Barbra Streisand talks decades-long Judy Garland feud rumours

07 November 2023 , 04:36

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Barbra Streisand is lifting the lid on her life (Image: NBCUniversal via Getty Images)

Hollywood singer Barbra Streisand has exposed the truth behind rumours of a feud with Judy Garland.

In her new memoir, My Name Is Barbra, she explained that when the pair appeared together for a duet, Judy was nervous while she was calm and collected. During a segment where Judy introduced guests, Barbra made a "small request" to the host. She asked: "Can I replace you?"

However, what fans didn't know at the time that what seemed to be some sort of snub was actually prewritten material. Barbra explained: "That was scripted dialogue, written by Mel or one of the writers and given to me to say because they thought it would get a laugh. And somehow, over the years, this has been twisted into a totally different story... that I came out on stage and really meant that!"

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Barbra dishes on the truth between herself and others in her life (Getty Images)

The pair performed on 'The Judy Garland Show' in 1963 (Getty Images)

She scoffed at the idea that she could be so cruel, calling it "ridiculous". The actress and singer, 81, discussed intimate topics about her love life and decade-long career in her memoir, and ahead of its release, she said she hopes the readers will finally "know the truth" about her.

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“One of the reasons I wrote the book is to talk about the myths about me,” Barbra said in an interview with Gayle King CBS Sunday Morning. Gayle teased some of the topics covered in the memoir, which included the singer's "past loves and regrets." Adding those intimate stories wasn't Barbra's idea, however.

The book will deep dive into Barbra's past relationships (Getty Images)

The book is available to fans now

Barbra, who has been married to James Brolin for 25 years, said she preferred not to write so much about her past flames. The book will reflect on her relationships with Don Johnson, Ryan O'Neal, Andre Agassi and former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau. She also explores thoughts and revelations on her long career as a singer, actress and director.

Her editor was keen on getting the celebrity to spill her guts, saying "you have to leave some blood on the page".

My Name Is Barbra (published by Penguin) is now available to purchase in bookshops and on Amazon.

Alex West