Barbara Hershey captivated audiences with her talent, beauty, and versatility. She worked with legendary directors like Martin Scorsese, starred in some of the most iconic films of the ’70s and ’80s, and won prestigious awards for her performances. But her journey wasn’t always smooth.

Did you know she once changed her name because of a movie role? Or that she had a highly publicized romance with a Hollywood rebel? Despite all the twists and turns in her career and personal life, Barbara Hershey remains one of the most respected actresses of her time. So, where is she now? Let’s take a deep dive into her fascinating story.

Early Life and Hollywood Breakthrough

Born Barbara Lynn Herzstein on February 5, 1948, in Hollywood, California, Barbara Hershey was destined for the entertainment industry. She started acting as a teenager in the 1960s, landing small television roles before making her way to the big screen.

Her breakthrough came with the 1969 film Last Summer, where she played a rebellious teenager. The performance earned her critical acclaim and solidified her as a rising star in Hollywood. However, it also led to an unexpected transformation—she temporarily changed her name to “Barbara Seagull” after filming, inspired by an unusual experience on set.

The Name Change That Shocked Hollywood

During the filming of Last Summer, Barbara became deeply involved in method acting. In one scene, a seagull tragically died, and she believed the bird’s spirit somehow lived on in her. This led her to adopt the name “Barbara Seagull” for a period, a decision that puzzled Hollywood insiders.

The name change sparked controversy, and many industry professionals saw it as eccentric. However, Barbara remained committed to her beliefs, embracing a more free-spirited and unconventional approach to life and acting. Eventually, she reverted to Barbara Hershey and continued building her career.

A Love Affair with a Hollywood Rebel

In the late 1960s, Barbara Hershey began a highly publicized relationship with actor David Carradine, best known for Kung Fu and Kill Bill. The two were deeply in love and shared a passion for breaking societal norms.

Their relationship was unconventional and often made headlines. They had a son together, Free Carradine (who later changed his name to Tom Carradine). However, their romance wasn’t built to last. By the mid-1970s, they parted ways, with Barbara focusing on her career and personal growth.

Working with Martin Scorsese and Becoming an Award-Winning Actress

Barbara Hershey’s career reached new heights in the late ’70s and ’80s when she took on more complex and critically acclaimed roles. She worked with legendary director Martin Scorsese in The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), where she played Mary Magdalene—a role that earned her widespread recognition.

During this period, she also starred in:

• Hannah and Her Sisters (1986) – A Woody Allen classic that won multiple Academy Awards.
• Beaches (1988) – A beloved tearjerker where she played opposite Bette Midler.
• A World Apart (1988) – A powerful political drama that won her the Best Actress award at the Cannes Film Festival.

These roles proved she wasn’t just a pretty face—she was a force to be reckoned with in Hollywood.

The ’90s and Beyond: Reinventing Herself

As the 1990s rolled in, Barbara Hershey continued to shine. She gave a haunting performance in The Portrait of a Lady (1996) and remained a favorite among filmmakers seeking a seasoned actress with emotional depth.

One of her most chilling roles came in 2010 with Black Swan, where she played the controlling mother of Natalie Portman’s character. The film was a massive success, and her performance was praised as one of the best of her career.

She also found success in television, starring in Chicago Hope, Once Upon a Time, and Damien, proving her talent transcended generations.

Where Is Barbara Hershey Now?

Now in her 70s, Barbara Hershey remains as graceful and talented as ever. She has aged naturally, choosing elegance over excessive cosmetic procedures. Her striking features and confident presence continue to captivate fans.

Though she isn’t as active in Hollywood as she once was, she still takes on select projects. She values privacy and prefers to focus on meaningful roles rather than fame.

Barbara Hershey’s legacy is undeniable. She transformed from a free-spirited actress who took unconventional paths to a highly respected Hollywood icon. She proved time and again that talent and authenticity will always stand the test of time.