Rosie O'Donnell's The Barbra Interview Special

Posted/Updated: November 24, 1999 - 10:00 p.m. ET

After first guesting on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in New York's Rockefeller Center on November 19, 1997 (the show aired Nov. 21), Barbra Streisand reunited with Rosie O'Donnell in a special program called "The Barbra Interview" on November 16, 1999. The delightful, relaxed, and inspired hour was recorded on October 29 at Barbra and James Brolin's Malibu, California home. On Nov. 15 Rosie aired an entertaining video diary chronicling her extensive preparations in L.A.  The night before visiting Barbra, a bundle of nervous energy, O'Donnell stayed up till five in the morning with a close friend, sharing "Barbra memories" and a film or two. Following only 4-5 hours of sleep, Rosie had her hair and make-up done while listening to Barbra's A Love Like Ours for the umpteenth pleasurable time. Her morning and afternoon featured some funny experiences, as she elicited warm reactions and encouragement from total strangers whom she informed about her impending visit with Streisand.

Arriving at Barbra's house an hour early, Rosie ventured around, noting its cozy and personal interior design. James Brolin was in San Diego with his TV series, and Barbra was first heard on a speaker phone. Rosie admitted experiencing deja vu, having often imagined making this visit. She photographed herself sitting in the bathroom [I won't say more, but Rosie sure did] and in Barbra's beautiful and unusual garden, especially noting the Barbra Streisand Roses. She took home a rose for freeze-drying and a couple of paper hand towels (with B monogram) from the bathroom. Rosie says she actually edited the segments for the shows, because it was so important to her. Outside, she also found some neat crafts, including a homemade scarecrow and wooden ducklings. Despite being allergic, Rosie held a calico cat named Halloween simply because it's Barbra's. Inside, she photographed some warm, personal touches, including an antique croquet set sitting next to an old metal milk can. She even photographed herself wide-eyed and joyous when advised that Barbra was ready to begin the interview. Rosie auctioned six autographed photographs on eBay to benefit The For All Kids Foundation. Click on the thumbnails below to view full-size photos.

Wrapped in a dark red or burgundy ensemble, including a sleeveless top (a familiar and flattering look for Barbra these days), Barbra Streisand reunited with one of her biggest fans, Rosie O'Donnell, certainly her biggest celebrity fan. In fact, "fans" came up often during a wonderfully casual conversation in which Rosie epitomized the curiosity and enthusiasm of countless devoted Streisand admirers who have, at least once, imagined themselves chatting with Barbra in her home. At the outset, while extremely welcoming and comforting to Rosie, Streisand said she still could not understand why so many people have such lifelong admiration for her, Rosie notwithstanding. Later during the conversation, on a similar topic, she said, "I'm not some goddess, I'm a human being," again underscoring the difference between her own view of herself and that of the average person, especially the hardcore fan. Nothing wrong with that. And the fact that she views herself not first as a star entrenched in the Hollywood lifestyle but instead as a wife and mother makes this refreshing glimpse, from a true fan's perspective, into her private life at home and into her artistic projects all the more unique and memorable.

Not only is Barbra Streisand a wife and mother but she is still a daughter to mother Diana Streisand Kind, now in her 80s and coping with Alzheimer's. Barbra told Rosie how she had visited Mrs. Kind the previous evening and was overjoyed that her mother still remembered the music to "One Kiss," the song she had recorded at the same amateur music session with Barbra in 1955, humming it now perfectly, Barbra singing along. A very meaningful and special moment for Barbra, which she related to her friend Rosie and the audience without being asked specifically about her mother.

This is typical of how at ease Barbra appeared with Rosie, frequently making smooth segues into related topics following Rosie's reaction or her previous discussion. Not your average Q&A. At one point Rosie displayed her specially French-manicured nails for Barbra, which broke her up.

Music found its way into the conversation often, from Barbra explaining the hard work involved and hinting at program specifics for her upcoming Millennium Concert to activating her Yamaha Disclavier piano, filling the room with Marvin Hamlisch's pre-programmed playing. First, Rosie sang a bit of "The Way We Were." Next, Barbra followed her with a few solo lines on "Evergreen," sounding soft as an easy chair. Finally, after pushing Rosie to sing "People," Barbra joined for a brief duet. Afterwards, hugs were in order at Rosie's invitation. Above are images from this musical segment.

Speaking of just one future project, Barbra did confirm that she plans to write her autobiography sometime after her Millennium Concerts, using journals she has kept for years and maybe even some career facts from Rosie. In the short term, and certainly by now, she has enjoyed the genuine Ebingers All Chocolate Blackout Cake, a surprise gift from Rosie, with a recipe available online.

Barbra signed three 1995 California Cabernet Sauvignon Barbra Streisand collector's edition (gold-etched label) wine bottles for Rosie, one of which is being auctioned on eBay. In addition, being auctioned separately are Rosie's own Funny Girl Broadway Playbill (signed "Happy Days - Barbra Streisand") and her Hello, Dolly! movie program (signed "Warm Regards - Barbra Streisand"), each with the terrific new A Rosie Christmas CD. Barbra telephoned Rosie the evening after "The Barbra Interview" aired, thanking her for a copy of the CD and complimenting her singing voice. Fellow Streisand fans may be forever thanking Rosie for the gift she has given with these two special hours of television.

See the Higher Ground page for photos and information from Barbra's first guest appearance on The Rosie O'Donnell Show in November 1997.