Barbara Eden News & Complete Biography

Barbara Eden, one of television’s most enduring legends, embraced the role and show that launched her career, portraying the 2,000-year-old Jeannie on the sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie” (NBC, 1965-1970). Eden appeared on a number of television shows before the beloved show, including “Father Knows Best” (CBS, 1954-1960), “Gunsmoke” (CBS, 1955-1975), and “The Andy Griffith Show” (CBS, 1960-68), before starring in the small screen adaptation of the hit movie, “How to Marry a Millionaire” (syndicated, 1957-59). Around this time, she made the transition to feature films, co-starring with Elvis Presley in “Flaming Star” (1960), before going on to appear in “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” (1961) and “The Yellow Canary” (1963). But it was her portrayal of “Jeannie” that made her famous. Eden went on to star in the horror film “A Howling in the Woods” (1971) and the comedy “Harper Valley PTA” (1978) after the program ended. Though modest by current standards, her brand of lighthearted femininity was groundbreaking for its time and helped open the doors for future television Difffrent symbols.

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Eden’s parents divorced when she was three years old, on August 23, 1934 (though some accounts say 1930). Eden assumed the name Barbara Huffman after her mother’s second marriage, after her stepfather, Harrison Connor Huffman. Eden had a significant eyesight impairment as a child that necessitated her to wear thick glasses and, on occasion, an eye patch. Eden grew up incredibly shy as a result. To assuage her daughter’s concerns, Alice arranged for young Barbara to attend singing lessons, which did help lessen her shyness. This “ugly duckling” had developed into a pretty young woman by the time she was a teenager, graduating from San Francisco’s Abraham Lincoln High School in 1949. Eden moved to the Bay Area in the early 1950s and made a job singing in nightclubs, but she quickly realized that a singing profession was not in her future. Eden attended a local beauty competition and won the title of Miss San Francisco in 1951, launching her career in Hollywood.

Eden made her film debut in 1956 with a brief, uncredited appearance in “Back from Eternity.” Later that year, though, Eden was found “Hollywood style” by respected film director Mark Robson while performing in a local play. Robson referred Eden to casting directors at Twentieth Century Fox after being impressed by her talent and beauty. Eden earned the lead role in the television comedy “How to Marry a Millionaire” (1957-59), based on the 1953 film in which she played Marilyn Monroe’s gold-digging character. Though this was her debut sitcom, it would not be her last or most well-known. Eden branched out in the early 1960s, appearing in a string of mediocre films such as “Flaming Star” (1960), “Five Weeks in a Balloon” (1962), and “The Yellow Canary” (1963). She also appeared as a co-star in Irwin Allen’s science-fiction film “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” (1961). At the same time, Eden maintained a prominent profile on television, appearing in episodes of “The Andy Griffith Show” (CBS, 1960-1968), “Route 66” (CBS, 1960-1964), and “Gunsmoke” (CBS, 1955-1975).

Eden earned the part that would define her career in 1965, as the star and title character of the fantasy sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie.” The series, created by famous novelist Sidney Sheldon, was a direct response to the popular “Bewitched” (ABC, 1964-1972). Both series had a similar premise: an attractive sorceress falls in love with a bumbling human and must adjust to life in suburbia. “Jeannie” rapidly proved to be a big success, as hoped. Eden and her co-star, Larry Hagman, were both nominated for Golden Globe Awards throughout the show’s five-year run. In order to satisfy NBC’s prudish standards, “Jeannie” had to play things astonishingly coy for a show that depended so largely on its se* appeal. The network’s “No Navel Edict,” which prohibited Eden from exposing her belly button in any way, was the most famous example of this. “Jeannie” ended just as the se*ual revolution was altering women’s roles, which was fitting. By the time it was cancelled, the once-risqué show had become a “quaint” relic of a bygone period.

Eden appeared in the 1978 feature film comedy “Harper Valley PTA,” based on the 1968 Jeannie C. Riley country hit. The success of the film generated a short-lived television series of the same name, “Harper Valley PTA” (NBC, 1981-82), in which Eden repeated her role. Since then, the actress has only appeared on screen infrequently. Eden was cast in a five-episode guest appearance on “Dallas” (CBS, 1978-1991), reuniting her with Hagman. Eden was rumored to appear as Jeannie’s aunt in a movie adaptation of “I Dream of Jeannie” starring Alicia Silverstone in 1998. Despite the fact that the film was never made, Eden was cast in a similar role as Sabrina’s Great Aunt Irma on the smash comedy series “Sabrina, The Teenage Witch” (ABC, 1996-2003).

