Barbara Bain, the legendary actress celebrated for her role as secret agent Cinnamon Carter Crawford in Mission: Impossible, was recently spotted on a rare outing at Bristol Farms in Los Angeles. At 93, Bain exuded her signature strong, statuesque presence, casually dressed in dark sweatpants, a black hoodie, and a baseball cap. Her poised demeanor harkens back to her early days as a dancer, having studied under the legendary Martha Graham. Born Mildred Fogel in 1931, Bain initially pursued sociology before moving to New York City to follow her passion for dance. Eventually, she transitioned into acting, studying under Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio, laying the foundation for a groundbreaking career in television.
From 1966 to 1969, Bain starred alongside her husband, Martin Landau, in Mission: Impossible. Her portrayal of Cinnamon Carter was revolutionary—an intelligent, fully respected member of a spy team at a time when female characters were often sidelined. The role earned her three consecutive Emmy Awards (1967–1969) and a Golden Globe nomination, cementing her place in television history. Bain has often reflected on the broader impact of her character, sharing how young viewers, particularly women, were inspired to pursue careers in male-dominated fields such as STEM. She recalls hearing from countless fans, including a retiree from NASA, who credited her portrayal with motivating their educational and professional ambitions.
After three successful seasons, Bain left Mission: Impossible, explaining that her departure was due to scheduling challenges, not financial disputes. She continued acting with guest roles on classic shows like Perry Mason and The Dick Van Dyke Show, demonstrating her versatility and enduring appeal.
Beyond acting, Bain has dedicated herself to children’s literacy through her non-profit, Storyline Online. The initiative began with a personal realization during a board game with her daughter and 15 years of volunteer reading to children in community centers like Watts. The program eventually evolved into a global online platform where actors read stories to engage and inspire young readers, fulfilling Bain’s vision of using performance to foster learning.
Barbara Bain’s legacy extends far beyond the screen. As an Emmy-winning actress and a passionate advocate for literacy and empowerment, she continues to inspire new generations while maintaining her iconic presence in Hollywood—even in her 90s.