Barbara Eden – the iconic actress behind Jeannie in the hit 1960s series ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ – recently marked her 92nd birthday… And she still looks the same as she did 60 years ago!
Despite enduring significant personal losses and two unsuccessful marriages, she has now found happiness in her 32-year marriage with husband Jon Eicholtz – and we couldn’t be happier for her.
Barbara Eden’s illustrious career has spanned just shy of sixty years, starting from when she was catapulted to stardom in 1965 for her role as a magic genie (aptly named Jeannie) in ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, alongside the late Larry Hagman.
On her 92nd birthday, the actress graciously shared glimpses of her most cherished possessions, many of which were gifts from devoted fans and mementos from her iconic sets.
She took viewers on a tour of her Beverly Hills residence for People magazine, where she resides with her husband of over three decades, Jon Eicholtz.
In her office, she revealed she has a treasure trove of her life’s achievements and memorabilia, including a remarkable collection of ‘Jeannie’ bottles, some of which were given to her by adoring fans.
One bottle she showed People has a particularly special place in her heart – the original from the ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ series. “It is not usually here. I keep it in the bank. It has a few nicks. It’s been around a while,” she admitted. “It’s got a chip and a chip there, but it’s the real thing.”
Adorning her shelves were an array of awards and photographs commemorating some of her career highlights – one in particular was her first Hollywood Beauty Award, which she won in 2015.
However, one of the most cherished moments in her career was the day she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She said that this day held particular significance because it was attended by her son, Matthew, and the iconic Bob Hope.
While Eden has experienced professional highs, her personal life has been marked by challenging lows. She endured two divorces and the heart-wrenching loss of an unborn child, as well as her son, Matthew, at the age of 35.
Her first marriage was to Michael Ansara in 1958, and they welcomed their first child, Matthew Ansara, in 1965. Tragically, her son grappled with substance abuse and passed away in 2001.
In her book ‘Jeannie Out of the Bottle’, Eden wrote about the pain of losing her son, as well and the immense joy she found in motherhood. “Our joy was boundless. We finally had a child, and we loved him more than words could say,” she said.
Eden and Ansara’s marriage ended in divorce in 1974, and Michael Ansara passed away in 2013 at the age of 91. Subsequently, Eden married Charles Fegert in 1977, but their marriage sadly lasted just five years.
Nevertheless, love found its way back into her life, and in 1991, she wed Jon Eicholtz, a realtor and architect. This third marriage proved to be the charm for Eden, who has said many times that she is grateful for his support through some of the more challenging moments in her life.
Despite the trials and tribulations stemming from her marriages and the painful losses she endured, Eden has said she believes everything happens for a reason. “Yes, I’m very happy. I think life, everything, has to work itself out. There’s a reason for most things, and I can’t wish for it,” she told People.
Barbara Eden is an inspiration to us all!
READ MORE
- Barbara Eden is 92 and still enjoying a successful career over 50 years after ‘I Dream of Jeannie’
- Looking back on the life of Barbara Eden, and the tragic story of her only son who died at only 35
