Barbara Eden: Life, Career & 'I Dream Of Jeannie' Secrets!

Rowland Harvey 27 May 2025

Is it possible for a single role to define an entire career, yet simultaneously overshadow the vast landscape of achievements that lie beyond? For Barbara Eden, the answer is a resounding yes, but it only scratches the surface of her remarkable journey. While forever immortalized as Jeannie in the beloved "I Dream of Jeannie," Eden's contributions to film, television, and the performing arts extend far beyond the genie bottle, showcasing a talent and resilience that have captivated audiences for over six decades.

Barbara Eden, born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, has become a true icon of American entertainment. Her journey began long before she donned the iconic harem pants, marked by a dedication to her craft that took her from local stages to the bright lights of Hollywood. A graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, California, she honed her skills at San Francisco City College, the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre. This rigorous training laid the foundation for a career characterized by versatility and enduring appeal.

Barbara Eden: Bio, Career, and Personal Information
Full Name	Barbara Jean Morehead (Barbara Eden)
Date of Birth	August 23, 1931
Place of Birth	Tucson, Arizona, USA
Nationality	American
Education	Abraham Lincoln High School (San Francisco), San Francisco City College, San Francisco Conservatory of Music, Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre
Occupation	Actress, Singer
Years Active	1950s – Present
Known For	I Dream of Jeannie (TV Series)
Spouses	Michael Ansara (m. 1958; div. 1974) Charles Fegert (m. 1977; div. 1982) Jon Eicholtz (m. 1991)
Children	Matthew Ansara (deceased)
Website	Official Website

Before becoming America's favorite genie, Eden steadily built her resume with appearances in numerous television shows and films. These early roles showcased her comedic timing and dramatic range, hinting at the star she would soon become. Even before the 1965 debut of "I Dream of Jeannie," she graced the small screen with appearances in series like "Father Knows Best," demonstrating a versatility that would serve her well throughout her career.

The year 1965 marked a turning point with the premiere of "I Dream of Jeannie." The sitcom, co-starring Larry Hagman, catapulted Eden to international fame. Her portrayal of Jeannie, the bubbly and endearing genie, charmed audiences with its lighthearted humor and whimsical storylines. The show's success cemented Eden's status as a television icon, and images of her in the pink harem outfit became instantly recognizable.

The series ran until 1970 and became a cultural phenomenon. Even now, years later, you will find many fans who still identify the actress with jeannie. In August 2023, Eden shared that she is still approached by viewers. Sometimes they approach her about smaller roles she's done.

However, to reduce Barbara Eden to just "Jeannie" would be a disservice to her multifaceted career. Throughout the decades, she has continued to act on television and film. She demonstrated a dedication to her craft that has allowed her to maintain an active presence in the industry, which also defies conventional Hollywood stereotypes. Beyond the genie bottle, she has showcased a talent and versatility, captivating audiences with her wide array of roles.

Eden's filmography spans an impressive six decades, beginning with her debut in the 1956 film "Back From Eternity." While not all of her early films achieved critical acclaim, they provided valuable experience and allowed her to hone her skills. This early work paved the way for more substantial roles, showcasing her ability to handle both comedic and dramatic material.

On Thursday, May 23, the "I Dream of Jeannie" star was spotted leaving a restaurant in Los Angeles. She was looking radiant at 92 years old. On that sunny afternoon, Eden stood out in a red blazer.

In November 2019, Eden played Mrs. Claus along with Patrick Muldoon and Denise Richards in a film that debuted in November 2019.

Even as she approached her 90s, Barbara Eden continued to defy expectations. The standard age for retirement in the United States is typically 65, but Eden has shown that age is just a number. She continues to work, proving that passion and talent can transcend age barriers.

Barbara Jean Morehead, daughter of Hubert Henry Morehead and Alice Mary Franklin, has enjoyed a long and fruitful career. In August 2024, she will turn 93 years old, and she has publicly said that she is planning to celebrate her birthday and expresses gratitude to her fans and friends.

Beyond her professional achievements, Barbara Eden's personal life has also been a subject of public interest. She has been married three times: to Michael Ansara (1958-1974), Charles Fegert (1977-1982), and Jon Eicholtz (1991-present). Her marriage to Ansara produced one son, Matthew Ansara, who tragically passed away. Eden has often spoken about the importance of family and the challenges she has faced in balancing her personal and professional lives.

Eden has always had an artistic soul. Her career is a testament to her unwavering passion for the performing arts and her commitment to entertaining audiences. She will always be the "I Dream of Jeannie" star, but she has also played many more roles and captivated the public with her acting.

Throughout her career, she also sparked curiosity about her measurements and bra size. But, she is much more than just an icon, she is an inspiration to all. She has blessed the industry with her charm for over six decades!

The legacy of Barbara Eden extends beyond her iconic role as Jeannie. She is a celebrated American actress. She represents an era of classic Hollywood glamour and remains an inspiration to aspiring performers. Her longevity in a notoriously fickle industry is a testament to her talent, work ethic, and enduring appeal.

As she continues to embrace new challenges and projects, Barbara Eden remains a vibrant and beloved figure in the entertainment world. Her story is one of perseverance, talent, and the enduring power of dreams. She is a rule follower. She is a timeless icon who has captured the hearts of audiences worldwide, proving that the magic of "Jeannie" – and Barbara Eden herself – will continue to enchant generations to come.