Which Hollywood legend played Victoria Barkley on the 1965-1969 U.S. TV western "The Big Valley"?

The Hollywood legend who played Victoria Barkley on the 1965-1969 U.S. TV western "The Big Valley" was Barbara Stanwyck. Victoria Barkley (Stanwyck) was the widow of Thomas Barkley and the matriarch of the wealthy, influential Barkley family who lived in 19th century Stockton in California's Central Valley. She was the main character of the TV series. She was a strong owner and head of the Barkley ranch. Stanwyck just refused to portray Victoria as a fragile and demure person.

Barkley's husband had been killed 6 years before the beginning of the series. Victoria loved and was proud of all her children, including her late husband's illegitimate son whom she called "my son". Stanwyck, who went from the refined elegant lady of the manor to a jean-clad cowgirl, was tough as any cowboy. She appeared in the most episodes (103) of the 112 episodes. Her episodes were often very hard hitting and full of conflicts.

Stanwyck was an American actress who had a 60-year career in film and television. She will always be remembered for her strong female roles. Born in July 1907, in Brooklyn, New York, Stanwyck appeared in more than 80 films. Notwithstanding her TV roles, her movies include "Stella Dallas" (1937) and the film noir classic "Double Indemnity" (1944), in which she defined the femme fatale character. Stanwyck won Emmys for her television work in "The Big Valley" and "The Barbara Stanwyck Show" (1960). She received an honorary Academy Award in 1981 and died in 1990.