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Adrienne Barbeau zest for life offers example of successful aging by attitude, utilizing varied talents

By Daniel Hines
PublisherAmerica’s Seniors at www.TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

A critic once said of Adrienne Barbeau that she had two very obvious assets…other critics have panned her acting, one going so far as to say that if she forgot to unbutton the top two buttons of her blouse, she’d forget her lines.  Both comments were in reference to a frontal nude picture of her that made her a pinup favorite—and a sex symbol—with the dramatic picture equaling that of Farrah Fawcett in popularity.

But, wait a minute.  If those critics were right, why is Adrienne at 61 entering a new, busier time of her life, gaining success as an actress, a singer, and even as an author with her memoir “There Are Worse Things I Could Do”, which was the song sung by Rizzo in “Grease”, a role created by Adrienne years ago—and one which led to a Tony nomination. Many people will remember her from her role as Carol Trainor , Bea Arthur’s daughter in the highly popular ‘Maude’ series.

If that isn’t enough, Adrienne has recently completed a made-for-TV movie that will air this Christmas season, and had a major role as  Ruthie in the recently cancelled series “Carnivale”, she has released a CD that showcases her very strong and stylish singing voice, and is now working on a new novel about vampires.  And, she gave birth to twin boys just 10 years ago at age 51.

 Someone obviously underestimated Adrienne.

The truth is that she is a multi-faceted performer who makes things happen in her life.

 When I asked her about the pictures, she described them as simply the result of her role in an off-Broadway play, “Stag Movie” in which she appeared nude.

 “It was a part of the times,” she reflects.  “Plays such as ‘Hair’ and ‘Oh, Calcutta’ included nudity—a sort of protest.”

 She continues that she never intended to become a ‘sex symbol’—adding that she still doesn’t consider herself as really having been one. That aside, there can be no doubt that she was a ‘striking’ young woman.

 But, more importantly,  as I looked at the CD of Adrienne today, I was struck by the degree of sophistication and almost quiet self-confidence she exudes today.

Adrienne is obviously a woman who is comfortable ‘within her skin.’  And, therein lies her secret to her continued success. 

“I try always to have a good attitude about things,” she says.  “I believe attitude—and keeping busy—are crucial to successful aging, and genes don’t hurt.”

 She describes how a 90-year-old Aunt recently attended a wedding (not hers), took a large number of family members and friends to her house where she cooked a meal for al of them, and then got up the next morning to cook breakfast—all without breaking a sweat.

 Also, growing older doesn’t mean that our talents dry up, Adrienne points out.

 “I was approached by an author who is labeled the ‘Stephen King’ of England, who told me that I should consider a novel about Vampires in England,” she says.  “He said all the people who continue to watch ‘The Fog’, would love to read what I write.

”That’s a major project for now—he and I are collaborating on the first book, which will be published by St. Martin’s Press.”

 She’s also busy promoting her memoir with a book signing tour, and maintains a well-done web site at http://abarbeau.com . The day we caught up with her via telephone, she was preparing for an audition, proving that good things happen to those who keep things going.

 I told her that in doing background research for the interview, I came across some fan comments in which one of her fans described Adrienne as a ‘really nice person.’

 “That’s the best compliment to receive,” Adrienne says.  “I believe it’s important to treat people nicely, and that’s how I want to be known.”

 As we ended the interview, I asked Adrienne if I could have an autographed picture to add to my collection of people whom I have interviewed—adding quickly I wasn’t referring to the pinup since I was sure that my wife, Brooks, would not allow me to have it and that isn’t how I wanted to think of Adrienne anyhow.  I prefer the smart, charming and obviously talented woman who has succeeded at just about everything she has approached, and who can enjoy the satisfaction of proving just how wrong critics can be.  You just don’t live life the way Adrienne does or enjoy such success without a real talent.