Some things are worth the wait. Have you ever written a fan letter? What about waiting nearly five decades for a response? That's exactly what happened to the incredibly talented actor Richard E. Grant. At the age of 14, he penned a heartfelt note to the legendary Barbra Streisand. Fast forward almost 50 years, and he finally got a reply. This story is more than just a fan letter—it’s a testament to the power of connection, even across decades.
From Teenage Fan to Twitter Stardom
Richard E. Grant, now 61, shared this incredible story on Twitter, revealing that he had written a letter to Barbra Streisand when he was just 14 years old. He posted a photo of himself outside her home, explaining, “As a lifelong fan of someone, you’ll understand what it meant for me to take this snap outside the home of @BarbraStreisand.” He even joked about asking security for permission to take the picture, saying, “Asked Security for permission & he replied, ‘It’s a public road, but thanks for asking.’”
Richard went on to share the contents of the letter he wrote as a teenager. His tweet captured the hearts of thousands, and it wasn’t just because of his charming humor—it was the sheer emotion behind his words. “Wrote her this letter when I was 14,” he said, adding, “My wife is very understanding!” The tweet quickly went viral, resonating with fans who’ve ever felt the excitement of fandom.
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As a lifelong fan of someone you’ll understand what it meant for me to take this snap outside the home of @BarbraStreisand Asked Security for permission & he replied ‘It’s a public road, but thanks for asking’ Wrote her this letter when I was 14. My wife is very understanding! pic.twitter.com/3SohXKpgZT
— Richard E. Grant (@RichardEGrant) January 29, 2019
The Letter That Bridged Generations
Richard’s letter wasn’t just a fan’s admiration; it was a heartfelt invitation. Back in 1972, he wrote, “Since seeing Funny Girl, we, my family, that is, and I have been very big fans. I have followed your career avidly. We have all your records. I am 14 years old.” The young fan then expressed his concern for Barbra’s well-being, having read about her struggles with fame and a failed romance with Ryan O’Neal. He offered her a two-week holiday—or longer—at his family’s home, describing it as a beautiful place with a pool and stunning views. “Here you can rest. No one will trouble you,” he wrote.
This wasn’t just a fan letter; it was an act of kindness from a teenager who truly cared. Richard’s words were simple but deeply meaningful, showing how much Barbra’s music and performances meant to him. It’s no wonder the letter struck a chord when it finally reached her decades later.
Barbra's Belated but Beautiful Response
For years, Richard had no idea if his letter had ever made it to Barbra. But in January 2019, she finally responded on Twitter. “What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14! And look at u now!” she wrote. She went on to praise his performance in the film Can You Ever Forgive Me?, starring Melissa McCarthy, saying, “You’re terrific in your latest movie with Melissa. Congratulations and love, Barbra.”
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Dear Richard What a wonderful letter you wrote me when u were 14 ! and look at u now! You’re terrific in your latest movie with Melissa congratulations and love Barbra
— Barbra Streisand (@BarbraStreisand) January 29, 2019
Richard was overwhelmed by the response. He tweeted back, “Am completely crinkle faced & overcome with emotion. My ‘Message in a bottle’ miracle.” For Richard, this wasn’t just a win in the world of social media—it was a life-changing moment. Even if he doesn’t win the Best Supporting Actor Oscar (which was up for grabs in February 2019), this recognition from Barbra Streisand feels like a much bigger victory. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most meaningful wins come when we least expect them.
