Inside I Dream of Jeannie Star Barbara Eden’s Magical Private World

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Barbara Eden, known for her role in I Dream of Jeannie, is always open and honest. If you’re wondering what advice she has for aspiring actors in Hollywood, she’s happy to share it.

During a June 2025 appearance on Jennie Garth’s I Choose Me podcast, the 94-year-old emphasized, “You can’t let other people’s opinions affect you. You’ll face a lot of criticism and negativity, or even excessive praise, so it’s important to stay true to who you are.”

It’s definitely worth remembering how captivating Eden’s world still is, even more than fifty years after her popular TV show ended.

In an October 2021 interview with People, the two-time Golden Globe nominee expressed her gratitude, mentioning her husband, Jon Eicholtz, and close friends for their support. She believes things generally happen for a reason and prefers to accept whatever comes her way.

Oh my gosh, she played a two-thousand-year-old genie for five seasons, granting wishes to that incredibly handsome astronaut, Major Anthony Nelson – Larry Hagman was just perfect as him! But honestly, the biggest wish to come true in her life happened in 1991 when she met her third husband, a totally amazing real estate developer and architect. It’s just… a dream come true!

She was married to actor Michael Ansara from 1958 to 1974, but their relationship faced difficulties.

In 1971, six years after the birth of her son Matthew Ansara, she carried another child for nearly eight months before learning he had passed away in the womb. As she told People magazine in 2021, it was a devastating experience. “I just went numb and took things one day at a time.”

She also coped with the loss of her oldest child, who tragically died from a heroin overdose in 2001 at the age of 35.

Losing a child is the worst thing imaginable,” Eden, who was married to Chicago Sun-Times executive Charles Fegert from 1977 to 1982, told People magazine. “As a mother, I felt a lot of guilt and anger, and I was constantly sad after his death. Even though he was 35 years old, he would always be my child.”

Although she acknowledges that dealing with such a profound loss is incredibly difficult, she’s found comfort in the peaceful life she and Eicholtz have created together in Beverly Hills, along with their dog, Bentley. She told People magazine last year, “We’re simply happy to be together and truly enjoy each other’s company.”

I just loved seeing Eden’s recent Easter photos! She shared a sweet message with the pictures – something about hoping everyone had a beautiful and joyful holiday, and they even called themselves ‘bunnies’ – so cute! It really brightened my feed, and I think it’s a lovely way to share a little happiness.

Barbara Eden’s home in Los Angeles features a remarkable collection of bottles, many gifted by fans. She shared with People magazine in 2024 that people often ask her about a small role she played on The Andy Griffith Show – a single episode where she was a manicurist. She also appeared on I Love Lucy, and fans still remember that appearance as well. At the time, she didn’t realize those brief roles would be so memorable or last for so long.

And, no, it’s not lost on her that so many of her wishes have come true. 

She shared in 2023 that it’s a real joy and privilege to work in a field you’re passionate about. Many people are stuck in jobs they dislike just to make a living, so it’s incredibly fortunate when you can pursue something you love, and that others appreciate too. She believes this is a wonderful gift life offers, but it requires effort to achieve.

And she puts in the work. 

She’s not retiring anytime soon! Despite her iconic style, including her famous harem pants, she continues to appear at conventions and even donned her genie costume for a 2013 charity event. While her most recent acting role was in the 2019 film My Adventures With Santa, she told People magazine in 2021 that she plans to keep working “until I can’t.”

Even when she’s not in front of a camera, Eden keeps busy.

She shared with Fox News in 2024 that she was once a regular at the gym, enjoying spinning classes and weight training with a personal trainer. When the pandemic began, she adapted by exercising at home, using her stationary bike and light weights, which she says are beneficial for bone health.

