Barbara Lang, a captivating and accomplished actress of the 1950s, often drawing comparisons to the renowned Barbara Payton, yet leading a life marked by significantly less reckless abandon.
Born Barbara Jean Bly on March 2, 1928, in the picturesque city of Pasadena, California, she was the loving daughter of Esther Kaufman, a talented dancer who had made a name for herself in the silent movie era, and Leonidis Bly, a non-professional individual whose occupation remained unremarked upon.
As the child of a performer, Barbara Lang was undoubtedly exposed to the world of entertainment from a young age, and it is likely that this early introduction played a significant role in shaping her future career path.
Barbara's formative years were spent in the sprawling metropolis of Los Angeles, where she initially embarked on a career as a jewelry salesgirl, leveraging her striking physical appearance and curvaceous physique to her advantage by moonlighting as a part-time model. Concurrently, she also honed her skills as a cocktail lounge singer and piano player, generating supplementary income through tips, although she deliberately avoided the nightlife scene due to the unwanted advances and propositions from male patrons.
In the latter half of 1953, a profound and unforeseen transformation took place in the life of Barbara, as she awoke one morning to find herself afflicted with a debilitating condition, polio, which had rendered her completely immobile. The severity of her paralysis was so extreme that she was initially informed by medical professionals that she might never regain the ability to walk, a prospect that must have filled her with a sense of despair and hopelessness. However, in a remarkable turn of events, Barbara's body began to respond to treatment, and she slowly but surely made a full recovery, defying the initial prognosis and restoring her mobility. Although she ultimately emerged from this ordeal with her physical faculties intact, the lingering effects of the illness had a lasting impact on her overall health, leaving her with a reduced level of stamina and a tendency to tire more easily throughout the remainder of her life.
Barbara's journey towards a successful acting career commenced shortly after her recovery, marking a significant milestone in her life. Her initial foray into the world of acting was characterized by a string of guest appearances on the popular television series "Death Valley Days" in the years 1955 and 1956. It was during one of these episodes that she had the fortunate opportunity to cross paths with her first husband, the talented actor Alan Wells. The couple's romance blossomed, and they ultimately tied the knot in the year 1956. Following her marriage, Barbara joined the esteemed MGM studio, where she diligently pursued dramatic lessons to hone her craft. Her dedication and perseverance soon paid off, as she landed her first major role in the 1957 film "Hot Summer Night".
Barbara's early career trajectory was marked by a consistent stream of successes, with her starring role in the prison noir film "House of Numbers" (1957) serving as a pivotal milestone in her burgeoning career. This critically acclaimed performance, opposite the esteemed actor Jack Palance, showcased her impressive range and versatility as a thespian.
Following her standout turn in "House of Numbers", Barbara's trajectory continued to ascend as she took on a supporting role in the glamorous musical comedy "Party Girl" (1958). Sharing the screen with the dashing Robert Taylor and the captivating Cyd Charisse, Barbara's presence added a new layer of depth and sophistication to the film's already impressive ensemble cast.
The trajectory of Barbara's professional journey began to experience a noticeable decline, resulting in her missing out on the opportunity to co-star alongside the renowned Elvis Presley in the iconic film, Jailhouse Rock, released in 1957. Despite her efforts to maintain a steady flow of work, she found herself increasingly limited to television guest appearances, a far cry from the prominent roles she had once been accustomed to.
As the years went by, Barbara's personal life became increasingly tumultuous, marked by a series of challenges and setbacks. Her marriage to Wells, which had initially shown promise, ultimately ended in annulment, leaving her to navigate the complexities of single life once again. Undeterred, she attempted to forge a new path by entering into a second marriage, only to be met with disappointment and heartache as it too ultimately failed.
Barbara, a remarkable individual, faced a significant challenge in her life when she attempted to take her own life in the year 1959. Fortunately, she was able to recover from this difficult experience and go on to live a fulfilling life.
As she grew older, Barbara continued to thrive, but unfortunately, her time on this earth came to an end when she passed away at the relatively young age of 54 in the city of Los Angeles.
