Bruce LaBruce Honors Barbara Parkins on 83rd Birthday
The director revisits Valley of the Dolls monologue to salute the actress’s milestone year
Reshmi Das has over four years of experience as a content writer, covering parenting and films. She writes for Hollywoodjunction and Momjunction. Her interest in journaling and writing made this biotechnology postgraduate to take up content as her full-time profession.
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Image: Instagram
Canadian filmmaker Bruce LaBruce marked the 83rd birthday of Canadian actress Barbara Parkins with a heartfelt Instagram tribute. Parkins, best known for her breakout role in the 1967 film The Valley of the Dolls, celebrated her birthday on May 22. LaBruce posted a vintage portrait of the model-turned-actress alongside an excerpt from Parkins’s iconic voice-over monologue.
Nostalgic Valley Of The Dolls Tribute
In his Instagram caption, LaBruce wrote: “You’ve got to climb Mount Everest to reach the Valley of the Dolls. It’s a brutal climb to reach that peak. You stand there, waiting for the rush of exhilaration, but it doesn’t come. You’re alone. And the feeling of loneliness is overpowering. I never meant to start that climb. I took the first step when I left New England and headed for New York. It wasn’t easy to leave that wonderful house. I wanted a marriage like Mom and Dad’s, but not yet. First I wanted new experiences, new faces, new surroundings. Lawrenceville would be there forever…”
He continued: “…and ends with her walking by herself in the New England snow. I’ve always related intensely to her character, although I’ve certainly had my Neely O’Hara moments.” By spotlighting Parkins’s own words, LaBruce underscored the film’s emotional depth and its ongoing cultural resonance.
Filmmaker’s Personal Connection
LaBruce, who posts under his own name on Instagram, has a reputation for blending mainstream and underground art. His tribute highlighted themes of ambition, fame, and isolation—motifs he often explores in his own work. Followers praised the sincerity of the homage, sharing personal memories of Parkins’s performance and applauding the director’s choice to let her monologue speak for itself.
Profile: Bruce Labruce
Bruce LaBruce is a Canadian filmmaker, photographer, writer, and actor born on March 3, 1964. He emerged in the early 1990s as a leading voice in New Queer Cinema, directing provocative films such as The Raspberry Reich and The Misandrists. Known for marrying art-house aesthetics with explicit content, LaBruce has also exhibited photography in galleries and authored essays on culture and sexuality. His Instagram feed frequently pays tribute to artistic icons, situating his birthday post to Parkins within a broader project of cultural remembrance.
Why The Valley Of The Dolls Still Matters
Adapted from Jacqueline Susann’s best-selling novel, The Valley of the Dolls premiered in 1967 and quickly became a cult classic. Parkins’s portrayal of aspiring actress Anne Welles earned her Golden Globe nominations for Best New Star of the Year and Best Supporting Actress. The film’s candid examination of fame, addiction, and sacrifice continues to fascinate both fans and filmmakers, inspiring revival screenings at festivals and specialty cinemas worldwide.
Followers Share Fond Memories
Within hours, LaBruce’s post attracted a wave of comments. Fans reminisced about Anne Welles’s journey, praised the director for reviving Parkins’s monologue, and tagged friends to revisit the film. One user called it “a beautiful reminder of Parkins’s raw talent,” while others shared favorite lines and stills from the movie.
A Lasting Silver-screen Legacy
After her breakout, Parkins transitioned to television with roles in series like Peyton Place and appeared in modeling campaigns across North America and Europe. In interviews, she’s reflected on the changing landscape of Hollywood and the pressures faced by actresses. Parkins still makes select festival appearances, where devoted fans celebrate her enduring influence on pop culture.
LaBruce’s birthday homage not only honors a screen legend but also invites new audiences to rediscover a defining moment in cinema history. By weaving together classic imagery, a powerful monologue, and personal admiration, the tribute underscores how timeless performances can find fresh relevance in today’s social media spotlight.
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