Exploring The Life And Career Of Barbara Eden: The Iconic Genie

Barbara Eden is a name that resonates with many, especially those who grew up watching classic television. Her portrayal of a magical genie in the beloved sitcom I Dream of Jeannie has left an indelible mark on American pop culture. From her humble beginnings in Tucson, Arizona, to becoming a household name, Eden's journey is inspiring. Let's dive into the key moments of her life and career, showcasing her achievements and the legacy she continues to build today.

Who Is Barbara Eden?

Actress Barbara Eden made her film debut in 1956's Back from Eternity. This was followed by a series of unremarkable films throughout the 1950s and '60s. In 1965, she hit it big playing the genie in the bottle on the TV sitcom I Dream of Jeannie opposite Larry Hagman. The popular show ran for five years, captivating audiences with its lighthearted humor and enchanting storyline.

Early Life

Eden was born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona. Growing up, she excelled as a cheerleader in high school and pursued a career as a pop singer during her teenage years. She graduated in 1949 from Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, setting the stage for her future in the entertainment industry.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Eden appeared in several films and television shows. Her first film role, uncredited, was in Back from Eternity in 1956. In 1957, she starred on TV in How to Marry a Millionaire, based on the movie of the same name. She was also featured in popular shows, including I Love Lucy, Perry Mason, Gunsmoke, Route 66, and a pilot called The Barbara Eden Show, which never aired.

'I Dream of Jeannie'

Eden's most popular role came in 1965 when writer Sidney Sheldon, in response to the major TV success of Bewitched, asked her to star in his new sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. She stepped into the role of the genie in the bottle, co-starring with Larry Hagman, who played NASA astronaut Major Anthony Nelson. The show became iconic and is still fondly remembered today.

The storyline centered around Major Nelson discovering a decorative pink bottle on a desert island after he splashed down in the ocean. The bottle contained a beautiful blonde genie, played by Eden, who immediately assumed that Nelson was her master. He brought her home to live in Cocoa Beach, Florida. In each episode, the forbidden use of Jeannie's well-meaning mystical powers altered reality in ways that audiences loved. Together with Nelson's bumbling friend Major Roger Healey, they conspired to keep Jeannie a secret. Eden and Hagman had great on-screen chemistry, and the sitcom, which ran from 1965 to 1970, gained a cult following.

In November 2012, Eden's I Dream of Jeannie co-star Larry Hagman died from complications from cancer. Upon his death, Eden remembered her first day shooting with her co-star: "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."

Eden still appears from time to time in commercials and cameos that poke gentle fun at her former role. In 1997, Columbia Pictures announced plans to produce a movie version of I Dream of Jeannie. Eden was slated to make a cameo appearance as the new Jeannie's aunt. However, the film, originally scheduled for 1998, has not yet been produced.

Later Career

Eight years after her success in I Dream of Jeannie, Eden played another popular role, Stella Johnson, in the movie Harper Valley P.T.A., which was based on the popular country song. The movie was adapted into a television series, starring Eden as a single mom raising her teenage daughter in the fictional town of Harper Valley, Ohio. The series aired for two seasons in 1981 and 1982.

In October 1986, Eden published her autobiography, Barbara Eden: My Story, and followed it up in 2011 with her memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle. These works provide insight into her life, career, and the experiences that shaped her into the beloved actress she is today.

Personal Life

Eden married her first husband, Michael Ansara, in 1958, but they divorced in 1974. The couple had a son, Matthew Michael Ansara, born August 29, 1965, who sadly died of a drug overdose in 2001. She married Charles Donald Fegert on September 3, 1977, and divorced him in 1983. Eden found lasting love with Jon Eicholtz, whom she married in January 1991.

Key Takeaways from Barbara Eden's Journey

Barbara Eden remains a beloved figure in television history, and her contributions to the industry are significant. From her start as a pop singer to her enchanting role as a genie, Eden's journey is a testament to talent, perseverance, and the magic of storytelling. As she continues to inspire new generations, her legacy as a pioneering actress will undoubtedly endure.