Barbara Eden, the beloved star of “I Dream of Jeannie,” recently shared her hopes for how she’ll be remembered. At 94, the actress wishes to be remembered for bringing laughter and happiness to her audience, offering them a pleasant escape through her work.
Many fans have told Eden that “I Dream of Jeannie” provided them comfort during difficult times. They would retreat to their rooms and imagine themselves inside Jeannie’s bottle, finding solace in the show’s lightheartedness.
The show, which premiered in 1965, quickly turned Eden into a household name. It tells the story of an astronaut who discovers a genie (played by Eden) in a bottle. Their lives become intertwined as they fall in love. The show ran for five successful seasons, ending in 1970.
Eden is often asked to do Jeannie’s signature arm-folding gesture, a move fans associate with casting spells. She happily obliges, noting that people are drawn to magic.
Looking back, Eden is surprised by the show’s enduring popularity and its international reach. She receives fan mail from countries all over the world, a testament to the show’s universal appeal.
When asked about being considered a sex symbol, Eden expressed surprise. She never viewed her character, Jeannie, as overtly sexual. Instead, she saw Jeannie as honest, devoted, and constantly learning about the world around her. Eden emphasized that Jeannie was not human but an “entity,” which added to the show’s comedic charm.
One unexpected aspect of the show’s legacy was the public’s fascination with Eden’s covered belly button. Her costume, a pink two-piece outfit, concealed her navel, leading to much speculation.
Today, Barbara Eden enjoys a peaceful life with her husband and their dog. She cherishes their time together and appreciates the simple joys of companionship. She feels grateful for the opportunities she had. Even during “Jeannie,” she continued singing and other projects. She’s happy people still enjoy the show and that it had a huge impact all over the world.
