Click here for John's updated and unabridged 2009 interview with America's premier male model of the 1950's and 60's, William Ramage

A Message from Barbara's son, John Lee Payton:

Initially I was very worried about another writer interested in my mother. Too many times people have used her for sensational and exaggerated horror stories of the worst Hollywood offers, and the consequences of mistakes or overindulgence. Even today some use her to vent an almost pathological hatred motivated by reasons best known only to themselves. I was persuaded to take a look at John's work, and to get to know the kind of man he is, by my Aunt Janice, who is my mother's sister-in-law. I am so glad I did. John O'Dowd is dedicated, perhaps even driven, to tell the whole story of my mother's life with unyielding thoroughness, but also a compassion for her humanity that has convinced me that she must surely be pleased with him. I have found much in the work so far that breaks my heart, but equally as much that brings back the many wonderful memories I have of her and our years together, and the immense pride I have in her for fighting so hard, so long for her dream. John O'Dowd is a good man and a fine writer, and I feel fortunate to have become his friend as well.