It’s been more than half a century since the magical debut of I Dream of Jeannie, but Barbara Eden still finds herself surrounded by its timeless charm—and she couldn’t be happier about it. “I was changing planes in Rome recently, and I glanced up to see the show playing on a screen,” she recalls with amazement. “I thought to myself, ‘Good grief!’ But then I realized how incredible it is. The show has stood the test of time, and that’s something truly special.”
A Look Back at Her Days with Larry Hagman
While the late Larry Hagman was dealing with personal struggles during their time on the hit sitcom, Barbara holds nothing but fond memories of their collaboration. “Larry was such a loving man,” she shares warmly. “Sure, he had his quirks and challenges, but beneath it all, he was a genuinely good person. He brought so much energy and humor to the set every single day.” Despite the difficulties Hagman faced, Barbara remembers him as someone who always had a heart full of kindness and a spirit that lit up the room.
Continuing the Legacy Beyond TV
Even after the show wrapped, Barbara and Larry kept their bond alive by touring together in the play Love Letters. Now at 88 years young, Barbara continues to perform, recently starring alongside Barry Bostwick in Scranton, Pennsylvania. “Barry is absolutely fantastic,” she gushes. “Stepping onto that stage with him is pure joy. We share a connection that makes every performance feel fresh and exciting.”
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For Barbara, retirement isn’t even an option. “I consider myself incredibly fortunate,” she reflects. “So many people go to jobs they despise, but I absolutely love what I do. The only reason I’d ever stop is if someone forced me to—and even then, I’d probably find a way to keep going!”
Life Beyond the Spotlight
Amidst her busy career, Barbara prioritizes spending quality time with her loved ones, especially her husband of three decades, Jon Eicholtz. When asked about the secret to their enduring relationship, Barbara smiles and says, “It’s all about empathy. Whenever we encounter a challenge, I remind myself to step into the other person’s shoes. It’s not always easy, but making the effort to understand each other’s perspective is key.”
Barbara’s wisdom extends far beyond her personal life. “Be authentic,” she advises. “Don’t waste your time trying to be someone else. Each of us is unique, and that’s what makes life so beautiful. Early on in my career, I used to think I needed to be taller or prettier, but those thoughts only hold you back. Embrace who you are, because that’s where your true strength lies.”
So what keeps Barbara busy these days? She cherishes moments spent with family and friends, including her beloved sister. Of course, she’s also on the lookout for her next big role. “I’m always searching for the perfect part,” she says. “Something that resonates with me and allows me to continue sharing my passion for storytelling.”
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Reporting by Diana Cooper
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