Loden, Barbara (1932–1980)

views updated

Loden, Barbara (1932–1980)

American actress and film director. Name variations: Barbara Loden Kazan. Born Barbara Ann Loden in Marion, NC, July 8, 1932; died of cancer, Sept 5, 1980, in New York, NY; dau. of George T. Loden and Ruth (Nanney) Loden; m. film producer Laurence Joachim (div.); became 2nd wife of Elia Kazan (director), 1967; children: (1st m.) Leo Alexander Joachim; Jon Marco Joachim.

At 16, moved to NY and danced in the chorus at Copacabana nightclub; began playing minor parts in films of Elia Kazan, including Wild River (1960) and Splendor in the Grass (1961); was a member of Lincoln Center Repertory (1960–64); appeared as Maggie in Miller's After the Fall (1964), a character based on Marilyn Monroe, and won a Tony Award; resurfaced from self-imposed retirement as the producer, director, and star of Wanda (1971), which won a number of awards, including the International Critics Prize at Venice Film Festival.

See also Women in World History.