Barbara Eden, the iconic actress best known for her role as the enchanting genie in I Dream of Jeannie, has captivated audiences for decades. Her career, which spans film, television, and theater, has cemented her as one of Hollywood’s most beloved figures. From her humble beginnings in Tucson, Arizona, to becoming a household name, Barbara’s story is one of determination, resilience, and enduring charm.
Early Life: A Star is Born
Born Barbara Jean Morehead on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, Barbara Eden’s early life was marked by challenges and change. Her parents, who had divorced when she was young, raised her as a single mother in San Francisco. Barbara’s mother, Alice, kept her children entertained with songs, sparking Barbara’s interest in music and performance.
Barbara found herself in the spotlight, first singing in church choirs and later performing in nightclubs in her teenage years. She earned her first significant paycheck as a nightclub singer, a career that helped her build confidence and skill in front of an audience. But Barbara had bigger dreams. She dreamed of acting, and this ambition led her to Actor’s Equity at the age of 16, as well as the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre.
Quick Facts:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Jean Eden |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1931 |
| Age (2025) | 93 years old |
| Place of Birth | Tucson, Arizona, USA |
| Ethnicity | White (Caucasian) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Author, Entrepreneur |
| Famous As | “Jeannie” from I Dream of Jeannie |
| Parents | Father: Hubert Morehead, Mother: Alice Morehead |
| Siblings | None |
| Marital Status | Married (3 times) |
| Spouse | Michael Ansara (1958-1974), Charles Fegert (1977-1983), Jon Eicholtz (1991-present) |
| Children | 1 son: Matthew Ansara (deceased in 2001) |
| Height | 5’4” (163 cm) |
| Weight | ~125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Body Type | Slim |
| Eye Color | Blue |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Sexual Orientation | Straight |
| Religion | Jewish |
| Education | University of Arizona (Theater) |
| Pets | 2 dogs (Toby and Kiki) (reported previously) |
| Fashion Style | Elegant, classic Hollywood style |
| Favorite Foods | Mexican cuisine, Chinese food |
| Career Highlights | – Iconic role in I Dream of Jeannie (1965-1970) |
| – TV & movie roles in the 70s and 80s | |
| – Memoir Jeannie Out of the Bottle (2011) | |
| – Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (1988) | |
| Net Worth (2025) | $10 million (estimated) |
| Income Sources | Acting, public appearances, writing, merchandise, brand endorsements |
Barbara Eden: The Iconic Actress and Her Journey to a $10 Million Net Worth
Barbara Eden, the enchanting actress who captured hearts as Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie, has been a significant figure in Hollywood for decades. Her career spans television, film, and theater, earning her a place as one of the most beloved stars in pop culture history. From humble beginnings to global fame, Barbara’s story showcases her resilience, determination, and the power of charm.
Early Life: The Making of a Star
Barbara Jean Morehead was born on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona. She had a challenging childhood as her parents divorced early, and Barbara was raised by her single mother, Alice, in San Francisco. Despite the financial struggles of the Great Depression, Alice kept her children entertained with songs. This sparked Barbara’s early interest in music and performance.
At a young age, Barbara began performing in church choirs. She soon moved on to singing in nightclubs, which helped her build confidence and a love for performing. As a teenager, she earned money singing for $10 a night. But her aspirations extended beyond singing—Barbara dreamed of acting, which led her to join Actor’s Equity at 16 and study at the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre.
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Education and Early Career: The Foundation of a Long Career
Barbara didn’t just have talent; she had the drive to succeed. After high school in 1949, she studied theater for a year at the City College of San Francisco. In 1951, she was crowned Miss San Francisco, which led to her entry into the Miss California pageant. This achievement began to open doors in her career.
Barbara made her television debut in 1955 on The Johnny Carson Show. This marked the beginning of her diverse acting career. She appeared on well-known shows like The West Point Story, Perry Mason, The Andy Griffith Show, and I Love Lucy. These early roles allowed Barbara to develop her versatility as an actress, laying the foundation for her future fame.
Barbara Eden’s Big Break: ‘I Dream of Jeannie’
1965 was a pivotal year for Barbara Eden. She landed the role of Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie, a sitcom created to ride the success of Bewitched. Despite the show’s original search for a blonde actress, Barbara was cast after auditioning as a brunette. Sidney Sheldon, the creator, knew she was the perfect fit.
Barbara’s portrayal of Jeannie wasn’t just about her beauty; it was her charm, warmth, and comedic timing that made the character unforgettable. Jeannie, a mischievous genie freed by an astronaut, quickly became a beloved figure in pop culture. The show ran for five years, from 1965 to 1970, with Barbara appearing in 139 episodes.
