Barbara Eden is 91 and still enjoying a successful career over 50 years after ‘I Dream of Jeannie’

Barbara Eden, now 91 years old, has had an extraordinary career spanning over 70 years, and she shows no signs of slowing down. As an actress, singer, and producer, she is most widely recognized for her iconic role in the 1965  television series I Dream of Jeannie. However, her career began long before, with Eden gracing screens for 11 years prior to landing her breakout role.

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The classic 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie captivated audiences across generations, following the story of an astronaut who discovers a 2,000-year-old genie. Despite the improbable storyline, the show became a hit, thanks in large part to Eden’s charm, beauty, and acting skills. Fans adored her portrayal of Jeannie, a mischievous yet endearing genie. Today, it may surprise many to learn that the actress who brought Jeannie to life is now 91 years old. While it has been some time since Eden has appeared  on TV in her famous harem costume, she remains active and busy.

Though Barbara Eden’s career is filled with triumphs, her life has not been without challenges. Born in 1931 in Tucson, Arizona, she moved to San Francisco after her parents divorced. In San Francisco, she attended the Conservatory of Music, where she began her studies in singing. Eden’s early years were spent performing with local bands in nightclubs, but she soon pivoted to acting, following her mother’s advice to pursue an acting career.

“Barbara, you don’t sound like you mean a word you’re singing,” her mother once told her. “You should study acting too,” Eden recalled. Taking her mother’s advice to heart, Eden eventually moved to Los Angeles, where her acting career truly took off. She made her television debut in 1955 on The Johnny Carson Show, but it was her role in I Dream of Jeannie that cemented her fame.

In the sitcom, Eden played the enchanting genie released from a bottle by astronaut Captain Anthony “Tony” Nelson, portrayed by Larry Hagman. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable. “We simply clicked,” Eden explained. “Our rhythms were identical. We were always on the same page.” She fondly remembered Hagman as an actor she adored working with, describing how effortless it was to connect with him on set.

Eden’s portrayal of Jeannie over five seasons included playing not only the title character but also Jeannie’s mother and her mischievous sister. Eden’s harem outfit became an iconic look, although it was considered a bit risqué for television at the time. NBC executives were even concerned about the visibility of Eden’s navel, leading to tighter restrictions on her costume.

While I Dream of Jeannie made Eden a star, her career extended far beyond the show. Over the years, she has appeared in more than 50 films. Her most recent film, My Adventures with Santa (2019), saw her portraying Mrs. Claus. That same year, she also took to the stage, starring as Melissa Gardner in the play Love Letters.

Despite her long career, Eden remains full of energy and positivity. “I feel so young!” she exclaimed. Reflecting on her life, she expressed gratitude for being able to do what she loves. “I feel bad for anyone who, like my father, had to work in a job they didn’t enjoy. I love what I do. I’m still working.”

To maintain her health and vitality, Eden keeps active with regular exercise. In recent years, she has traded gym workouts for resistance training sessions with a personal trainer, who also accompanies her on walks. She cherishes her social connections and has a wide circle of friends.

In addition to acting, Eden enjoys writing, particularly children’s books. One of her works, Barbara and the Djinn, echoes her famous role, featuring a young girl who embarks on magical adventures with a charming genie. Eden hopes her books will inspire children to read, especially in an age where, as she puts it, “all they do is look at phones.”

For Barbara Eden, age truly is just a number. Her remarkable life and enduring career are a testament to her unyielding spirit and zest for life