Greek actress Vana Barba has revealed that no man ever rejected her during her youth, though she now fears romantic disappointment in older age.
Speaking during an appearance on the television programme Stin Agkalia tou Fani on Friday, November 6, Barba reflected on the passage of time, her reputation as a sex symbol, and why she never walked down the aisle.
Barba explained that throughout her early romantic life, she never received a negative answer from any man who interested her.
She said that no man had ever told her no during her younger years, but admitted that entering a relationship today would leave her hesitant and frightened of being turned down in old age.
Everything carries a price, Barba said, acknowledging that she misses romance now but wonders whether her pride could withstand romantic rejection, questioning whether she would react like a spoiled narcissist.
Fears of Rejection and the Sex Symbol Label
The actress also addressed her longstanding reputation as a sex symbol, asserting that such a distinction cannot simply be granted to someone.
She explained that the crown of a sex symbol is not a gift, stating that any woman who takes it must do so through her own worth and hard work.
Barba remarked that she would feel proud of any woman who claims the title in the future, even if part of her would jokingly wish for the earth to open and swallow her up.
Panic Over Marriage and Views on Monogamy
Turning to her personal life, Barba revealed that none of the marriage proposals she received over the decades ever came close to turning into a wedding.
She confessed that the thought of marriage triggered intense fear, recalling that whenever a wedding seemed imminent, she wanted to flee and would wake up in the morning experiencing panic.
People blessed with beauty can sometimes lead cursed lives, Barba observed, explaining that she prioritises love and companionship over legal marriage.
She added that marriage often ends up killing love, arguing that human beings are fundamentally not monogamous creatures.
A Mainstay of Greek Cinema and Television
Barba rose to prominence after winning the Miss Star Hellas beauty pageant in 1984, going on to build a prominent acting career in Greek cinema and television.
She gained international recognition for her role as the spirited islander Vassilissa in the 1991 Italian comedy drama Mediterraneo, which won the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
In recent months, the actress has spoken openly in public interviews about the challenges of growing older, discussing the physical and emotional impact of menopause and her occasional reluctance to appear on television.
