Let’s take a moment to marvel at the legendary Barbara Eden, whose spark remains undimmed since her iconic days on "I Dream of Jeannie" back in the late '60s. It’s almost hard to believe that this beloved actress celebrated her 90th birthday on August 23. In an exclusive interview with Closer, Barbara shared her secrets to maintaining her youthful energy and zest for life. "I think the key is to stay active, do things that bring you joy, and keep a good sense of humor," she revealed with her signature charm.

From Music to Acting: The Early Days

Before Barbara became a household name, she was a young woman with a passion for music. She studied voice at the Conservatory of Music in San Francisco, but her journey into acting began unexpectedly. "My mom told me, 'Barbara, you don’t sound like you mean a word you’re singing. Maybe you should try acting,'" she reminisces. That advice led her to theater classes, and eventually, a move to Los Angeles. "I was lucky because I didn’t know what I was doing!" she laughs. But as we all know, luck only takes you so far. Barbara’s talent and determination paved the way for her incredible career.

A Rising Star in Hollywood

Barbara’s natural beauty and charisma quickly caught the attention of casting directors. She landed guest appearances on popular shows like "I Love Lucy" and "Route 66," and even starred alongside icons like Paul Newman and Elvis Presley in films. "My agent would call and say, 'Barbara, wear the dress!' It was modest by today’s standards, but still sexy," she recalls with a smile. Over time, Barbara gravitated toward roles that allowed her to showcase her impeccable comic timing, setting the stage for her breakout role as Jeannie.

Read also:
Elsbeth Season 2 Finale A Starstudded Return

The Magic of Jeannie

When it came to casting "I Dream of Jeannie," Barbara wasn’t exactly what the creators had in mind. "They were auditioning tall brunette beauty queens—Miss Greece, Miss Italy," she says. But fate had other plans. Barbara’s connection with the show’s writers from her previous role on "How to Marry a Millionaire" earned her an invitation to meet series creator Sidney Sheldon. "That’s how I got the job," she explains with pride. However, landing the role was just the beginning of her adventure.

Challenges Behind the Scenes

Barbara faced numerous challenges during the show’s run. For starters, she discovered she was pregnant on the very day the series was sold. "I told Sidney right away, expecting to be fired," she admits. But to her relief, Sidney worked out a solution, inspired by Elizabeth Montgomery’s trailblazing efforts on "Bewitched." "She paved the way for pregnant women in TV," Barbara praises. Meanwhile, her on-screen chemistry with Larry Hagman caused quite a stir. "The network’s Standards and Practices Department got ridiculous. Not only was Jeannie not allowed in Tony’s bedroom—neither was her smoke!" she jokes.

A Life Beyond Jeannie

Despite being forever linked to her role as the genie, Barbara never resented Jeannie. "I was always working, so I never thought about being typecast," she explains. Her career has been filled with diverse roles, including theater performances and her recent children’s book, Barbara and the Djinn. "I’ve always loved reading," she says. "Books like L. Frank Baum’s Oz series and The Secret Garden transported me to magical places. I hope my book will inspire a new generation with the same sense of wonder and kindness."

Challenges and Triumphs

Barbara’s life hasn’t been without its struggles. In 2001, she lost her son, Matthew Ansara, to an accidental heroin overdose. "He was such a beautiful young man," she says with emotion. "The only way I can honor him is to talk about him openly." Since then, Barbara has spoken to parent groups about drug abuse and advocates for early intervention. "If we had known sooner, we might have been able to help him," she reflects.

Her love life has also seen its ups and downs. She famously turned down romantic advances from Elvis Presley and John F. Kennedy, whose number she jokingly tossed away. After two divorces, she found lasting love with Jon Eicholtz, an architect and philanthropist. "You have to genuinely like each other," she says of building a successful relationship. "You don’t have to share the same interests, but mutual respect and support are key."

A Legacy of Kindness and Inspiration

At 90, Barbara Eden continues to inspire with her grace, humor, and unwavering positivity. Whether through her acting, writing, or advocacy work, she leaves an indelible mark on all who encounter her. As she looks to the future, she hopes her story will remind us of the magic in kindness, hope, and perseverance. "Life is full of surprises," she concludes. "Embrace them with an open heart and a sense of humor."