Turns out, celebrating a 92nd birthday isn’t just about one day—it’s about making it a full-blown celebration. And that’s exactly what Barbara Eden did back in August! The legendary actress, best remembered for her iconic role as the lovable genie in I Dream of Jeannie, didn’t just mark the occasion with a quiet dinner. Oh no, Barbara went all out with a dinner date surrounded by friends, a family barbecue filled with laughter, and even a heartfelt chat with fans who tuned in to wish her well.
"You wouldn’t believe it, but I got the most amazing and heartfelt birthday wishes from all over the world," Barbara beams, reflecting on the outpouring of love she received online. "It was truly a blast!" Now, this isn’t just any actress we’re talking about. Barbara’s journey in showbiz began way back in 1956 when she made her debut on Johnny Carson’s pre-Tonight Show series. Six decades later, she’s not just celebrated for her talent but also for her vibrant and fulfilling life both on and off screen.
In an exclusive chat with Closer, Barbara opens up about her incredible career and shares how it’s been one wild and wonderful adventure. Married to Jon Eicholtz since 1991, Barbara cherishes her private life as much as her public one. "I've been living in the same house for 40 years," she says with a warm smile. "My life is deeply rooted in my family, my home, my husband, my beloved dog Bentley, and, of course, my cherished friends."
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Barbara and Jon: A Snapshot of Bliss
From Arizona to Hollywood: A Journey of Dreams
Born in Tucson, Arizona, but raised in the bustling city of San Francisco, Barbara’s love for the arts started early. She spent her childhood singing in her church choir, a passion that would later guide her into the world of drama. After finishing high school, she enrolled at the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre, where her talent was nurtured and encouraged. "Miss Holloway was like a second mother to me," Barbara reminisces. "She told me, 'Barbara, you need to spread your wings. Leave home and chase your dreams in New York or L.A.'"
Now, let’s be honest—Barbara wasn’t exactly eager to jump into the unknown. "I was scared stiff," she admits with a laugh. "But I decided to head to L.A. because, well, I had family there to lean on. And boy, was that the right decision!"
A Career Built on Hard Work and Heart
Barbara’s career took off with guest appearances on some of the biggest TV shows of the time, including I Love Lucy, Perry Mason, Father Knows Best, and Gunsmoke. She even played a manicurist on The Andy Griffith Show, a role that surprisingly became a fan favorite. "Men loved that one," Barbara chuckles. "Who would’ve thought?"
But like any great journey, there were bumps along the road. Signed to 20th Century Fox, Barbara found herself in a string of forgettable small roles in films. Her 1957 syndicated comedy How to Marry a Millionaire didn’t last long, but Barbara isn’t one to dwell on the past. "I’ve made mistakes, sure, but they’ve all been lessons," she says. "I don’t waste time regretting anything."
The Magic of Jeannie
Then came the role that would define her career: playing a sweetly sassy 2,000-year-old genie on I Dream of Jeannie. But here’s the twist—it almost didn’t happen. "The day the show was sold, I found out I was pregnant," Barbara shares. "I thought for sure I’d lose the role. I told the creator, Sidney Sheldon, 'I can’t do your show. I’m so sorry.'" Surprisingly, Sheldon didn’t fire her. Instead, the show cleverly hid her pregnancy with yards of flowing chiffon scarves. "Elizabeth Montgomery paved the way for a fairer workplace for actresses," Barbara adds gratefully.
The experience of working with Larry Hagman was nothing short of magical. "When the cameras were rolling, it was like we were in our own little world," Barbara gushes. "He was an incredible actor, and off-screen, he was such a character! One day, he showed up in a full train engineer’s costume, complete with the hat. He had such a fantastic sense of humor."
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Lessons Learned and Looking Forward
Through it all, Barbara’s positive outlook has been her guiding star. "I’ve worked with co-stars who’ve had their own struggles, but you learn to focus on your job and find common ground," she explains. "Everyone has something good to offer if you look hard enough."
In her post-Jeannie career, Barbara kept shining. She starred as a feisty single mom on Harper Valley PTA, reunited with Larry Hagman on Dallas, and