Barbara Eden is a singer and actress best known for her performance as Jeannie in the television series “I Dream of Jeannie.” Here is Barbara Eden’s whole biography:

Early Childhood and Education:

Barbara Jean Morehead, better known as Barbara Eden, was born on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, USA. She grew up in a middle-class family in San Francisco, California, and attended Abraham Lincoln High School. Barbara developed an early interest in the performing arts and began studying singing and acting in her adolescence.

Beginnings of a Career:

Barbara Eden’s career began when she relocated to Los Angeles in the early 1950s. She joined with 20th Century Fox and made her film debut in “Back from Eternity” in 1956. Throughout the late 1950s and early 1960s, she acted in a number of films, including “Flaming Star” (1960), in which she co-starred with Elvis Presley.

Breakthrough Function:

Barbara Eden rose to international popularity and renown in 1965 as Jeannie in the television series “I Dream of Jeannie.” The show ran for five seasons and was a huge success, establishing Barbara Eden as a household celebrity. Her portrayal of the whimsical and enchanting genie became one of her most memorable and well-liked roles.

Later in Life:

After “I Dream of Jeannie,” Barbara Eden went on to have a great career in both television and cinema. She appeared in a number of television episodes and feature films, including “Harper Valley PTA” (1978) and “The Women of San Quentin” (1983). She also appeared as a guest star on popular shows such as “Dallas,” “The Love Boat,” and “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.”

Barbara Eden’s singing abilities were exhibited in several theatrical musicals and live appearances in addition to her acting career. She has multiple records recorded and even played in Las Vegas.

Personal Details:

Barbara Eden has had three marriages. In 1958, she married actor Michael Ansara, with whom she had a son named Matthew. In 1974, they divorced. She married Charles Donald Fegert, a Chicago Sun-Times executive, in 1977, but the couple separated in 1983. She married her current spouse, Jon Eicholtz, in 1991.

Barbara Eden has been involved in a variety of humanitarian initiatives throughout her life and has gained attention for her philanthropic endeavors. She keeps showing up at conventions and gatherings, thrilling fans with her presence.

Barbara Eden’s career spans six decades, and she is still regarded as a television classic. Her talent, attractiveness, and charm have made her a well-liked and regarded actress, and she has left an indelible mark on the entertainment business.

• Also Known As:- Barbara Jean Huffman
• Birth Place:- Tucson, Arizona, USA
• Born:- August 23, 1934

FAQs Barbara Eden

Q: When was Barbara Eden born?
A: Barbara Eden was born on August 23, 1931.

Q: What is Barbara Eden’s full name?
A: Barbara Eden’s full name is Barbara Jean Morehead.

Q: What is Barbara Eden most famous for?
A: Barbara Eden is most famous for her role as Jeannie in the television series “I Dream of Jeannie.”

Q: What other notable roles has Barbara Eden played?
A:In addition to “I Dream of Jeannie,” Barbara Eden has acted in films like “Flaming Star” (1960) and television shows like “Harper Valley PTA” (1978). She has also appeared as a guest star on popular television shows such as “Dallas,” “The Love Boat,” and “Sabrina, the Teenage Witch.”

Q: Is Barbara Eden still alive?
A: Yes, Barbara Eden is still alive as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021.

Q: Has Barbara Eden won any awards?
A:Throughout her career, Barbara Eden has garnered numerous distinctions and awards, including a plaque on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. She has yet to win a big prize, such as an Emmy or a Golden Globe.

Q: Did Barbara Eden sing in “I Dream of Jeannie”?
A: Despite the fact that Barbara Eden played a singing genie in “I Dream of Jeannie,” the singing voice heard on the episode was not hers. Billie Mae Richards is a professional singer who delivered the vocals.

Q: Does Barbara Eden have any children?
A: Yes, Barbara Eden has one son named Matthew Ansara, who was born during her first marriage to actor Michael Ansara.

Q: Is Barbara Eden involved in any charitable work?
A: Barbara Eden has been involved in a variety of humanitarian endeavors throughout her life. She has donated to organizations including the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Q: What is Barbara Eden doing now?
A: Barbara Eden continues to make appearances at conventions and gatherings as of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021. For the most up-to-date information on her present activities, however, it is advisable to consult credible sources or her official website.