Barbara Bain is an acclaimed American actress, best known for her role as Cinnamon Carter on the 1960s television series Mission: Impossible, for which she won three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series. Bain’s talent, elegance, and ability to portray complex characters made her a standout figure in the entertainment industry during a time when opportunities for women in leading roles were limited. Her work in both television and film has solidified her legacy as one of the most influential actresses of her generation, and she continues to inspire women in Hollywood today.
Born as Mildred Fogel on September 13, 1931, in Chicago, Illinois, Barbara Bain’s early life and career were shaped by her passion for the arts. Her journey to stardom was anything but conventional, with a path that led her from a career in modeling to a celebrated actress on stage and screen. Throughout her long and varied career, Bain has been an advocate for the importance of diversity in Hollywood and a trailblazer for women in the entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Barbara Bain was born into a Jewish family in Chicago and raised in the city. She attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she majored in sociology. After earning her degree, Bain initially set her sights on a career in social work, but a move to New York City would ultimately change her life and lead her to a career in the arts.
In New York, Bain began working as a fashion model for the prestigious Ford Modeling Agency. Her striking looks and poised demeanor quickly made her a sought-after figure in the fashion world, and she achieved great success as a model. However, Bain found herself unfulfilled by the world of modeling and yearned for a deeper connection to her work. This desire led her to enroll in acting classes with acclaimed teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, where she trained in method acting.
It was at the Actors Studio where Bain discovered her true calling as an actress. Strasberg’s method acting techniques, which emphasized emotional authenticity and psychological depth, resonated deeply with Bain, and she quickly became one of his most dedicated students. Her time at the Actors Studio laid the foundation for the nuanced and emotionally rich performances she would later deliver on stage and screen.
Television Stardom: Mission: Impossible
Barbara Bain’s breakthrough role came in 1966 when she was cast as Cinnamon Carter on the CBS television series Mission: Impossible. Created by Bruce Geller, Mission: Impossible followed a team of elite secret agents, known as the Impossible Missions Force (IMF), as they carried out dangerous covert operations around the world. Bain’s character, Cinnamon Carter, was the team’s resident femme fatale and master of disguise, using her intelligence, beauty, and charm to infiltrate enemy operations.
Bain’s portrayal of Cinnamon Carter was groundbreaking for its time. She was one of the first women on television to play a strong, independent, and capable character who was an equal member of a male-dominated team. Her character was not relegated to the background or used solely as a love interest; instead, she was an integral part of the IMF’s success. Bain brought a sense of sophistication and elegance to the role, and her ability to portray both vulnerability and strength made Cinnamon Carter one of the most memorable female characters of the 1960s.
For her performance on Mission: Impossible, Bain won three consecutive Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 1967, 1968, and 1969. She was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award. Bain’s success on the show helped pave the way for future generations of actresses who sought to break away from traditional, limited roles for women in television.
During her time on Mission: Impossible, Bain co-starred alongside her then-husband, Martin Landau, who played Rollin Hand, the team’s master of disguise. The pair’s on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and their real-life partnership added an extra layer of intrigue to their performances. Bain and Landau became one of television’s most beloved couples, both on and off the screen.
Post-Mission: Impossible Career and Space: 1999
After leaving Mission: Impossible in 1969, Bain continued to work steadily in television and film. She appeared in a variety of guest roles on popular shows such as Mannix, The Dick Van Dyke Show, and Medical Center. However, her next major television role came in the 1970s when she was cast as Dr. Helena Russell in the British science fiction series Space: 1999.
Space: 1999, which aired from 1975 to 1977, followed the inhabitants of Moonbase Alpha, a lunar colony that is flung into deep space after a catastrophic explosion. Bain’s character, Dr. Helena Russell, was the chief medical officer of the moonbase, responsible for the health and well-being of its crew. Once again, Bain played a strong, authoritative character who was central to the show’s narrative.
Although Space: 1999 received mixed reviews during its initial run, it has since gained a cult following among science fiction fans, and Bain’s portrayal of Dr. Russell is remembered as one of the highlights of the series. Her work on the show demonstrated her ability to tackle complex roles in a variety of genres, from spy thrillers to science fiction dramas.
Stage Work and Continued Success
In addition to her work in television and film, Barbara Bain has had a successful career on stage. She has appeared in numerous theater productions throughout her career, often returning to her roots in the world of method acting. Bain’s dedication to her craft has been evident in every performance, whether on screen or on stage.
One of Bain’s most notable stage performances was in the play Wings by Arthur Kopit, in which she portrayed a woman recovering from a stroke. The role required Bain to convey a wide range of emotions and physical challenges, and her performance was met with critical acclaim. Bain’s ability to immerse herself in such a demanding role was a testament to her skill and commitment as an actress.
Throughout the years, Bain has also worked as an acting teacher, sharing her knowledge and experience with aspiring actors. Her work as a mentor has been highly regarded in the industry, and she has helped shape the careers of many young performers.
Personal Life and Legacy
Barbara Bain was married to actor Martin Landau from 1957 to 1993, and the couple had two daughters, Susan and Juliet Landau. Juliet Landau followed in her parents’ footsteps and became an actress, best known for her role as Drusilla on the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Despite their divorce, Bain and Landau remained close friends until his death in 2017.
In addition to her work in the entertainment industry, Bain has been involved in numerous charitable and humanitarian efforts. She has been an advocate for various causes, including the fight against child abuse, and has worked with organizations such as the Screen Actors Guild (SAG) to promote the rights and well-being of actors.
Bain’s legacy as a trailblazer for women in Hollywood is undeniable. Her work on Mission: Impossible broke new ground for female characters in television, and her career has been defined by her willingness to take on challenging and diverse roles. Bain’s dedication to her craft, combined with her elegance and intelligence, has made her one of the most respected actresses of her generation.
Today, Barbara Bain is celebrated not only for her contributions to television and film but also for her impact on the industry as a whole. As a woman who defied the expectations of her time and paved the way for future generations of actresses, Bain’s influence continues to be felt in Hollywood and beyond. Her work remains an inspiration to those who seek to create strong, dynamic, and multidimensional female characters on screen.