Barbara Barrie Reflects on Cancer Battle as Career Turning Point Before Choosing Assisted Death

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Barbara Barrie dubbed her health struggles a “turning point” in her career in one of her final interviews before ending her life by medical assistance.

The actress reflected on her cancer battle in a May 2024 “How Art Changed Me” episode, explaining she underwent chemotherapy every Thursday while acting in “After-Play.”

While Barrie did not specify the timeline, she took part in the project between 1995 and 1996.

“I had cancer … so I would go up to Columbia Presbyterian every Thursday,” the Oscar nominee recalled. “Usually [people] get an infusion, but I was in a hurry.”

Because the “Suddenly Susan” alum “had to go to rehearsals … they would jab” her before she went on her way.

“At lunchtime,” Barrie remembered, “[my colleagues would] all go to lunch, and I would take a nap.”

The experience was a “turning point” for the Broadway star because she realized her work “obviously mean[t] something to” her if she was willing to “go through” the treatment.

“I did [it],” she said. “I think that’s because … I want to tell the story. Not my story, but the story.”

The Emmy nominee did not provide further details on her cancer treatment and recovery.

Barrie was diagnosed with terminal cancer ahead of her death, according to her daughter.

Jane Harnick told The New York Times on Wednesday that her mom had died at her Manhattan home at age 95.

The “Breaking Away” star is survived by Jane and son, Aaron Harkin.

Her husband, Jay Harnick, died in March 2007.

Barrie’s final public appearance was in March 2025 — and, prior to that, she attended the December 2021 opening night of “Company” on Broadway.

The Tony nominee, who starred in the Stephen Sondheim show’s original run decades prior, was all smiles on the red carpet.

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