While most know Barbara Steele as the enigmatic star of films like Black Sunday, there’s much more to this captivating actress. He are 10 things you might not known about the ultimate British Scream Queen!
Barbara Steele isn’t just a name in horror; she’s a legend. Often hailed as the Queen of Horror, Steele’s hauntingly ethereal looks and powerful performances defined an era of gothic cinema. Whether you’re a long-time fan or just discovering her work, these 10 intriguing facts will deepen your appreciation for this iconic figure.
Barbara Steele started her career in comedy
Before becoming a horror icon, Barbara Steele dabbled in comedy! Early in her career, she appeared in lighter roles, even acting in a comedy short with Tony Hancock. However, her striking, unconventional beauty soon caught the attention of horror filmmakers. They saw her potential to embody the mysterious and otherworldly characters she’s now famous for, and the rest is history.
She rebelled against Hollywood’s beauty standards
Hollywood in the 1960s had a strict mould for leading ladies: blonde, sunny, and conventional. Steele’s dark hair, sharp cheekbones, and piercing eyes stood out – and not always in a good way. She was once dropped from a major American film because her looks were deemed “too unconventional.” Little did they know, this uniqueness would make her unforgettable in gothic horror.
Her role in Black Sunday was almost accidental
Barbara Steele wasn’t the first choice to play the dual role of Princess Asa and Katia in Mario Bava’s Black Sunday (1960). The casting change happened last minute, and Steele brought a haunting intensity to the role that made it an instant classic. Her performance is now considered one of the greatest in horror history.
Barbara Steele clashed with legendary director Federico Fellini
Steele worked with Federico Fellini on his masterpiece 8½ (1963), but their collaboration wasn’t smooth sailing. She once described Fellini as “a control freak” who didn’t give her the creative freedom she craved. Despite their differences, her role added an ethereal, dreamlike quality to the film that fans still celebrate.
She mastered playing dual roles in films
Barbara Steele became famous for her ability to play dual roles in horror films. From portraying both victim and villain in Black Sunday to embodying complex characters in other gothic tales, she added depth and nuance to each performance. This talent cemented her as one of the most versatile actresses in horror.
She retired from acting to produce films
In the 1980s, Steele stepped away from acting and turned her focus to producing. She became a key figure in bringing The Winds of War and War and Remembrance—two ambitious miniseries about WWII – to television. This career pivot proved her talent extended beyond acting into shaping compelling stories behind the scenes.
She was inspired by surrealist art and literature
Steele’s fascination with surrealism deeply influenced her career. She admired artists like Salvador Dalí and writers like Edgar Allan Poe. This passion for the strange and macabre helped her bring an almost otherworldly quality to her performances, making her a natural fit for gothic horror.
She had a love-hate relationship with horror
Despite her fame as a horror queen, Steele wasn’t always fond of the genre. She once remarked that she felt “typecast” and longed for roles outside the spooky realm. However, as time passed, she came to embrace her legacy and recognised the genre’s artistry and its dedicated fanbase.
Barbara Steele became a feminist film icon
Steele’s characters often broke traditional moulds for women in the 1960s. Instead of being passive damsels, they were powerful, seductive, and deeply complex. These roles made her a feminist icon in cinema, showing women could be more than just victims or love interests in film.
Her influence still echoes in modern horror
From Tim Burton’s gothic aesthetics to directors like Guillermo del Toro, Barbara Steele’s legacy lives on. Her ability to embody dark, enigmatic characters paved the way for today’s horror heroines. If you’ve ever been captivated by a mysterious, eerie leading lady in a horror film, chances are Steele’s influence is at play.
Barbara Steele’s story is a fascinating blend of talent, rebellion, and artistry. These facts showcase not only her incredible career but also the lasting impact she’s had on cinema. Next time you watch one of her films, you’ll see her in a whole new light.
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