Barbara Eden, a name that has graced our screens for an impressive seven decades, is still captivating audiences at the age of 91. Best known for her iconic role as Jeannie in “I Dream of Jeannie,” which debuted in 1965, Barbara’s talent and beauty have stood the test of time.
The popular 1960s sitcom, “I Dream of Jeannie,” revolves around an astronaut who discovers a 2,000-year-old female genie. Despite the outlandish premise, viewers couldn’t help but tune in and laugh, thanks to Barbara Eden’s enchanting portrayal of Jeannie.
Now, it may be hard to believe, but Barbara Eden is still alive and thriving at 91 years old! While it’s been a while since we’ve seen her in her classic harem attire on television, she continues to be as vibrant as ever.
However, Barbara’s life hasn’t always been a walk in the park.
Born in Tucson, Arizona in 1931, Barbara Eden faced her fair share of challenges. After her parents separated, she moved to San Francisco and began studying singing at the Conservatory of Music. As a young girl in the Golden Gate City, Barbara would perform in local nightclubs with small bands. However, it was her mother who noticed something amiss.
“Barbara, you don’t sound like you mean a word you’re singing,” her mother observed. “I believe you should study acting as well,” Eden recalled.
Taking her mother’s advice to heart, she moved to Los Angeles and began her acting journey by landing roles in some of the best shows of the 1950s. It wasn’t until her role in the legendary fantasy sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie” that she skyrocketed to fame.
In the series, Barbara Eden portrayed Jeannie, a captivating genie released from her bottle by astronaut Tony Nelson. The chemistry between Eden and her co-star Larry Hagman was undeniable.
“We just…clicked. We had the same beat. Whatever we were doing yielded the same truth,” Eden revealed. She went on to express her admiration for Hagman, saying, “I liked him. You must work hard to like some actors…and file it in another box in your mind. But I never had to do it with Larry. He was always present.”
Barbara Eden portrayed Jeannie for five years, even appearing as Jeannie’s mother and mischievous sister in the show. Her harem attire, which was considered a bit daring for television at the time, only added to Jeannie’s fame.
“After Mike came in and started teasing me about my belly button, it spread like fire worldwide. We had a good time with it, and I would tease him back, but I had no idea it would become something,” Eden shared.
The iconic outfit also solidified Barbara Eden as a TV sex icon in the eyes of many, including famous admirers like John F. Kennedy, who even shared his phone number with her, and Elvis Presley.
Eden’s career spans over 50 movies, and at 91 years young, she shows no signs of slowing down. In her most recent film, “My Adventures with Santa,” released in 2019, she took on the role of Mrs. Claus. Additionally, she made her theatrical debut that same year in the production of “Love Letters.”
“I feel young!” Barbara exclaimed. She considers herself lucky to have chosen a career she loves, unlike her father, who had to work at something he didn’t enjoy. Barbara continues to thrive in her work, having kept up with gym visits, spin classes, and weightlifting until a few years ago. Now, she has a trainer who helps her with resistance training and accompanies her on walks.
With a vibrant social life and a multitude of friends, Barbara Eden is living life to the fullest. And mark your calendars, because she even has an appearance lined up for March 2022.
Barbara Eden, a timeless star whose talent and charm have captivated audiences for decades, proves that age is just a number when you follow your passion.
