Barbra Streisand has shared a heartfelt tribute to her A Star Is Born co-star Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at the age of 88 on September 28.
Reflecting on their bond, both personal and professional, Streisand praised Kristofferson for his unique talent and the deep respect he earned in the worlds of music and film.
The first time I saw Kris performing at the Troubadour club in L.A., I knew he was something special,” Streisand wrote on social media. Barefoot and strumming his guitar, he seemed like the perfect choice for a script I was developing, which eventually became A Star Is Born.”
Their 1976 collaboration on A Star Is Born became a career-defining moment for both. Streisand played Esther Hoffman, an up-and-coming singer whose career takes off while her lover, played by Kristofferson, descends into a downward spiral. Kristofferson’s portrayal of the troubled rock star John Norman Howard earned him a Golden Globe for Best Actor, while Streisand’s performance further solidified her standing as a powerhouse in both music and film.
In the film, the duo performed Evergreen,” a song Streisand wrote for the movie's love theme, which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song. Streisand fondly remembered the experience: In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, ‘Evergreen.’”
Beyond their on-screen chemistry, Streisand and Kristofferson’s friendship endured long after the movie’s success. Streisand reminisced about a special moment during her 2019 concert in London’s Hyde Park, where she invited Kristofferson on stage.
For my 2019 concert at London’s Hyde Park, I asked Kris to join me on-stage to sing our other A Star Is Born duet, ‘Lost Inside Of You.’ He was as charming as ever, and the audience showered him with applause. It was a joy seeing him receive the recognition and love he so richly deserved,” she shared.
Kristofferson’s role in A Star Is Born marked a turning point in his career, transitioning from a country music icon to a respected actor. By the time he portrayed John Norman Howard, he had already made his mark in music with hits like Me and Bobby McGee” and Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His rugged charisma was a perfect fit for the role, bringing a depth to the film that made it a lasting classic.
Streisand’s tribute highlighted not only the iconic collaboration they shared but also the genuine connection that transcended their work on-screen.
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