Barbra Streisand Pays Tribute to Kris Kristofferson: ‘He Was Something Special’
Barbra Streisand has shared a heartfelt tribute to her A Star Is Born co-star Kris Kristofferson, who passed away at age 88 on Sept. 28.
Reflecting on their friendship and professional partnership, Streisand spoke of the qualities that made Kristofferson not just a talented performer, but also a deeply respected figure in both 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 collaboration on the 1976 version of A Star Is Born became one of the most iconic moments in both of their careers. Streisand starred as Esther Hoffman, an aspiring singer whose career ascends as her lover, played by Kristofferson, spirals into self-destruction. Kristofferson’s portrayal of the troubled rock star John Norman Howard earned him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor, while Streisand’s performance cemented her as a powerhouse in film and music.
In the film, the duo performed “Evergreen,” the love theme that Streisand herself had written for the movie. The song went on to win an Academy Award for Best Original Song, becoming a hallmark of their collaboration. Streisand fondly recalled the magic of their musical partnership: “In the movie, Kris and I sang the song I’d written for the film’s main love theme, ‘Evergreen.’”
Their chemistry on-screen translated into a genuine friendship that endured beyond the film’s success. Streisand reminisced about a memorable moment from her 2019 concert in London’s Hyde Park, where she invited Kristofferson to join her on stage.
“For my latest concert in 2019 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.
Their collaboration on A Star Is Born not only marked a significant moment in cinema but saw Kristofferson’s transition from country music star to acclaimed actor.
By the time he took on the role of John Norman Howard, Kristofferson was already well-established in the country music scene, having penned classics like “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down.” His rugged charm made him a natural fit for the role, and his performance opposite Streisand brought a depth to the film that made it a lasting classic.
Streisand closed with a message of sympathy for Kristofferson’s family, particularly his wife of 40 years, Lisa. “My thoughts go to Kris’ wife, Lisa who I know supported him in every way possible,” she wrote.
Kristofferson’s career saw him secure 19 entries on the Billboard 200, including the No. 1 A Star is Born soundtrack alongside Streisand. He also claimed three No. 1 albums on the Top Country Albums chart, including Jesus Was a Capricorn and Full Moon with Rita Coolidge. His songwriting became legendary, with hits like “Me and Bobby McGee” (No. 1 for Janis Joplin), “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down” (No. 1 for Johnny Cash), “For the Good Times” (No. 1 for Ray Price), and “Help Me Make It Through the Night” (No. 1 for Sammi Smith).
Read Barbra Streisand’s tribute to Kris Kristofferson below.
Jessica Lynch
Billboard
