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During her childhood, Eden would sing at her church and high school choir, according toCloser Weekly.
From there, she picked up acting, believing it would help her skills as a singer.
She auditioned for a hit comedy sketch series for “The Johnny Carson Show.”
The show was reportedly looking for an actress to play the role of a “dumb blonde.”
Although she originally didn’t get the part, the producer intervened.
Eden ended up appearing on 14 episodes.
This got her foot in the door in the television acting industry and introduced her to mainstream audiences.
“My comedic timing was quite good,” Eden told The Wall Street Journal.
She’s not lying, asclips from the sketchshow.
In the episode “Country Club Dance,” Eden played the niece of the Ricardos' neighbor.
The story follows three young roommates based in New York City who attempt to wed wealthy men.
In 1960, Eden starred alongsideElvis Presleyin the Western film “Flaming Star.”
However, Eden was offered the iconic role six weeks after her initial audition (viaCloser Weekly).
The fantasy series follows the many whimsical adventures of a 2,000-year-old genie who falls in love with an astronaut.
According to"Today," a whopping 20 million viewers were watching each week by the second season.
“It takes people out of themselves and into another world,” Eden toldPeopleregarding its popularity and reputation.
Eden was noted for playing the character of Jeannie with a flavor of innocence and playfulness.
Her famous costume, which included an exposed midriff, was considered ultra risque at the time.
“Isn’t it lucky that I have one character that people remember?”
she said on “Today” (viaYahoo).
“‘The fun of Jeannie is the sexual tension between Jeannie and her master.
Once you marry them, that’s gone.
You have nothing to work with,'” Sheldon said (viaCloser Weekly).
However, “I Dream Of Jeannie” still managed to be a timeless classic decades later.
Eden went on to book consistent work for over 50 years, solidifying her enduring career in television.
An accomplished entertainer, Ansara also appeared on episodes of “I Dream Of Jeannie.”
Eden had her only child, a boy named Matthew, with Ansara in 1965.
Sadly,her son died from an unintentional drug overdosein 2001 at the age of 35.
Their relationship lasted five years.
After remaining single for years, Eden found love again with architect and real estate developer Jon Eicholtz.
The pair married in 1991.
As of 2022, the two are still going strong after three decades of marriage.
She also added that she is grateful that her husband is supportive of her career and independence.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available.
Visit theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration websiteor contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
A creative woman with many talents, Eden has also written four books.
Her first title, “Barbara Eden: My Story” came out in 1986.
In 1997, she published a collection of recipes called “The I Dream of Jeannie Cookbook.”
Then, in 2021, she penned a children’s book titled “Barbara and the Djinn.”
The story follows a young girl named Barbara who gets taken on adventures by a genie.
Barbara Eden is still going strong
On August 23, 2021, Barbara Eden became a nonagenarian.
According toPage Six, the actress exercises regularly and has an active social life.
When it comes to her career, she toldCloser Weeklythat she doesn’t plan on retiring anytime soon.
“I will be kicking along until they kick me out,” she said in 2019.
“That’s what keeps my energy up.
I love to work,” she added, while also excitedly mentioning that she frequently travels with Eicholtz.
As for her, she feels extremely fortunate to have found a job she truly enjoys.
