Barbara Eden Reflects on Legacy and the Impact of ‘I Dream of Jeannie’
Barbara Eden has a simple wish regarding her legacy: she hopes to be remembered for bringing joy and laughter to her audience. Recently, she expressed, “That I made them laugh, that I made them happy, that I took them to another place.” This sentiment comes from a woman who, at 94, continues to reflect on her role as the beloved star of “I Dream of Jeannie.”
Eden recounted how she frequently meets fans who share their personal stories. Many tell her that during difficult times in childhood, they found solace in pretending to be the iconic genie character from her show. She acknowledged this connection, saying that it resonates deeply with her.
The iconic show, which marks its 60th anniversary this year, remains a beloved classic. It revolves around astronaut Major Tony Nelson, played by Larry Hagman, who encounters a genie—Eden’s character—from a magic vial. Their romantic escapades and comedic situations endeared them to audiences, leading to Eden’s skyrocketing fame. The show originally aired on September 18, 1965, and ran for five seasons until 1970.
Reflecting on the show’s legacy, Eden mentioned her surprise at its global impact. “I didn’t realize how popular ‘Genie’ was until a few years later, and I’m still surprised,” she remarked, noting that she receives fan mail from all over the world. “If you’d told me that during filming, I wouldn’t have believed it.”
Fans often encourage her to reenact Jeannie’s signature arm-crossing gesture, asking her to “cast some magic.” Eden smiles and obliges, saying, “It’s magic. They always want magic. Magic is good.”
In her personal life, Eden enjoys a peaceful existence with her husband, John Eicholtz, and their dog, Bentley. She shared, “We’re just happy to be together. We really enjoy each other.” Recently, when asked about being seen as a sex symbol, Eden said, “I had no idea.” She reflects on her character Jeannie, who she tells was honest, straightforward, and learning about modern life, despite being 2,000 years old.
Interestingly, Eden never considered Jeannie to overshadow her career. “I was always happy and satisfied with her,” she explained, appreciating the various opportunities that arose during and after the series. Even while filming, she pursued other projects, including singing and performing in Las Vegas.
One amusing aspect of her role was the public’s fascination with her costume—specifically, her belly button, or, actually, the absence of it. Early on, Eden’s outfits concealed her belly button, leading to speculation and jokes about it. In fact, a columnist once teased her about it, drawing attention to something she had never really considered.
“I thought it was funny, but it was weird,” Eden recalled with a laugh, regarding how this became a topic of discussion among fans and industry insiders alike. “All of a sudden, the standards and practices of the film industry realized I had a belly button.”
Through the years, she finds joy in the enduring affection fans have for her character, allowing her to reflect on the incredible journey she’s been on. “Even when I was doing ‘Genie,’ I was fortunate enough to still be doing other things,” she noted. Now, as Eden looks back, it’s clear her career continues to bring smiles—not just to her, but to countless fans around the world.
