Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand have shared a complicated relationship over the years, as revealed by a source to the National Enquirer. The connection between these two famous actresses has been marked by both admiration and tension since Roberts became a rising star in the late 1980s.
Barbra Streisand, now 83, has long considered herself an early supporter of Julia Roberts, who is 58, recognizing her potential when Roberts first emerged in Hollywood. However, the friendship Streisand hoped to build has not developed as she once imagined.
High Expectations and Unmatched Dynamics
A source explains that Streisand enjoys boasting about her ability to spot talent early, but she holds very high standards when it comes to personal relationships.
“Barbra loves bragging about her instincts about upcoming talent,”
the source said, highlighting the singer and actress’s pride in discovering new stars.
Despite Streisand’s outreach, Roberts has at times been put off by the unsolicited advice Streisand offers.
“Barbra and Julia have had their ups and downs over the years, marked mostly by Barbra reaching out to Julia to offer an unsolicited piece of her mind,”
the source noted, adding,
“Sometimes, Julia has the patience for that kind of thing and sometimes she doesn’t.”
Professional Offers That Didn’t Materialize
Their professional interactions add nuance to their personal story. Streisand extended acting opportunities to Roberts, including a role in her directorial debut, Skinny and Cat in 2012, which Roberts declined. Additionally, Roberts turned down a part in the Broadway adaptation of The Normal Heart when Streisand was involved, as confirmed by a post on Streisand’s official website in 2011.
Unfiltered Opinions Rooted in Affection
The complex friendship persists despite setbacks, with Streisand continuing to contact Roberts candidly about industry matters.
“But that alone is not going to keep Barbra from picking up the phone and giving Julia her unfiltered … take on the industry,”
the source remarked.
“To be fair to Julia, she’s softened up about this stuff as she’s gotten older, and she knows Barbra is coming from a place of affection when she gets in touch.”
The source emphasized the benefits of such a relationship, stating,
“There are worse things than having a living legend call you out of the blue offering advice,”
and added,
“Julia knows she is lucky to have Barbra in her corner, even if the whole situation sometimes gets very irritating.”
Ongoing Friendship Amid Challenges
The unconventional friendship between Julia Roberts and Barbra Streisand demonstrates the challenges of maintaining close ties amid busy careers and strong personalities. Their history of professional collaboration offers insight into their respect for one another, while their personal interactions reveal the occasional strain that comes with high expectations. As both continue to evolve in their careers, the dynamic between the two remains a notable chapter in Hollywood’s story of legendary friendships.
