Barbara Eden Reflects on “I Dream of Jeannie” at 94

Barbara Eden, who enchanted audiences as a genie in “I Dream of Jeannie,” doesn’t see herself as a sex symbol, despite the iconic role that launched her into stardom. The show, which premiered on September 18, 1965, celebrates its 60th anniversary, telling the charming story of astronaut Major Tony Nelson and his genie companion, Jeannie. Their romance and adventures captivated viewers and helped Eden rise to fame.

When asked about her status as a sex symbol, Eden, now 94, responded candidly, saying, “I didn’t know.” She acknowledged that while Jeannie was devoted and honest, she was also a character learning about modern life—after all, she was 2,000 years old, which, perhaps, people often overlook.

Eden emphasized that Jeannie, while embodied by a woman, was not human but a comedic entity. “She felt she was human,” Eden pointed out; it opened avenues for humor while providing depth to the character. It’s interesting to think about how audiences might perceive such characters differently now compared to back then.

One surprising aspect for Eden was the public’s fascination with her character’s costume nuances, especially the belly button issue. She wore high-waisted pants and a crop top that often covered her navel, which, she humorously recalled, led to wild speculation about its visibility. “I thought it was funny, but it’s strange,” she laughed, reminiscing about how no one seemed concerned about it until it became a talking point.

Reflecting on those days, she remembers working at Universal Studios and discovering the dynamic chemistry between her and Larry Hagman, the actor who played Tony Nelson. Their ability to connect turned the pilot into a memorable experience, one that left Hagman saying he was initially startled by her performance. Eden cherished the chemistry they established, describing Hagman as a kind and unique individual. “He marched to his own drum,” she noted fondly.

Eden’s time spent on “I Dream of Jeannie,” which aired for five seasons, doesn’t overshadow her entire career. She expressed no hard feelings towards Elizabeth Montgomery, who starred in “Bewitched.” Eden insisted they had a friendly rapport and, although they didn’t spend much time together, she appreciated the camaraderie shared among actresses of that era.

Looking back, she values not just the magic of the show, but also the teamwork involved. “There’s no single secret to our success,” she pointed out, recognizing the combination of good writing and a strong cast was vital to its charm. Eden also emphasized her drive, explaining she was constantly busy, working various roles while balancing the demands of being “Jeannie.”

Now, she remains active and engaged, always eager for new challenges. “I want to achieve anything that can be thrown at me,” Eden expressed with a laugh, demonstrating her enduring spirit and passion for her work.