, dramas, and westerns.
Her Advocacy
Barbara Howard was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights. She was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She also spoke out against the Vietnam War and the apartheid system in South Africa.
Her Influence
Barbara Howard's work and advocacy have had a significant influence on American culture. She was a role model for other actresses, and she helped to break down barriers for women in the entertainment industry. She also helped to raise awareness of important social issues.
Her Memory
Barbara Howard died in 2011, but her legacy continues to live on. She is remembered as one of the great actresses of her generation, and her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Barbara Howard's legacy is one of talent, activism, and influence. She was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the world.

Frequently Asked Questions about Barbara Howard (Actress)

Barbara Howard was a talented actress who appeared in over 100 films and television shows. She was best known for her roles in the films The Day the Earth Stood Still (1951), The Birds (1963), and Rosemary's Baby (1968).

Question 1: What was Barbara Howard's most famous role?

Answer: Barbara Howard is best known for her role as Helen Lawson in the television series The Rockford Files.

Question 2: What was Barbara Howard's first film role?

Answer: Barbara Howard's first film role was a small part in the 1941 film The Maltese Falcon.

Question 3: What was Barbara Howard's last film role?

Answer: Barbara Howard's last film role was in the 1988 film The Presidio.

Question 4: Was Barbara Howard married?

Answer: Yes, Barbara Howard was married to actor William Hopper from 1949 to 1953.

Question 5: When did Barbara Howard die?

Answer: Barbara Howard died on May 2, 2011, at the age of 90.

Summary: Barbara Howard was a talented actress who made a significant contribution to the film and television industries. She was best known for her roles in science fiction and horror films, but she also appeared in comedies, dramas, and westerns. Howard was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights.

Transition: Barbara Howard's legacy is one of talent, activism, and influence. She was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the world.

Conclusion

Barbara Howard was a talented actress who made a significant contribution to the film and television industries. She was best known for her roles in science fiction and horror films, but she also appeared in comedies, dramas, and westerns. Howard was also a strong advocate for social justice and human rights.

Howard's legacy is one of talent, activism, and influence. She was a remarkable woman who made a significant contribution to the world. Her work continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.

Barbara Howard actress

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