‘I Dream Of Jeannie' TV Icon Barbara Eden Opens Up About Life At 93

Forbes

2 days ago

She is forever a central fixture in pop culture and a multi-generational household name, beloved by many for playing the happy-go-lucky genie for five seasons on I Dream of Jeannie. As the popular sitcom celebrates its 60th anniversary, actress and television icon Barbara Eden continues to make her wishes come true - with no genie bottle required.
From 1965 to 1970, Eden played the title character, who crosses paths with U.S. astronaut Tony Nelson (played by Larry Hagman) and they end up building a life together, amidst her wish-granting and magical ways.
Now at 93, Eden continues to be a working artist and remains creatively open to new opportunities, while happily embracing her Jeannie claim to fame with loyal fans from all over the world - so much so, that she even has her own official online store with autographed memorabilia and more.
Sitting down for an interview with Eden at Steak 48 in Beverly Hills, California, she is still quickly recognized by others there, as their eyes so obviously follow her every move as she walks through the restaurant. She is also as vivacious, engaging and thoughtful today as one could ever hope for. Dressed in a multi-colored floral blazer and white slacks, Eden has undoubtedly evolved from her pink genie outfit into the celebrated businesswoman that she is today.
Starting our conversation, I first wondered what Eden still cherishes most these 60 years later about her I Dream of Jeannie days.
Eden said, 'I guess it's the sense of family. We all liked each other and it was fun being in the show, doing it. I have looked back recently, as a matter of fact - how lucky we were to have Hayden Rorke and Larry and Bill Daily. I mean, they were talented, talented men who could do more than just the comedy - but thank god they could do the comedy. We were surrounded by good people, good talent - and that is rare.'
Some might argue that the character of Jeannie was ahead of her time in a lot of ways, as she embraced her sexuality on the show, while also speaking up for herself around men - during a time when gender roles had far greater expectations within the household and in society. Does Eden see that, as well?
'Well, you know she was 2,000 years old, but she was learning,' Eden said. 'She learned quickly. She didn't know she was ahead of her time. I think Jeannie, her heart ruled - but she did.'
Remembered for being such a strong and leading female television character, I was curious if Eden's outlook on the word 'femininity' has changed at all over these 60 years.
Eden said, 'No, not at all - although I understand that the social dynamics have changed. I understand that. We're people - we're happy people. We're good people. There's always a lemon in there somewhere, but mostly, we're pretty good.'
On I Dream of Jeannie, Eden's character regularly referred to Tony as 'master' - which would often stir humorous confusion and sometimes controversy with other mortal characters. So, does Eden think that I Dream of Jeannie would be able to get made for television today?
'I think it could be - I'm not sure that anyone would want to do it,' Eden said. 'You know, 'master' is just a word and it was in her vocabulary. She didn't really say she was a slave. Never, you know? It was actually a classic theme. A thousand years and all the genies - and she was an entity. She wasn't a human, but she thought she could be a human and [Tony] knew she couldn't - and there, you have the comedy, because she just wasn't human.'
In the fifth and final season of I Dream of Jeannie, Tony and Jeannie got married, something Eden says 'I was very upset about it - not that anybody would listen to me.'
Inquiring further about this, I said to Eden, 'But being the star, do you feel like you had a little bit of a say, or was it because of the times that you did not so much?'
Eden said, 'I did not so much. No, I didn't. I guess if I had asserted myself - yes, I would have, but I didn't. I talked about it - I said, this is ridiculous. She can't marry you. It's ridiculous, but it was okay. It was still funny. People could relate, one way or another.'
Following the final episode of I Dream of Jeannie on May 26, 1970, Eden went on to build a wider singing career for herself, as well as acted in several other projects, including as Stella Johnson in the film version and for two television seasons of Harper Valley PTA.
So, does Eden still sing today?
'I do. I don't do it a lot. I don't do it at appearances and things. It's an instrument - you have to keep it up, and I have not kept it up.'
Being open to new opportunities as an actress, I wondered if there are any existing television shows today that Eden would enjoy joining.
Eden said, 'No, not really. I would tend to want a fabulous writer and director - and then, of course, a cameraman with the right lights. That's what I would worry about - or think about - rather than a certain vehicle that's out there already.'
Wondering next if a story within the genre of drama, comedy, horror or even a thriller might intrigue her most, Eden said, 'All of the above. It would depend upon how it's written and how it's directed. That's what I would enjoy.'
As for her life today off-screen, she resides around Beverly Hills with her husband of 34 years, Jon Eicholtz, and their dog Bentley. Yet, Eden says that she does not have hobbies. 'It's odd - I guess everyone has hobbies but me. I love to read. When I have downtime, I read. I do go out and speak, and I enjoy that. I enjoy the interaction with the audience - you know, the Q&A and that. It's fun - you really hear the darndest things when you do that.'
She added: 'Reading has been my joy ever since I was a child. I think a lot of that was because my parents were young and they had to take me everywhere. They couldn't afford a babysitter. I went with my book, and I went with my mom & dad if they went out to dinner with someone - or someone's home.'
Now after 93 years of life so far, and with her extraordinary career continuing onward, I wondered if Eden lives with any regrets, or if she embraces the good and the bad that has come her way.
'I don't think I want to embrace the bad,' Eden said. 'I don't do that. It's so much more fun to be on the plus side, you know? The best things happen when you expect it.'
Being someone who has been around the Hollywood business for so many years and has been able to witness the many changes to the industry, I was curious if there are parts of Hollywood today that she is liking more than in years past, and whether there are aspects of yesteryear that she wishes were still in place.
Eden said, 'That's a very complicated thing to answer because everything's in a flux right now. You don't know what's going to happen, or how it's going to happen. AI, for goodness sake! It's interesting - it will be challenging. It is, I guess, for a lot of people, but I think having a job, making a living with something that you really like to do, is the luckiest thing in the world. I feel I was very lucky to be able to make my living in an arena that I wanted to be in, and that I studied for. A lot of people study, but they aren't able to get a job. So, I was lucky.'
Seeing firsthand the signs of the times surrounding the entertainment business lately, I wondered what Eden would say to fellow creatives of all ages, trying to make it in Hollywood, whether that be a producer, actor, director and more. From her own experiences, what is the best advice that Eden would give to others?
'To be true to themselves. You can't copy somebody. You can't expect someone else's road to be your road. You have to just do it - do what you can do and how you do it, and then hope people like it.'
As I concluded my sit down conversation with Eden, I left the TV icon with my original and signature question - If you, Barbara, could speak to Jeannie after playing her for five seasons on I Dream of Jeannie and could give her advice, a warning, a comforting message - what would you say to this beloved character that you embodied for so long, and that you seem to have held onto throughout your life?
Eden said, 'Well, I think she's just fine. She's doing well. She did well - she's doing well. The bottle's comfortable.'