Barbara Eden breaks down crying on talk show (very sad clip)

In this 2002 interview, Barbara is unexpectedly surprised with a clip of her son who had died only 8 months earlier. After seeing the clip she is overwhelmed with emotion. He was her only child.

[@Quickstar989]

oh my gosh "in the long run you couldn't save his life" is possibly the coldest statement I have ever heard said to a grieving mother.

[@Decgyrrl]

Quickstar989 Many times, these interviewers do not think b/4 they open their mouths. Sadly these are "educated" people who have absolutely no common sense. The appropriate thing Charles Gibson should've said to Ms. Eden, was "I am so sorry for your loss", instead of saying what he did. What an educated idiot!

[@VintageRose75]

I know...he never should have brought it up, just eight months after. I am sure the network knew better, and still aired it for high ratings. People can be so thoughtless and cruel.

[@ddd-ge6mz]

Quickstar989

[@raechelyndawn2580]

Quickstar989 He was being a total dick!

[@goyocatepetl7409]

"English" way of thinking. I'm not English native. But since I was a boy I felt attracted to this language because of its objectivity to describe feelings and situations and everything else. The phrase you just mentioned is hard, but it's true. Reality often is heartless.

[@thatonemama]

She handled that interview with such class and grace........just love her.

[@brookehanley3659]

One of the most beautiful women of all time.

[@nickanthony4538]

The physical, ethereal embodiment of aphrodite... I cry when she cries

[@brookehanley3659]

+Nick Anthony She really is but I recently found out she had a nose job before she started out. Her nose was quite large. Always thought she was a natural beauty.

[@kimberlybinion7518]

Elizabeth Montgomery was much prettier in my opinion. Barbara is very cute, though.

[@JDCUSA]

Yes, I could not agree with you more, Brooke.

[@jonminka2892]

@Nick Anthony Aphrodite was a child molesting idol

[@johnnyboync1]

she was apologizing, it should have been charley gibson doing the apologizing.

[@gymnastix]

+cruiser I agree with you Charles Gibson was the one whose one question was not appropriate in this interview, as how could Barbara Eden have possibly saved her son's life under the circumstances of how that life ended. I am sure Miss Eden did all she could in the way of offering support when her son entered a rehabilitation facility and after-care, etc. But a parent cannot be with her or his adult child 24/7. Perhaps Miss Eden felt some guilt because she and her son's father, actor Michael Ansara, were divorced. But, ultimately, once a person is an adult he or she is responsible for her/his own life. I understand why Miss Eden apologized, though, as some persons think it inappropriate to cry in front of other persons, especially in public, because 1) it shows a loss of self-control, and 2) crying, like out-of-control anger, can make some others feel uncomfortable and helpless to stop the situation. Just the fact Miss Eden apologized, unnecessarily, shows she thinks more about others than of herself. Were we in a different age, Mr. Gibson could have given Miss Eden a hug to comfort her, after she began crying. But fear of legal reprisals prevents even decent behavior sometimes, these days. I could see a celebrity prima donna (like Diana Ross or Barbara Streisand, for example) saying to someone who would hug them in a similar situation (like Gibson with Eden), "How dare you touch me!," and then placing a call to her attorney immediately after the broadcast. Miss Eden is a real lady and a kind person, however, and could probably have used a shoulder at that moment. I felt genuinely sorry for Miss Eden after watching this, and had seen her in another interview when her late son was discussed. The fact she lost her only offspring, and that it was assumed he had put his drug problem behind him when he died, must have been even more devastating for Miss Eden. It is nice to know Barbara Eden still has a husband in her life to help sustain her after the terrible loss of her son, as I don't think her son Matthew provided Miss Eden even with any grandchildren. And, of course, Miss Eden has many fans the world over who will always have kind thoughts of her as "Jeannie" in the television sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie."

[@johnnyboync1]

well said

[@mariehartsell1571]

gymnastix

[@lindafukuyu5767]

@cruiser: Don't jus blame it on Charlie Gibson .. lots of interview will ask the same question .. Have you ever seen Barbara Walter interview ?? She would ask the same question like Charlie did !

[@danielm5458]

yes what an idoet

[@terrypierson5427]

Barbara Eden is the most beautiful woman of all time. Lost her only child. This woman is only human. We feel her pain. A mothers love for her child is more powerful than any fame or fortune. What hardship she must have faced. We love you Barbara. You loved your son.

[@brookehanley3659]

Terry Pierson She also gave birth to a dead baby she had to carry after it had died. Sad.

