Barbara Gutscher, renowned as Barbara Bouchet at the age of 80, is making a return to Spain after numerous years to receive the Nosferatu Award for her illustrious career at the 56th edition of the International Fantastic Film Festival of Catalonia, beginning on October 5.
Born in Germany and later adopting Italy as her home, Barbara is the first child of a photographer and an actress who, post-World War II, found themselves in a refugee concentration camp in Allied Germany before eventually obtaining a visa to the United States.
At the age of 15, Barbara discovered her passion for acting after winning a beauty contest, akin to legends like Gina Lollobrigida and Sophia Loren. While studying the dramatic arts, she juggled jobs as a shoe and fried chicken seller until she secured a contract for the film "First Victory" (1965), starring alongside John Wayne and Patricia Neal. After nearly thirty films, she left Hollywood due to the exhaustive casting process for roles.
During her time in Hollywood, Barbara fell in love with several stars but found herself disillusioned. Living with Steve McQueen in Malibu, where biker friends frequented, she eventually decided to leave, stating, "I like to act, not to cook." Her relationship with Omar Sharif ended when she realized he spent more time in the casino than at home. William Shatner's charm was lost when her toupee fell off during the filming of a Star Trek episode.
Her only marriage was to businessman Luigi Borghese, lasting from 1974 to 2006. They had two sons, Massimiliano and Alessandro, the latter becoming a renowned chef and presenter in Italy. Barbara transitioned to Italy, becoming a queen of Italian erotic comedy. Unfazed by showing her feminine attributes on screen, she was clear that filming love scenes required authenticity. In 2002, she made an exception to work with Scorsese in "Gangs of New York" alongside Leonardo DiCaprio and Cameron Diaz.
Known for her sense of humor, Barbara declared that her kitchen could be walled up because she had no patience for cooking. Her son's culinary success has only added to her popularity, and despite her Roman residence, she continues to express her love for Sardinia, where she spent cherished summers with her family. Elegant, beautiful, and straightforward, Barbara Bouchet remains a beloved figure in Italy, actively engaging in the social life of Rome.
