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Who Is Barbara Eden?
Barbara Eden is an accomplished actress best known for her iconic role as the genie in the beloved television sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. She made her film debut in 1956 with Back from Eternity, but it was not until 1965 that she gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of the enchanting genie opposite Larry Hagman. The series enjoyed a successful run for five years, captivating audiences with its whimsical charm.
Early Life
Born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, Eden displayed a passion for the performing arts from an early age. In high school, she was a cheerleader and a budding pop singer. She graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco in 1949. The 1950s and 1960s saw Eden make a number of appearances in films and television shows. Her initial role, albeit uncredited, was in Back from Eternity. In 1957, she starred in the television adaptation of How to Marry a Millionaire, based on the film of the same name. Eden also featured in several notable series, including I Love Lucy, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, and Route 66, and she starred in a pilot titled The Barbara Eden Show, which ultimately never aired.
‘I Dream of Jeannie’
Eden’s career-defining moment came in 1965 when she was cast in Sidney Sheldon’s I Dream of Jeannie, a sitcom created in response to the immense popularity of Bewitched. Eden’s character, the beautiful blonde genie, was discovered by NASA astronaut Major Anthony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman, after he found a decorative pink bottle on a deserted island. The storyline centered around the whimsical adventures that ensued as Major Nelson brought Jeannie home to Cocoa Beach, Florida. Each episode featured Jeannie’s well-meaning but often misinterpreted use of her magical powers, leading to comedic situations that delighted audiences. Eden and Hagman’s undeniable chemistry contributed to the show’s enduring appeal, which continues to resonate with fans even decades after it concluded its run in 1970.
Following the passing of Larry Hagman in November 2012, Eden reflected on their first day of filming together, recalling, “I can still remember that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking… and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever.”
Despite her iconic status, Eden has maintained a presence in the entertainment industry, making occasional appearances in commercials and cameos that humorously reference her past role. In 1997, Columbia Pictures announced plans for a film adaptation of I Dream of Jeannie, with Eden expected to appear as Jeannie’s aunt; however, the film has yet to be produced.
Later Career
Eight years after her breakout role in I Dream of Jeannie, Barbara Eden starred as Stella Johnson in the film Harper Valley P.T.A., which was inspired by the popular country song of the same name. The film’s success led to the creation of a television series, also featuring Eden, where she portrayed a single mother navigating life while raising her teenage daughter in the fictional town of Harper Valley, Ohio. This series aired for two seasons from 1981 to 1982.
In October 1986, Eden released her autobiography, Barbara Eden: My Story, and further chronicled her life in her 2011 memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle.
Personal Life
Eden’s first marriage was to actor Michael Ansara in 1958; they divorced in 1974. The couple had one son, Matthew Michael Ansara, born on August 29, 1965, who tragically passed away from a drug overdose in 2001. Following her divorce from Ansara, Eden married Charles Donald Fegert on September 3, 1977, but they divorced in 1983. In January 1991, she married Jon Eicholtz.