[@jesusjosequintanagomez9366]

I agree with you! I love you so much, Barbara! I wish God bless you!

[@antonioacevedo5200]

THANK YOU for speaking for millions of people all over the globe when you say, "We love you Barbara".

[@billr3724]

Amen.

[@rickcooper53]

I used to bag groceries at a market in L.A. and Barbara Eden would come in. Very nice person. Always nice to everybody including the bag boys and gave a nice tip, too! I agree with the other comments about Charlie Gibson -- what a jerk.

[@funzo1159]

+Rick Cooper Not at all surprised. She always seemed so sweet.

[@ruskiryan2398]

Cruel and nasty thing to do, Barbara may be a film and TV star but she is also a private person too. I can't believe that the TV channel would have done this to her. shameful.

[@timothyjholloway]

It looks like ABC wasn't satisfied the first time, so a year later, Connie Chung interviewed her: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2HGi6GMiNxpqZo "Can your life ever be the same?"

[@retiredmusiceducator3612]

She should have blinked that guy away!

[@67marlins]

She HAD to know that film clip was coming up......there's no way a legitimate morning show would ambush her like that.

[@kimberlyjohnson2795]

A mother's pain... And what a harsh statement, "But of course you couldn't save him could you."

[@watchgoose]

well, you can't save people from themselves if they are determined to go down a certain path, but shame on Charles anyway.

[@StratsRUs]

Tactless

[@maryhughes7642]

@@StratsRUs Shame on Gibson. What did he think was going to happen?

[@jamesstein577]

The public loves you Barbara Eden. We love you, we support you, and please know that you are a very classy lady as the previous comments have stated. Shame on you Charlie Gibson for making such a wonderful lady relive he personal tragedy on national television.

[@mosesMaimon1]

no, shame on welshWidgetMan2010 for not blaming somebody who is guilty of so very much. welshWidgetMan2010 is clueless, has no idea what he is talking about, and blames James Stein who is not even guilty

[@AllenMQuinn]

Gibson should be ashamed of himself.

[@greggbarnette5316]

sick ..sick..they should have edited the interview or turned the cameras off..now sure if this was live...but who knows if she gave the ok to talk about her son prior to this interview

[@antonioacevedo5200]

@@greggbarnette5316 ABC should have known better even if she did give her consent. This whole interview turned my stomach. I hope ABC suffered a lot of backlash for it.

[@susiesparkles514]

Right...she was like I dont know why he went back to it. And Gibson was like, well we dont know or whatever he said and just moved on with the questions. Like geez bro, she lost her only child. Give her a minute damn

[@nicolesueug5402]

Why should he be ashamed ... he was only doing his job... u think these reporters don’t have any feelings as they they weren’t human....

[@bunny_smith]

Because it’s callous just for ratings. Why not open the discussion with something like “I was so sorry to hear of the loss of your son last year” and let her pursue it the way she wanted?

[@1Amiel1]

"But in the long run, you couldn't save his life". Was that really necessary to say to Barbara? Could you have said something different like, "Any thoughts on what your son just said?"

[@HeadlessMetal]

+1Amiel1 really though he was being kind of a dick

[@lovethe1wolves]

+1Amiel1 Why bring it up at all. She shouldn't feel like she has to apologize either. Poor dear.

[@luvspurple1969]

+Chloe wilson THANK YOU!!!!! It's all about the damn ratings not matter if you pour even more salt in those wounds!!!! Gawd it's really disgusting......ratings......get them no matter how you get'em just go for the jugular!!!! Makes me SICK!!!

[@lindafukuyu5767]

@Amiel: Did you see the clip? The son said "I feel like she saved my life". Of course Charlie (in relate to the clip) said to Barbara .. "At the end you couldn't save his life". What's wrong with Charlie's question ?? I don't see anything wrong with that !!

[@mudspelledbackwards2997]

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!

[@vincentdean8452]

I had a crush on this woman when i was 9 yrs old , im 52 now and she was a stunner , and still is xxx

[@CurtisLucara]

52 here as well and watch her daily on ME TV in San Diego, O' the memories.

[@antonioacevedo5200]

Join the club. I too was and still am in love with this wonderful talent.

[@Lambieschmoo]

My heart goes out to every parent who has lost a child. They are so courageous.

[@cynaraslover]

I am stunned by his callousness.

[@kdmhbear1]

My heart breaks for her even after so long ago.

[@Frankie-O]

💔

[@hawkwind8468]

I just want to give barbara a hug I feel no mom should have to endure this loss

[@boneyardhunter]

She handles this painful topic with such grace and class.. love her...