As a lifelong fan, I was so excited to hear that Barbara Eden wants to write another children’s book! She told People magazine that it would be a lot of fun, and it means a lot to her because she was always encouraged to read as a child. She truly believes reading is a wonderful gift to share with kids, and I couldn’t agree more. This comes after she already shared her life story in her 2012 biography, Jeannie Out of the Bottle, and a delightful children’s book, Barbara and the Djinn, in 2021.

As for the character she’ll never escape, she considers it a “huge blessing.” 

She told People magazine last year that the fans requesting she do the double-blink felt like “magic.” She added simply, “Magic is good.”

In fact, for those hoping for a reboot of her ’60s sitcom, well, their wish would be her command. 

She admitted to People magazine at the 2019 Paley Honors that while she wouldn’t expect anyone to directly copy something, it’s a worthwhile idea and she encouraged them to pursue it.

It would add to the trend of popular shows making a comeback. But before that happens, here are some heartwarming cast reunions to satisfy your craving for the good old days!

More than 25 years after The Nanny ended, Fran Drescher went to see her former TV mom, Renée Taylor, and on-screen stepdaughter, Nicholle Tom, perform in their play, Dying Is No Excuse!, in August 2025.

In April 2025, former Glee stars Lea Michele, Dianna Agron, and Darren Criss got together in New York City to support Darren—who played Blaine Anderson, a popular character from the show’s a cappella group, the Warblers—at a performance of his Broadway musical, Maybe Happy Ending.

Kristen Wiig, Bill Hader, and Fred Armisen—all former cast members of Saturday Night Live—came together for a Volkswagen ad in February 2025. They starred as ‘The Californians’ promoting the ID. Buzz electric bus, and the ad aired perfectly timed with SNL‘s 50th anniversary celebration.

Lori Loughlin and John Stamos, who played husband and wife on TV, reunited with John’s wife, Caitlin McHugh, and their former TV co-stars Candace Cameron Bure and Jodie Sweetin. They all came together for a 2024 event to support the Scleroderma Research Foundation, a cause that was important to their late friend and co-star, Bob Saget.

In June 2024, Lauren Graham (known for playing Lorelai Gilmore) shared a selfie with Kelly Bishop (who played Lorelai’s mother, Emily Gilmore), captioning it, “Here’s to the ladies who lunch. #Kelly”

In June 2024, 97-year-old William Daniels (known as Mr. Feeny) shared a photo of himself with his wife, Bonnie Bartlett Daniels, and his former “Boy Meets World” co-stars Danielle Fishel (Topanga Lawrence), Rider Strong (Shawn Hunter), and Will Friedle (Eric Matthews). He playfully captioned it, “Class undismissed!”

Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams met up on February 7, 2024, at the opening of Chanel’s new store in New York City, which features watches and fine jewelry. It had been over 20 years since they co-starred on the show Dawson’s Creek, and more than five years since they were last seen together – at a cast reunion photoshoot for Entertainment Weekly in 2018.

Ian Beattie, Daniel Portman, Natalia Tena, and Ian McElhinney got together on February 2nd to celebrate the upcoming launch of Warner Bros.’ Game of Thrones Studio Tour. The tour is located in Banbridge, Northern Ireland, at one of the show’s original filming locations.

Mike Johnson and Rachel Lindsay recently met up at an exclusive Kendrick Lamar concert in Los Angeles, an event put on by the clothing brand Pair of Thieves.

In May 2021, Kevin McHale and Jenna Ushkowitz celebrated with her at her bachelorette party before she married her boyfriend, David Stanley.

Jenna Fischer, Angela Kinsey, and Kate Flannery, all known for their roles on The Office, were photographed together at a charity event benefiting the Thirst Project on September 28, 2019.

Shannen Doherty, Jason Priestley, Christine Elise, Brian Austin Green, Ian Ziering, and Gabrielle Carteris spent time together on the set of the 2019 revival series, BH90210.

Josh Peck and Drake Bell recently met up with Nancy Sullivan and Jonathan Goldstein, the actors who played their parents on screen. It was the first time in over a decade that all four of them had been together, and the reunion happened at Nostalgia Con 2025.

