'The Big Valley': How Did Barbara Stanwyck Die?

Born Ruby Catherine Stevens on July 16, 1907, actress Barbara Stanwyck was a notable Hollywood star, whose career began in the early '20s.

Best known for her portrayal of realistic characters, the actress worked along with multiple successful film directors, including Fritz Lang and Cecil B. DeMille.

Before pursuing a show business career, the star lived in New York City's Brooklyn district, along with her four older siblings, and their parents Kathryn and Byron.

Sadly, her mother died when Barbara was four after being knocked off a moving streetcar while pregnant.

When Barbara was 16 she got a job as a dancer at NYC's New Amsterdam Theater, particulary performing in the 1922 and 1923 seasons of the 'Ziegfeld Follies'. 

1927 marked her screen debut in silent film 'Broadway Nights', portraying a fan dancer. Her first sound film was premiered in 1929: 'The Locked Door', where she played "Ann."

Barbara then became a household name in the film industry and achieved great success. Her fantastic acting skills earned her multiple accolades, including four Academy Awards nominations for Best Actress in a Leading Role, for her appearances on 'Stella Dallas', 'Ball of Fire', 'Double Identity' and 'Sorry, Wrong Number', in 1938, 1942, 1945 and 1949.

She then won the 1982 Honorary Academy Award for her significant achievements as an actress. 

Barbara also had outstanding appearances in TV shows. From 1960 to 1961 she hosted the anthology drama series 'The Barbara Stanwyck Show', which earned her the 1961 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Series.

Later on, from 1965 to 1969, she starred as "Victoria Barkley" in the Western TV show 'The Big Valley', for which she won the 1966 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Continued Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role.

Last but not least, she was prominent for her role as "Mary Carson" in 'The Thorn Birds'. For the latter, she took home the 1984 Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role.

As for her love life, in 1928 Barbara Stanwyck got married to the 'Nothing Sacred' actor Frank Fay, with whom she adopted son Anthony Dion. The pair divorced in 1935.

In 1939 the actress tied the knot with actor Robert Taylor (picture), whom she had met during the shooting of 'His Brother's Wife'. While they mutually decided to divorce in 1952, they remained close and even shared screen in the 1964 film 'The Night Walker', which was Barbara's last feature film.

Quick facts about Barbara Stanwyck:

• Is considered one of the greatest actresses who never won an Oscar
• Before acting, she used to work as a model
• Became America's highest-paid woman in 1944
• Was considered for the main role of "Scarlett O'Hara" in 'Gone with the Wind', which was eventually given to Vivien Leigh
• Was good friends with 'Dynasty' actress Linda Evans, who was her 'The Big Valley' co-star

Starting 1982, Barbara struggled with bronchitis symptoms after inhaling special-effects smoke on the 'Thorn Birds' set. Her condition wasn't easy to deal with, as she was a heavy smoker too.

Sadly, the 'Big Valley' actress died on January 20, 1990, aged 82. Barbara passed at Santa Monica, California's Saint John's Health Center from congestive heart failure, as well as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

No funeral service was held, her remains were cremated and her ashes were scattered over Lone Pine, California, in accordance with her wishes.