[@pilsnrimgaard2507]

Never should have been asked such a question so soon after losing her only Son. The media has NO class.

[@peteo100]

It's so heartbreaking to see someone who brought so much joy and laughter to this world in such pain. Hugs Barbara!!

[@samuelgardner8550]

I love Barbara. Such a wonderful person. Its painful to see her hurting like this😔💙

[@aquilinonyc]

I've been a huge fan of Barbara Eden for years. As a recovering addict, I am very thankful that she has enough courage to talk about addiction and its impact on her family. Addiction is something that most people would rather keep in the dark. I believe that her honesty is helping a lot of people around her who are also suffering (either with their own addiction or their loved ones).

[@ulrichlehnhardt4293]

It is important to show situations like this in public. Barbara Eden behaves in a very gracious, touching, honest and sincere way - as a mother. If this will be the wake up call for at least ONE kid, it was worth airing it!

[@hopeholmes-butterick1162]

I think it was cruel and sensationalistic of the show to have brought up such a tender subject--with clip no less!--for Barbara, which she'd still barely had a chance to recover from. Hollywood can be such a cold, and thoughtless place. It's "whatever gets the ratings". Awful. She has notthhinng to be sorry for. They, though, DO!

[@grinningduck8322]

Totally agree. What a dick move, there! If there was social media back then the backlash would have been huge.

[@cidspimms]

If I might, the "I'm Sorry" he kept repeating sounded quite insincere and tinged w/ ice. I wouldn't have blamed her if she would have walked out. Barry Gibb was treated in the same manner after his brother Robin passed away; he was shown a video of them as boys singing in Australia, he started to cry; and asked that they please stop for a moment, but the cameras continued to roll. Cheap shots @ the expense of those left behind to grieve.

[@justindemoude520]

I just lost all respect for Gibson, to be sure.

[@JBCo2012]

Hope Holmes-Butterick Well AT THE VERY LEAST HE COULD HAVE PRE-WARNED HER!

[@JDCUSA]

You people are really stupid. She agreed to do the interview. They discussed it before going on the air, you buffoons. Your knee jerk reactions require no brains. You are driven by emotions. No wonder this country is going down the toilet.

[@Rick123691]

A very special prayer for you Barb, No doubt a beautiful person as much inside as you are outside ! It is obvious your son loved you tremendously and we see why right here. You DID YOUR PART !!!

[@raechelyndawn2580]

I feel for her... what a beautiful lady. I watched "I dream of Jeannie" every week for 5-years so Barbara Eden has a special place in my heart. God Bless her.. Horrible to lose your child. 😢

[@Heyjay454]

That was really mean and rude on his part....and Barbara you need never apologize for showing love and compassion. I love her even more and am glad she showed us, that she is just like us. Just more glamorous!!

[@kbig]

God bless her. I've met her and she's such a sweet lady.

[@Merely]

my heart goes out to her. i grew up watching "i dream of jeannie." i want to keep those memories of her. not here where she is broken. my grown son is not always well and i feel her pain. it is the worst thing in the world to outlive your children. nothing worse. love you, barbara!

[@vegasjill21]

She's still so beautiful! I ♥ Barbara Eden~

[@patrickoriley8382]

God bless her! There is no greater in in this life than to lose a child!

[@GristleP2]

Drugs: JUST DON'T START. There. Done. Drug addiction is not a disease. It's a self-inflicted death sentence. Can't be argued.

[@MichaelBrown-ny3et]

She is such a class act. I adored her when I was growing up in the early 70’s.

[@dannyleo4791]

Barbara, I understand your pain. I loss my mother recently to cancer. Next Friday will be one year since she died. I know how you feel and please know that he is in a better place. You're a great and funny actress who spread joy and laughter to millions of fans!

[@materialgirl8707]

My heart breaks for her, even though I have never experienced this tragedy, my heart weeps for her.

[@trewthe]

Heartbreaking,what a classy lady sharing a room with vermin.

[@Frankie-O]

💔

[@southpark1029384756]

Drug addiction is just damn sad for everyone involved or connected to the addict. :(

[@iwaswhitepeoplewhohavenoli1287]

I'm sorry for Ms. Eden's loss, and for her subsequent pain.

[@bobhooker8547]

She makes me cry. I have been so enamored with her for so long. She has a very special place in my heart. And always will

[@ShadowinaCave]

Grrr!! I hate parasitical interviewers. He sat there, letting her *apologise* for getting emotional (very gracious gesture) when he knew damned well he *asked* her about her son, hoping to get exactly this emotional response.

