Barbara Rhoades, born on March 23, 1946, in Poughkeepsie, New York, is an American actress known for her comedy and mystery roles.

She began her career in the late 1960s, appearing in guest roles on several television series, including "It Takes a Thief," "Ironside," "Mannix," "McMillan & Wife," "Columbo," "Kojak," "Starsky & Hutch," "Alias Smith and Jones," "Love, American Style," "The Odd Couple," "The Six Million Dollar Man," "Sanford and Son," "Bewitched," "Maude," "Trapper John, M.D.," "The Partridge Family," "Murder, She Wrote," and "Law & Order."

She gained recognition for her role as lady bandit Penelope "Bad Penny" Cushings in "The Shakiest Gun in the West" (1968) opposite Don Knotts. She also had a recurring role on the TV series "Soap" as Maggie Chandler, Jodie Dallas's future wife.

In 1977, she signed a long-term exclusive contract with Universal Pictures and appeared in several films during the 1970s, including "There Was a Crooked Man..." (1970) with Kirk Douglas and Henry Fonda, "Up the Sandbox" (1972) starring Barbra Streisand, "Scream Blacula Scream" (1973), "Harry and Tonto" (1974), "The Choirboys" (1977), and "The Goodbye Girl" (1977).

Barbara Rhoades was a regular cast member of the 1977 situation comedy "Busting Loose," portraying Melody Feebeck, and in 1989, she appeared as Jessica Gardner on "Generations." In 2007, she appeared in "First Born" with Elisabeth Shue, and in 2011, she had a recurring role on the American soap opera "One Life to Live" as Irene Manning.

Barbara Rhoades married television producer Bernie Orenstein on February 18, 1979, and they have one child together. She began taking dancing lessons when she was seven years old and gained stage experience in summer stock productions at the Cecilwood Theater in Fishkill, New York. She is known for her red hair and statuesque appearance.

Barbara Rhoades has been a frequent panelist on the popular 1970s game show "Match Game" and has made significant contributions to both television and film.