Barbara Eden, the iconic actress best known as Jeannie in the 1960s sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” celebrated her 92nd birthday on August 23, 2023. Decades after enchanting audiences with her portrayal of the whimsical genie, Eden remains a beloved figure in entertainment.
Born during the Great Depression in Tucson, Arizona, Eden’s early life was marked by modesty. She began her entertainment career in the 1950s, appearing in films like “A Private’s Affair” and “Twelve Hours to Kill,” and on television shows such as “The Johnny Carson Show” and “I Love Lucy.”
In 1960, Barbara Eden starred alongside Elvis Presley in the western “Flaming Star,” gaining international recognition. However, it was her role as Jeannie in 1965 that catapulted her to stardom. The show, which ran for five seasons, featured Eden as a genie freed by astronaut Tony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman.
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That same year, Eden and her then-husband, actor Michael Ansara, welcomed their son, Matthew. Despite her flourishing career, Barbara Eden faced personal challenges, including the dissolution of her 15-year marriage when Matthew was nine. She later attributed this event as a contributing factor to Matthew’s struggles with drug addiction.
Eden first noticed signs of Matthew’s troubles in 1984 when he was 19. After moving in with his father following Eden’s remarriage, Matthew returned home exhibiting concerning behavior, such as excessive sleeping and dishonesty about his college enrollment.
Despite multiple attempts at rehabilitation, Matthew’s battle with addiction persisted. Barbara Eden recounted the painful decision to lock him out of the house when he was 20, following professional advice that he needed to face the consequences of his actions.
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At 27, Matthew experienced a period of remission, during which he married and pursued creative writing at UCLA. However, the cycle of addiction resumed, leading to the end of his marriage and further struggles.
In 2001, Matthew appeared to be on a positive trajectory, with acting roles and plans to remarry. Tragically, on June 26 of that year, he was found deceased in his truck due to a heroin overdose at the age of 35.
Eden has openly discussed the grief of losing her only child, reflecting on the challenges he faced and the impact of family dynamics on his life. She continues to advocate for awareness around addiction and the importance of support for those affected.
Despite personal tragedies, Barbara Eden has remained active in the entertainment industry. She has appeared in various television shows and films, including “Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition” and the 2019 holiday movie “My Adventures with Santa.”