[@scdevon]

What a cheap shot to pull on her. Shame!

[@kncox81]

The subject of her son should have never been brought up. Period! How could that man have been so cruel?

[@ravenblackhawke]

grief should never become a public torment as it has according to this video. the show host lacks basic respect for ms. eden and he fact that she still grieves for her son. he will know her pain when he loses someone he really loves, and then will recall his cold calculated non compassionate demeanor all for ratings to increase his public image. how darn heartless and distasteful. shame on him, and God Bless Ms. Eden in all her future endeavors. Losing those we love is an open wound we will carry within us forever.

[@antonioacevedo5200]

That bastard should have issued an apology along with ABC. I in my 63 years of life have never seen anything as heartless as that.

[@tessiemcdonell188]

SO sad and I am very sorry for your loss. I dream of Jeannie was my favorite show.

[@65wiseman]

MY LOVE AND CONDOLENCES TO A GREAT LADY.

[@huskvarsm]

i always cry when i see this someone as truly lovely as this amazing lady to see her so sad when one of her smiles can make my day it really breaks my heart i just want to hold her and make it go away so truly awful.

[@broadwaybaby611]

Wow. We feel for you Barbara. I can't believe they did that.

[@Sincopare]

I love Barbara. The point of the interview is to reach out to that one person watching, who may see this known person, a person we all remember as eternally affable and pleasing, now hurting because of a selfish act of her son. Don't hurt your mother. Quit now and never turn back.

[@daeusto]

She has always been a wonderful person. Bless her heart.

[@aethelwulf8753]

It's hard to watch that, I have always adored Barbara Eden since I was small. One of the most stunning looking actresses ever.

[@crisbrown1613]

JEANNIE: I Feel Really Sorry For Your Loss.

[@Frankie-O]

1 & ONLY child.

[@watchgoose]

Barbara.

[@ShadovvV]

I used to watch her genie show on TV when I was a kid. Loved it. I always thought she was an incredibly talented and pretty lady. That show was hilarious ! I'm sure I could still even watch re-runs of that and not get bored.

[@janetsterno]

What A Beautiful Lady!!! Forever Gorgeous!!!

[@joecrowley6596]

Barbara Eden, a courageous woman to come forward to share her devastating pain, the loss of her only child to substance abuse, solely in an effort to help others, very few if any she'll ever meet. Truly an amazingly generous and selfless woman, Ms. Eden deserves applause for her tremendous courage.

[@jonwilson7542]

Bless her heart!

[@samuelgardner8550]

I hurt so much seeing this! Barbara has always been such a kind loving person. Hate that this happened to her💔

[@pamtime22]

Very hurtful to Barbara. Unbelievable how they would subject her to that kind of interview! Losing a child before you die is tragic enough!

[@owadave]

That was a horrible thing to do to her but she handled it with class.Her decency really showed.I am amazed that she was 68 in this interview,being put through an incredibly stressful spot and yet she looks unbelievably beautiful!Does she never age?Maybe she is magic!

[@nuffzed202]

Aww very sad had no idea she lost her son. Love and hugs to her!

[@Frankie-O]

😔

[@johndyslin798]

So sad. She has such a vibrant, sweet and positive outlook on life. Yet, the sad fate of her son is there. God Bless, Barbara

[@jojojeep1]

I was so in love with this lady.

[@Frankie-O]

I would've been back then.

[@jojojeep1]

@@Frankie-O No doubt brother I’m 58 years old when I was eight years old because of her I learned what the meaning playing with yourself meant ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

[@joserochoag1]

She is such a classy beautiful lady... Grand actress and loving mother.

[@robinaxeman]

That must have been so hard on her.The interviewer could have been more sensitive.

[@ucan32]

This lady is the picture of class! What a beautiful, classy and incredible woman!

[@steveboudreau9181]

She did not deserve that.

[@WelshWidgetMan2O1O]

Then she should have indicated this in the pre-interview. If she didn't want this to be discussed she should have said so BEFORE-HAND.

[@sisterearthful]

Barbara, I understand how you feel. I had an experience nine months ago. You'll always be in my thoughts. My prayers go out to you.

[@lindaprior9335]

I love you..I am so sorry.

[@monsta64]

I adored Barbara as a young boy growing up in the early 70's and watching "I dream of Jeannie." How could they put her through this on TV??? This broke my heart!

[@billyjoechoctaw1706]

He wouldn't have gotten away with that shit in today's media climate. Heartless behavior. How could he treat our wonderful Jeannie like that?!