Life After ‘Jeannie’: Expanding Her Career
After I Dream of Jeannie ended in 1970, Barbara Eden’s career continued to flourish. She took on roles in films like The Feminist and the Fuzz (1971) and A Howling in the Woods (1971). In 1974, she starred in The Stranger Within, a film that earned her critical acclaim for her portrayal of a woman impregnated by aliens.
The 1980s saw Barbara star in and co-produce the romantic comedy The Secret Life of Kathy McCormick. Barbara’s talent remained in demand. She continued to take on diverse roles, including voice acting in children’s shows like Shimmer and Shine.
Barbara Eden’s Theater and Voice Work
In the 1990s, Barbara Eden returned to her theatrical roots, appearing in Broadway musicals and plays. Her work on stage allowed her to reach new audiences and showcase a different side of her acting skills.
Her voice work, especially for children’s shows like Shimmer and Shine, demonstrated her ability to connect with a younger generation, ensuring her legacy would span beyond just television and film.
Barbara Eden’s Personal Life: Triumphs and Tragedies
Barbara’s personal life wasn’t without challenges. She married Michael Ansara in 1958, and they had a son, Matthew Ansara. Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1974. Tragically, in 2001, Barbara’s son passed away from a drug overdose. Matthew was only 35 years old, and his death was a painful chapter in her life.
Barbara married twice more to Charles Fegert and Jon Eicholtz, the latter of whom she married in 1991. Despite personal struggles, Barbara continued to thrive and dedicated herself to charity work and advocacy.
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Barbara Eden’s Legacy: A Cultural Icon
Barbara Eden is more than just a television star—she is an enduring icon. While her role as Jeannie is perhaps her most famous, Barbara’s career spans many mediums. She has acted in film, television, and theater and even authored her memoir Jeannie Out of the Bottle (2011).
Her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, awarded in 1988, is a testament to her contributions to Hollywood. She remains active on social media, engaging with her fans and continuing to inspire new generations.
Barbara Eden’s Net Worth: The Fruits of a Remarkable Career
As of 2025, Barbara Eden’s net worth is estimated at $10 million. Her wealth comes from her acting career, film and television roles, voice acting, and even merchandising. Additionally, her memoir and public appearances have contributed to her continued financial success.
Barbara’s ability to reinvent herself throughout her career while staying true to her talents and passions has helped her build a lasting legacy in Hollywood. Her financial success reflects not just her acting skills but also her savvy business sense.
Fun Facts About Barbara Eden
- Singing Talent: Barbara began singing in nightclubs at 14, earning $10 a night.
- Beauty Pageant Queen: She won Miss San Francisco in 1951 and later competed in the Miss California pageant.
- Comedic Genius: Barbara’s comedic timing in I Dream of Jeannie made her a fan favorite.
- Iconic Jeannie Bottle: The bottle Barbara’s character was trapped in has become a symbol of her career.
FAQ
Did Barbara Eden have a son?
Yes, Barbara Eden had a son named Matthew Ansara. He was born in 1965 during her marriage to actor Michael Ansara. Tragically, Matthew passed away in 2001 due to a drug overdose at the age of 35.
Fun Facts About Barbara Eden
- Singing Talent: She started singing in nightclubs at 14 for $10 a night.
- Beauty Pageant: She won Miss San Francisco in 1951 and competed in Miss California.
- Comedic Genius: Her comedic timing in I Dream of Jeannie made her a fan favorite.
- Iconic Jeannie Bottle: The famous genie bottle she was trapped in became a symbol of her career.
How many times did Barbara Eden marry?
Barbara Eden married three times. Her first marriage was to actor Michael Ansara, followed by Charles Fegert, and finally, she married Jon Eicholtz in 1991.
Why did Barbara Eden change her name?
Barbara Eden changed her name from Barbara Jean Morehead to Barbara Eden early in her career. She chose “Eden” because it sounded more glamorous and memorable for her acting ambitions.
Conclusion
Barbara Eden’s career continues to shine brightly, even in her 90s. From her iconic role as Jeannie to her extensive work in television, film, and theater, she remains one of Hollywood’s greatest stars. Her journey from a young girl with big dreams to a global icon has inspired millions.
Barbara Eden’s story is far from over, and her legacy will undoubtedly endure for generations to come. Whether you know her from I Dream of Jeannie or other works, her charm, wit, and elegance are timeless. At 93, she remains a symbol of grace, beauty, and talent in the entertainment world.