Barbara Avedon was a pioneering figure in the world of television writing and activism, whose work broke new ground for women in the entertainment industry. Best known as the co-creator of the groundbreaking television series Cagney & Lacey, Avedon’s contributions to television helped redefine how women were portrayed on-screen, moving away from traditional stereotypes and presenting complex, strong female characters. Her activism, particularly around issues of gender equality and social justice, made her a powerful voice both in Hollywood and beyond.
Born on August 14, 1925, in New York City, Barbara Avedon lived a life full of creativity, passion, and determination. She was not only a writer but also a director and political activist, consistently advocating for change in an industry and world that often resisted it. Avedon’s work on Cagney & Lacey remains her most iconic achievement, but her career and activism extended far beyond a single television show. Her influence on TV writing, the feminist movement, and social causes has left a lasting impact.
Early Life and Career
Barbara Avedon grew up in New York City, where she developed an early interest in storytelling and the arts. She attended Hunter College and later began working in advertising and public relations, two fields that allowed her to cultivate her skills as a writer and communicator. While her early professional years were focused on these areas, Avedon always had a strong desire to break into television and film.
Her journey into television writing was unconventional, especially for a woman in the mid-20th century. At that time, television writing was a male-dominated industry, and opportunities for women to take on prominent roles behind the camera were scarce. Undeterred, Avedon pursued her passion for storytelling, and by the 1960s, she had begun working as a writer for television, contributing scripts to various shows.
Avedon’s first significant break came when she wrote for the hit series Bewitched, the magical sitcom that starred Elizabeth Montgomery. Her work on Bewitched helped her establish a foothold in the television industry, and she went on to write for several other popular shows, including The Donna Reed Show and The Partridge Family. Avedon’s ability to write witty, engaging dialogue while creating relatable, multi-dimensional characters made her a sought-after writer in Hollywood.
While Avedon was gaining recognition for her writing, she was also deeply involved in political activism. Throughout her life, she was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, civil rights, and social justice, using her platform to bring attention to important causes. Her activism became a central part of her identity, influencing not only her personal life but also the stories she chose to tell through her writing.
The Creation of Cagney & Lacey
Barbara Avedon’s most famous achievement came when she co-created the television series Cagney & Lacey alongside fellow writer and producer Barbara Corday. The show, which aired from 1982 to 1988, broke new ground by featuring two female police detectives as the lead characters, an uncommon choice in an era when most television dramas were centered around male protagonists.
The idea for Cagney & Lacey originated from a 1974 television movie titled Cagney & Lacey, which was also written by Avedon and Corday. The film starred Loretta Swit and Tyne Daly as the two detectives and was praised for its fresh perspective on female friendships and the portrayal of women in law enforcement. However, it took nearly a decade of perseverance and reworking before the concept was finally developed into a television series.
Cagney & Lacey starred Tyne Daly as the tough, no-nonsense Mary Beth Lacey and Sharon Gless as the ambitious and independent Christine Cagney. The series became a hit, particularly because of its focus on the complex dynamics between the two female leads. Avedon and Corday’s writing gave audiences characters that were real, flawed, and strong, without falling into the stereotypical portrayals of women that were so common in television at the time.
Avedon’s vision for the show was not just to entertain but to present women in roles of authority, intelligence, and emotional depth. Cagney and Lacey were portrayed as women who were both capable professionals and individuals with their own struggles—Christine Cagney dealing with issues of alcoholism and singlehood, while Mary Beth Lacey balanced her career with family life. These character dynamics made the show a standout hit and a trailblazer for how women were depicted on television.
Beyond the characters, Cagney & Lacey also addressed pressing social issues of the time, including workplace discrimination, domestic violence, and gender inequality. Avedon’s deep commitment to feminist ideals and social justice permeated the show’s narrative, pushing the boundaries of what network television could explore. Her work on Cagney & Lacey earned widespread praise, with the show winning multiple Emmy Awards, including a record six consecutive awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series—three for Tyne Daly and three for Sharon Gless.
Avedon’s Legacy in Television
Barbara Avedon’s influence on television goes far beyond her work on Cagney & Lacey. Throughout her career, she was a vocal advocate for creating more opportunities for women in the industry, both in front of and behind the camera. She recognized that in order to change how women were portrayed on television, it was essential to have women involved in the creative process.
Avedon’s writing often reflected her commitment to portraying strong, complex female characters. Her scripts showed women as leaders, problem-solvers, and individuals with their own stories, rather than merely being supporting characters in male-dominated narratives. Her ability to combine compelling storytelling with meaningful social commentary set her apart from many of her contemporaries.
As a writer, Avedon was known for her ability to create authentic dialogue and characters who felt real to audiences. Her scripts were often emotionally driven, with a focus on human relationships and personal struggles. This approach to storytelling resonated with viewers and made the characters in her shows relatable and memorable.
Avedon’s work in the industry wasn’t limited to television. She also contributed to films and wrote for stage productions, always maintaining her focus on strong narratives and social justice. Her advocacy for women’s rights and equality within the entertainment industry never wavered, and she remained an important figure for aspiring female writers and directors.
Political Activism and Social Advocacy
Barbara Avedon’s contributions to television were matched by her lifelong dedication to activism. She was heavily involved in progressive political causes and was a staunch advocate for civil rights, women’s rights, and anti-war movements. Avedon was an early supporter of the feminist movement, and her activism often intersected with her writing, as she sought to use television as a platform for promoting gender equality and challenging societal norms.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Avedon became actively involved in political campaigns and social causes. She worked on behalf of several Democratic candidates and used her skills as a writer to craft speeches and campaign materials that reflected her political ideals. Avedon’s activism extended beyond the political arena, as she was also a vocal supporter of organizations advocating for civil liberties, LGBTQ+ rights, and environmental protection.
In addition to her political work, Avedon was involved in numerous nonprofit organizations that sought to improve the representation of women in media and provide mentorship to young female writers and filmmakers. She understood the importance of using her platform to empower others, and she dedicated much of her life to creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in Hollywood.
Personal Life and Enduring Influence
Barbara Avedon’s personal life was marked by the same passion and dedication she brought to her work. She married Robert Greenwald, a director and producer, with whom she shared many professional and political pursuits. Avedon’s commitment to her causes never wavered, and even after her death on February 4, 1994, her legacy as a writer and activist continues to inspire.
Avedon’s impact on television, particularly through Cagney & Lacey, cannot be overstated. The show remains a landmark in TV history for its bold portrayal of women, and its success paved the way for future series featuring strong female leads. Avedon’s fearless approach to addressing social issues through her writing continues to resonate with audiences and serves as a model for how television can be both entertaining and transformative.
Her contributions to the entertainment industry, as well as her relentless advocacy for equality, have left a lasting imprint on Hollywood and beyond. Barbara Avedon’s trailblazing career serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to challenge societal norms and create meaningful change.