When most of us think of Barbara Eden, the first thing that comes to mind is her iconic role in the classic television show I Dream of Jeannie. While she is undoubtedly celebrated for that role, her career and life extend far beyond it.
At 91 years old, Barbara Eden has been entertaining audiences for nearly seven decades. She is not only an accomplished actress and singer but also a producer, and she continues to thrive in her career even today.
The 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie told the story of an astronaut who discovers a magical bottle on the beach and brings home a genie. While the show itself was a delightful concept, it was Barbara Eden’s portrayal of Jeannie that truly made it a cultural phenomenon.
Even at 91, Barbara Eden remains vibrant and full of life. She may not don the famous harem outfit as often as she once did, but she continues to stay active and make the most of every moment.
Born in 1931 in Tucson, Arizona, Barbara’s early life saw her parents’ divorce, after which she moved to San Francisco to study at the Conservatory of Music. Growing up in the city, she performed in local nightclubs with neighborhood bands before eventually discovering her passion for acting.
Reflecting on her early years, Barbara once shared a piece of advice her mother gave her: “Barbara, you don’t sound like you mean a word you’re singing. Acting is something I think you should study too.”
Taking her mother’s words to heart, Barbara made the decision to move to Los Angeles, where she began appearing in major television shows. She became a regular guest on The Johnny Carson Show, but it was her role as Jeannie that catapulted her to stardom.
Speaking about her on-screen chemistry with Larry Hagman, who played Captain Anthony ‘Tony’ Nelson, Barbara said, “We simply clicked. Our rhythms were identical. Whatever we were doing, we were getting the same truth.” She added, “I was really in love with him. There are some actors that you have to really try to like, but I never had to do that with Larry. He was there all the time.”
During the show’s five-year run, Barbara even played her own mother and sister in certain episodes. She became widely recognized for the daring harem outfit she wore, which sometimes made network executives uneasy. Barbara recalled, “Executives at NBC got very frightened. They tightened their rules regarding the navel.”
Now in her 90s, Barbara Eden has appeared in over 50 films, with her most recent role being Mrs. Claus in a 2019 movie. Reflecting on her career, she said, “I feel bad for anybody who, like my poor father, had to work in a job he didn’t enjoy every day. I take pleasure in what I do. I’m still employed.”
Barbara remains active and healthy, working with a personal trainer who visits her home several times a week for resistance training. She also enjoys a rich social life, saying, “I’m not too bad at socializing.”
Throughout her remarkable career, Barbara Eden has brought joy and entertainment to millions. We wish her many more years filled with love, life, and happiness.
