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Oscar Winner Barbara Ling Dies at 73
11 Jul
Summary
- Barbara Ling, Oscar winner for "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," has died.
- She died at age 73 after battling cancer.
- Ling recreated 1969 Los Angeles for Tarantino's film.
Oscar-winning production designer Barbara Ling, renowned for her immersive period work, died on Thursday at age 73. She passed away in Santa Barbara following a battle with cancer.
Ling was celebrated for her Oscar-winning achievement in "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," where she painstakingly recreated 1969 Los Angeles. Director Quentin Tarantino emphasized a desire for authenticity, which Ling delivered by restoring facades and adding period-accurate billboards and marquees, making the environment palpable.
Her extensive career, which began in theater, also included significant contributions to films such as "Falling Down," "Batman Forever," and "Batman & Robin." She demonstrated versatility across genres, from contemporary realism to stylized fantasy.
Ling's commitment to authenticity was evident in her approach to "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood," where she aimed to capture the spirit of a bygone era. She expressed concern that such preservation efforts were becoming increasingly rare in Los Angeles.
Born in August 1952, Ling's cinematic journey began after a prolific career in theater and stage design. She made her film debut designing for David Byrne's "True Stories" in 1986, leading to a celebrated filmography.
Ling is survived by her wife, Lindsay, and their sons, Clay and Will.
