Barbara Eden, 91, Celebrates Seven Decades in Showbiz and Continues to Thrive
With an impressive career spanning seven decades, Barbara Eden, now 91, remains an unstoppable force in the entertainment industry. Known for her talents as an actress, singer, and producer, Eden captured hearts worldwide with her iconic role in I Dream of Jeannie, which debuted in 1965. However, her on-screen presence started long before that, as she had already been gracing television screens for a decade by then.
Her lasting impact and continued work make Eden a true Hollywood legend.
Barbara Eden: From ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ to an Iconic 7-Decade Career
For generations, TV fans have adored I Dream of Jeannie, the beloved 1960s sitcom about an astronaut who discovers a 2,000-year-old female genie. Despite its quirky premise, viewers were captivated, thanks largely to the charm and talent of Barbara Eden, who played the unforgettable Jeannie.
It might be hard to believe, but Barbara Eden is now 91 years old! While it’s been a while since she donned her iconic genie outfit, she remains very much alive and thriving.
Eden’s journey, however, hasn’t always been smooth sailing. Born in 1931 in Tucson, Arizona, her parents’ divorce led to a move to San Francisco, where she studied singing at the Conservatory of Music. As a young girl, she performed in small bands at local nightclubs in Golden Gate City but soon realized acting was her true passion.
Her mother’s advice helped shape her path: “Barbara, you don’t sound like you mean a word you’re singing. I think you should study acting as well,” Eden fondly recalled.
Taking this advice to heart, Eden relocated to Los Angeles, where she began appearing on some of the most popular TV shows of the 1950s, marking the start of a legendary career that has lasted for over seven decades.
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Barbara Eden’s Rise to Stardom: From Early Beginnings to ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Icon
Barbara Eden first appeared on TV in 1955 as a recurring guest on The Johnny Carson Show, but it was her starring role in the legendary sitcom I Dream of Jeannie that skyrocketed her to fame. The Arizona-born actress captivated audiences as Jeannie, the enchanting genie freed from her bottle by astronaut Captain Anthony “Tony” Nelson, played by Larry Hagman.
Reflecting on her on-screen chemistry with Hagman, Eden said, “We just clicked. We had the same rhythm. Whatever we were doing felt authentic.” She added, “I liked him. With some actors, you have to work at it… but not with Larry. He was always fully present.”
Eden portrayed Jeannie for five seasons, even playing dual roles as Jeannie’s mother and mischievous sister. Her iconic harem costume, which was considered daring for the time, helped elevate the character’s popularity.
In a 2015 interview with Today for the show’s 50th anniversary, Eden recalled how NBC executives grew concerned about the costume: “They became very strict about showing the navel.” A comment from her friend, columnist Mike Connolly, humorously poking fun at the matter, only fueled the fascination.
“When Mike teased me about my belly button, the story spread like wildfire. We had fun with it, but I never expected it to become such a talking point,” Eden reminisced.
Barbara Eden: From TV Icon to Active Legend at 91
Barbara Eden’s iconic harem outfit from I Dream of Jeannie not only made her a household name but also established her as a television sex symbol. Among her famous admirers were John F. Kennedy, who once discreetly passed her his phone number, and Elvis Presley. In her 2011 memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle, Eden revealed, “I tossed the piece of paper, but now I wish I had kept it.”
Throughout her illustrious career, Eden has appeared in over 50 films. At 91 years old, she shows no signs of slowing down. In 2019, she portrayed Mrs. Claus in My Adventures with Santa, and that same year, she took on the role of Melissa Gardner in the stage production Love Letters.
“I feel young!” Eden exclaims, expressing gratitude for her lifelong career. “I’m lucky to have enjoyed what I do. My father had to work at a job he didn’t like every day—I’m fortunate to love my work, and I still work.”
Though she once kept a rigorous fitness routine with gym visits, spin classes, and weightlifting, Eden now works with a personal trainer who helps her with resistance exercises and joins her for daily walks.
Socially active, Eden has many friends and remains busy. She even had a public appearance scheduled for March 2022, saying, “If I’m around, I’ll be there. I enjoy it!”
In addition to her acting career, Eden has ventured into children’s literature. She co-authored a book titled Barbara and the Djinn, which follows a young girl who embarks on magical adventures with a “charming and wizardly genie,” reminiscent of her famous role. Eden hopes her books will inspire children to value reading, lamenting that “now all they do is look at telephones!”
As for I Dream of Jeannie, Eden confidently dismisses the idea that it might seem outdated for today’s audiences, showcasing her enduring optimism and timeless appeal.
“Come now, this is a classic theme,” she said. “One Thousand and One Nights’? This is a lovely, wonderful fantasy.”
“And let’s be honest here, she was in the driver’s seat, you know. She wasn’t subservient at all.”
Barbara Eden has had an amazing life, made possible by her inspirational attitude and energy. She does prove that age is just a number.
Please share if you, too, love this legendary actress.
