Barbara Steele, the enchanting star of the iconic Italian horror film Black Sunday (1960),was born on December 29, 1937, in Birkenhead, Cheshire, England. Her captivating talent, intelligence, and dark mysterious beauty have endeared her to fans worldwide, with her striking features capable of conveying either sweet innocence or malevolent evil.
Initially, Barbara pursued a career in painting, but she soon discovered her true passion lay in acting. In 1957, she joined an acting repertory company, and her feature acting debut came in the British comedy Bachelor of Hearts (1958). At the age of 21, Barbara landed her breakout role in Black Sunday (1960),the directorial debut of cinematographer Mario Bava, which solidified her status as a horror icon.
Though Barbara's voice was dubbed for international audiences, her mesmerizing on-screen presence captivated audiences worldwide. Her subsequent roles in films like The Pit and the Pendulum (1961),The Horrible Dr. Hichcock (1962),and 8½ (1963) cemented her reputation as a horror star. Despite being typecast in the genre, Barbara continued to appear in a range of films, including The Ghost (1963),Castle of Blood (1964),and An Angel for Satan (1966).
However, Barbara grew tired of being typecast and yearned for more diverse roles. Her appearance in The Crimson Cult (1968) marked a low point in her career, and she eventually took a five-year hiatus from acting. During this time, she met screenwriter James Poe, whom she married and remained with for many years.
Barbara's return to acting came with They Shoot Horses, Don't They? (1969),although the role ultimately went to Susannah York. She then appeared in Caged Heat (1974),a film that showcased her versatility, despite being miscast. Barbara continued to work in film and television, appearing in I Never Promised You a Rose Garden (1977) and Pretty Baby (1978),before retiring from acting for a decade.
During her hiatus, Barbara found success as a producer, working on the miniseries The Winds of War (1983) and War and Remembrance (1988),for which she received an Emmy Award. Her horror fans were delighted when she re-emerged on television in Dark Shadows (1991),a revival of the beloved 1960s supernatural soap opera. Barbara has since developed a fondness for her horror queen status, evident in her appearance in Clive Barker's documentary A-Z of Horror (1997).
