Bea Silvern was an actress, playwright and director. Born Bari Claire Barish in New York to Irving Barish (died 1963) and Rose (Freud) Barish (died 1951), she was prominent in theatre in New York and Los Angeles. She won several Dramaturgy Awards for her leading roles. She was produced and directed Tennessee William's 'The Seven Descents of Myrtle' and received awards for public television. She and her husband David Harold Silvern (born 1925) were married for 68 years until her death, and had two sons.