Barbara Bain, the acclaimed actress best known for her role as Cinnamon Carter in the original *Mission: Impossible* series, has shared the fascinating beginnings of her artistic journey in a recent interview. At the age of 94, Bain reminisced about her path to acting, revealing how a desire to avoid gym class inadvertently led her to embrace both dance and acting.
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In her youth, Bain was academically gifted. Describing herself as a “very smart and tall girl” from the Midwest, she faced challenges in fitting in with her peers. Her educational journey eventually brought her to the University of Illinois, but it was her aversion to physical education classes that ultimately changed the course of her life. “I never wanted to take gym,” Bain recalled, explaining that the unattractive green gym suit only compounded her disdain.
Seeking an alternative, Bain decided to wander into a modern dance class. With no prior experience in dance, she was instantly captivated. “I fell in love. My entire life just spun, and it spun to an exceedingly exciting, demanding, beautiful place,” she fondly recounted, indicating how this unexpected turn ignited her passion for the performing arts.
Returning to Chicago, Bain furthered her dance education under the tutelage of renowned choreographer Martha Graham. However, the call towards acting lingered in the background. As she honed her skills as a dancer, Bain faced persistent suggestions to try her hand at acting. Skeptical of her capabilities, she initially resisted. “I would say, ‘No, I’m not an actress. I am a dancer,'” she remarked, highlighting her commitment to her first love.
Eventually, Bain took the plunge and enrolled in an acting class, a decision that marked the beginning of another chapter in her artistic evolution. “I fell in love again twice! I was just so happy that I was finding myself,” she said, admitting that she was initially uncertain of how to navigate the world of acting. For a year and a half, she primarily focused on studying, bringing with her the strong work ethic she had developed as a dancer.
The actress credited her success to exceptional mentorship, having the opportunity to learn from both Graham and the revered acting teacher Lee Strasberg. “I was never a born actress, but with those master teachers, I couldn’t have wished for more,” she expressed, reflecting on how their influence shaped her burgeoning career.
After dedicating significant time to her studies, Bain deemed herself ready to audition for roles. She didn’t want to rush into the industry without being fully prepared. To her surprise, her early auditions proved fruitful. “That first week, I got all my union cards. I got a film, a television show and a tour of a Broadway play,” she shared, illustrating the rapid success she experienced.
From that moment on, Bain had “never done another waitress job,” a reflection of her immediate transition from aspiring actress to established professional. With her union card initially secured in 1955, Bain has proudly identified as a professional actress ever since. “I’ve just enjoyed it beyond belief,” she said, attributing her entire career to the simple decision to escape a gym class.
Her remarkable journey from a young girl avoiding an unattractive uniform to becoming a celebrated figure in television has not only marked her career but has also served as an inspiration to many. Bain’s experiences remind us of the unpredictable ways in which life can lead us to our true passions.