Birthplace: Trenton, Wirrall, England, United Kingdom
biography
The undeniable cult status of British actress Barbara Steele says much about the peculiar status of women in horror films. Generally produced for adolescent males (and their dates), films of this genre tend to reflect both the desires and anxieties of their target audience. In the striking beauty of Steele's asymmetrical features--long black hair, large green bulging eyes, flaring nostrils, high cheekbones, sensuous bottom lip and small pointy chin--can be found the nexus of young male fear and desire. Fittingly, one of her credits is entitled "The Long Hair of Death" (1964)! Steele was often
Feature acting debut, a one line bit part as a student in the British comedy "Bachelor of Hearts"
1960
Debut in starring role, "Black Sunday/Mask of Satan/La Maschera Del Demonio", an Italian film about witchcraft; first horror role; directorial debut for Mario Bava (released in US in 1961)
1961
US film debut, Roger Corman's "The Pit and the Pendulum"; voice dubbed by another actress