Tom Welling, Michael Rosenbaum and Kristin Kreuk reunited at the Fan Expo Dallas 2019 event.

At Fan Expo Dallas 2019, actors Rider Strong, Will Friedle, and Ben Savage reunited with their former co-star, Danielle Fishel, who was pregnant at the time.

Tommy Davidson, Shawn Wayans, Keenen Ivory Wayans, Kim Wayans, and David Alan Grier got back together for a celebration marking the 25th anniversary of their show at the 2019 Tribeca Film Festival.

 

 

In April 2019, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Mario Lopez, Tiffani Thiessen, and Elizabeth Berkley all went on a double date with their partners.

Jennifer Garner shared a sweet photo on Instagram of a New York City get-together with her former “Alias” co-stars, Victor Garber and Ron Rifkin. She described them as old friends who enjoy dinner and still feel like playmates. The photo was taken by photographer Rainer Arts.

Courteney Cox shared a photo of herself with Lisa Kudrow, jokingly captioning it ‘Saturday night with a friend.’ However, Lisa Kudrow playfully disagreed with the caption.

She jokingly said, “I would have looked at you if I could have opened my eyes!” She then shared a selfie with the caption, “My eyes! My eyes!”

Courteney Cox appeared on Busy Tonight and shared a Cougar Town reunion moment. Busy Philipps made it even more special by including costars Christa Miller, Josh Hopkins, and Ian Gomez – and even a super fan – in the fun.

Nicholas Brendon playfully referenced the world of Buffy the Vampire Slayer on Instagram, listing iconic characters and groups like witches, demons, vampires, watchers, the slayer, Gods, and the ‘Scooby Gang’ (affectionately known as ‘Scoobies’).

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I totally get the joy of unexpected reunions! I was so thrilled to see Rose Abdoo share a sweet moment on Instagram – she bumped into her former That’s So Raven co-stars, Anneliese van der Pol and Rondell Sheridan. It just proves that some connections really last, and those spontaneous moments with old friends are the best!

I had the best time catching up with some old friends over lunch yesterday! It was so lovely to hear about their families. And you know what? It really hit me – people like Josh Saviano truly are like family. We basically grew up together! It’s amazing how those childhood bonds stay with you. #memories #TheWonderYears

The cast of Scrubs – Donald Faison, Judy Reyes, Neil Flynn, Sarah Chalke, Zach Braff, and Ken Jenkins – got together at the Vulture Festival, sponsored by AT&T and held at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. It was a happy reunion!

Here’s the story of the Stark family… Stars of Game of Thrones, Kit Harington and Richard Madden, showed up to support Maisie Williams at her new play.

Courteney Cox and Lisa Kudrow, who played Monica and Phoebe on Friends, came together again at the 2018 Open Mind Gala hosted by the UCLA Semel Institute. Over the years, the cast of the popular show has had several reunions.

 

 

It was a surprising reunion! Flavor Flav and Tiffany “New York” Pollard, who previously dated, ran into each other while filming an episode of the show Braxton Family Values.

In August 2018, Henry Ian Cusick and Sonya Walger – the actors who played the beloved characters Desmond and Penny – met up again at a special location. Walger shared a photo on Twitter of herself with Cusick outside St. Andrew’s Priory School in Honolulu. This school was famously used as the setting for a monastery in Scotland during a memorable episode of the show’s fourth season, titled “The Constant.”

In July 2018, Joshua Malina – known for his role as Will Bailey on the NBC series – shared a photo online of a dinner he had with friends. Among them were former co-stars Bradley Whitford (who played Josh Lyman) and Janel Moloney (Donna Moss), as well as the show’s creator, Aaron Sorkin.

In July 2018, Ben Savage went to the engagement party for his former co-star, Matthew Lawrence, and Dancing With the Stars professional dancer, Cheryl Burke.

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2026-04-10 22:48