Your Neighbor: Barbara Miller

Barbara Miller used to play the role of the picture-perfect, all-American woman. During the ’70s and ’80s, the former model posed as a doting mother, insightful nurse and successful businesswoman in national campaigns for A&W, Linens ’N’ Things and Bayer Aspirin.

“It was all part of the job,” says the mother of two. “In a way, you were an actress.”

Miller grew up in Cambria Heights, Queens, N.Y., where she commuted an hour-and-a-half to attend the New York City High School of Performing Arts. Miller began dancing ballet, tap and jazz at 5 years old in her neighborhood dance class.

By the time she graduated high school in 1962, Miller had performed in shows that highlighted Sammy Davis Jr., Al Martino and Jack Jones.

“It was thrilling,” she says.

The 5-foot, 5-inch blonde dreamed of performing on Broadway, however, she found success in modeling and appeared on the pages of publications such as The New York Times, Good Housekeeping and Reader’s Digest.

Every day after she sent her son and daughter to school, Miller would travel to auditions throughout the city. Although the “go sees” were demanding, it was all part of the job.

“It wasn’t easy,” she says. “We would do our own hair and makeup and supply our costumes, but when you got the job out of 30 other people, it was worth it.”

Miller also appeared in commercials, soap operas and movies. One of her favorite roles on the silver screen was a silent part as a grieving widow in 1986’s “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” with Whoopi Goldberg.

In 1988 Miller followed her parents to Sarasota, where she rented a condo on Lido Key. Seven years later, she built a house in Palmer Ranch, where she resides today. Miller is now a real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate on St. Armands Circle and is celebrating her 25-year milestone with the company. With most of her family living in Sarasota, Miller says she’s never been happier.

“I’m truly lucky,” she says.

IN HER OWN WORDS:
“It’s a secure neighborhood in a wonderful location. It’s close to Siesta Beach and has easy access to Sarasota.”
— Barbara Miller

Click here to view a photo of Miller with Sammy Davis Jr. after a performance in 1962.

Neighborhood: Palmer Ranch
Your neighbor since: 1995

Contact Harriet Sokmensuer at [email protected]