Streisand: “Pissed Off” By ‘Fockers’ Pay, Wants Big Money For ‘Parents 4’

Barbra Streisand isn’t holding back about her past experiences in Hollywood, specifically her compensation for the hit comedy “Meet the Fockers.” The legendary EGOT winner recently revealed she remains “pissed off” about salary discrepancies she faced on the 2004 film, citing it as a major factor if she were ever to consider returning for the newly announced fourth installment of the franchise.

Streisand starred as Roz Focker, the free-spirited mother of Ben Stiller’s character, Gaylord “Greg” Focker, opposite Dustin Hoffman as her husband, Bernie. The duo served as comedic foils to Greg’s uptight in-laws, played by Robert De Niro and Blythe Danner. The film, a sequel to “Meet the Parents” and followed by “Little Fockers,” was a box office success, boasting an ensemble cast of major stars.

Salary Disparity Fuels Streisand’s Frustration

Speaking candidly, Streisand explained that her frustration stems from not being paid commensurately with other cast members at the time. “They’d have to pay me a lot of money because I didn’t get paid what the other people got paid and so I’m pissed off,” she stated while promoting her latest album.

She connected this issue to a broader historical problem, noting, “I was in the time when women were getting paid less than the men.” Streisand did mention a gracious gesture from the then-head of Universal, Ron Meyer, who sent her a bonus check, calling it “very sweet.” However, this acknowledgement didn’t erase the initial pay gap that left her feeling undervalued compared to her male counterparts.

Meet the Parents 4: A Return Without Roz?

Earlier this year, news broke that a fourth “Meet the Parents” film is in development, with key stars including Ben Stiller, Robert De Niro, Blythe Danner, Teri Polo, and Owen Wilson expected to reprise their roles. John Hamburg, who co-wrote the first three films, is set to write and direct the new movie, currently slated for a November 25, 2026 release.

Given Streisand’s stance on her past compensation, her return as Roz Focker appears highly unlikely unless a significant financial offer materializes. Her comments make it clear that rectifying the previous pay disparity would be a prerequisite for any future involvement in the franchise.

Beyond the Fockers: Streisand’s Busy Schedule

Despite her critiques of past film experiences, the 83-year-old icon remains incredibly active across various creative endeavors, showcasing her enduring 65-year career which notably includes being the first performer to achieve EGOT status.

Streisand recently released her memoir, “My Name Is Barbra,” a massive 970-page tome (with an equally lengthy, self-narrated audiobook). She is also currently in production on a multi-part documentary about her life, directed by Frank Marshall.

Her focus currently seems directed towards music. She is promoting her new album, “The Secret of Life: Partners, Volume Two,” a collection of duets featuring an impressive roster of collaborators. The album includes tracks with stars like Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Laufey, Hozier, Sam Smith, James Taylor, Sting, Tim McGraw, Josh Groban, and notably features Ariana Grande and Mariah Carey together on the song “One Heart, One Voice.” This is an interesting crossover, as Ariana Grande is also set to appear in an undisclosed role in the upcoming “Meet the Parents 4.” Streisand praised Grande, calling her one of the industry’s most wonderful voices.

While she still receives acting offers, Streisand described many as “funny,” though she teased one promising prospect related to a subject she loves, potentially involving Guillermo del Toro, but remained tight-lipped on details. She reflected on a long-held desire to end her movie career with “Gypsy,” a project she couldn’t get made, lamenting how quickly “time goes so fast.”

As for directing, having helmed films like “Yentl,” Streisand indicated she has likely retired from that role, stating, “I’m not ready to direct again… I think I’ve probably had it.”

Ultimately, while the “Meet the Parents” franchise moves forward with many familiar faces, Barbra Streisand’s potential return hinges on a substantial offer that acknowledges and rectifies the pay issues from her past involvement, underscoring her continued fight for equitable compensation in Hollywood.