Julia Barr (ex-Brooke, ALL MY CHILDREN) has always been an animal lover, and now she’s been asked to judge a design competition devoted to protecting our furry friends. She talked with us exclusively about it.
Soap Opera Weekly: Tell us about the Born Free USA fffashion Competition — how did you get involved, and why?
Julia Barr: I was a fan of the 1966 film Born Free, and I find its star, Virginia McKenna, to be a true inspiration. She went from being an actress to helping change the lives of millions of animals around the world when she and her husband Bill Travers started the Born Free Foundation. She is a hero in my eyes.
Weekly: What’s the connection of Born Free USA to Born Free, and Virginia McKenna and second husband Bill Travers?
Barr: The Born Free Foundation was initiated in England in 1984 by actors Travers and McKenna, the stars of the film, along with their son Will (now CEO of the Born Free Foundation and Born Free USA). Having been deeply influenced by their time spent in Kenya making the film, Bill and Virginia were inspired to devote the rest of their lives to helping to keep wildlife in the wild. In the subsequent two decades, Born Free has become an international force in wildlife conservation and animal protection, campaigning to save elephants, big cats, wolves, dolphins, bears, primates and numerous other species. A companion organization was established in the United States in 2002, Born Free USA, to carry on the work of the organization, involving the American public in our compassionate conservation campaigns.
Weekly: What makes you qualified to be a judge in this contest?
Barr: I have had animal companions my whole life, and have been involved with animal welfare for many years through several different venues. As far as fashion, I’ve been fortunate to have worked with fabulous wardrobe designers and stylists for over 30 years…not only on ALL MY CHILDREN, but also through a variety of publicity, fashion functions, parties and the Emmys. All of it has definitely enhanced and finessed my own sense of style. And I feel that having one’s own idea of style really speaks to the idea behind fffashion. You don’t need fur to be stylish…ever!
Weekly: What are some of the other animal/eco projects you’re involved in?
Barr: Shelter adoptions are of particular importance to me, because of our own experiences with our cats and dogs over the years. But I strongly believe that every animal matters, and that anything I can do to make one ounce of difference is important.
For more information on Born Free USA’s third annual fffashion Fur Free Fashion Competition, go to www.bornfreeusa.org/fffashion.