[@outsider497]

Barbara, you are a class act, genuine lady. All our hearts go out to you. You've brought so much joy to so many of us so we hurt when you hurt. Bless you!!

[@jewgirl952]

That's HORRIBLE to do this to her! She should have walked off the set!

[@Frankie-O]

🚶‍♀

[@menashadude]

She is just so sweet and so dear that all of America loves her and her simply awsomely goodlooking son. They both deserve respect and prayers.

[@EdWeibe]

yeah I dont need to see her sad. She's a classy lady. So sorry for her loss. Drugs are just evil.

[@mirrortime]

You are an amazing woman, Barbara. Thank you for being you.

[@bradkennett5759]

You would think they would brake so she could collect her thoughts

[@johncooner8957]

God Bless her.

[@themainproblem]

It was unacceptable and unnecessary to put her through that. She is a splendid woman.

[@WelshWidgetMan2O1O]

They fully disclose what they're going to discuss and show these people ahead of time so if there's anything Eden didn't want to talk about or see she would have indicated this before-hand. However, it's clear this had an emotional impact on her but that doesn't mean anyone "put her through that" because she could have simply spoken up before hand and they would have happily skipped that part of it. People are always so quick to place blame where it doesn't' belong.

[@themainproblem]

Well, Welsh midget. They are responsible for how their guests are treated. And how exactly can you be sure that she was not ambushed? Do you presume that they actually have ethics and care? Do you work there? Are you a producer? With exception to the news staff at Fox News, I like and respect her more than any other media puke who has ever existed.

[@PHARRAOH]

she's one of the most beautiful women to ever walk the planet! still beautiful 40 years later. few can measure up. cheers genie!

[@cynthiathompson8693]

Why put such a lovely lady in such a terrible position. The media can be very cruel sometimes and maybe they should leave out the negative for once and look at all the positive things in her life. This is very sad to see. You can really feel her pain. So wrong

[@wildbill5670]

I just lost my beautiful daughter. She got very drunk fell hit her head and died. My life will never be the same. She was 38. I can't say how much I can relate to the pain of this women. May God bless her now and forever.

[@vistaestrada]

Barbara Eden is a classy lady. I admire her courage.

[@ledzeppelin27]

she is a wonderful mother, and a beautiful human being

[@stillwill2215]

talking about these types of issues is therapeutic, she was not offended, neither should you be.

[@2degucitas]

Yes. She wasn't ambushed, she wanted to talk about it. Maybe she hoped to clear her mind, or reach out to others who have suffered a loss of a loved one to heroin. We love her more for it.

[@hopeholmes-butterick1162]

2degucitas ..hmm, I never thought of it that way. I still think it was done in a rather insensitive way, but you could be right, she might have actually wanted to talk about it...

[@stillwill2215]

Angie HB thankyou for understanding; I lost my son too, and although I cannot speak for everyone, for many it is a relief to discuss your loved one and maintain the memory of them with others as opposed to "filing" them as a way to deal with your grief.

[@JDCUSA]

Thank you, stillwill2215. Finally, someone with some brains.

[@SWSimpson]

I love Barbara Eden. I lost my best friend to a heroin overdose and I truly feel her pain, at least in part.

[@anthonywalker1545]

god bless her she's still pretty love her

[@AgnettaBradshaw]

I cry with you sister....my heart breaks with yours when I see this clip.. a Mother's love never fades, it just increases with age..be assured he is in heaven fully restored and full of light.. God Bless

[@asianvicky8811]

thats so sad :(

[@Frankie-O]

😔

[@NMRKx3]

Ms. Eden, I am so sorry for your loss. I am an addict and I can tell you that sometimes, WE don't even know why we go back. I am in recovery and have been for many many years. Matthew had the experience of sobriety and he had a wonderful mother who loved him unconditionally. What a gift.... May he have found the peace he was searching for.

[@mreunome]

He was heartless, not even comforting her, just telling her it's o.k. How is it o.k. she lost her only son. What a jerk he is and a terrible interviewer. I wished Jeanie could have blinked his butt to hell! I just found out he ex died this year . . . the Blue Gin: Michael Ansara, also tv's Cochise

[@mreunome]

Her Ex

[@Inquisitor6321]

He probably isn't a parent himself. To bury a child at any age is a parent's worst nightmare & this jerk had to pull this stunt with her on TV. A classless act!

[@brookehanley3659]

Men cannot handle emotion.

[@Inquisitor6321]

Actually it's psychopaths that can't handle emotion. Your statement is just a bigoted sexist remark.

[@tinkie]

all you people making mean comments read further down. some people know this i gess some dont. when some one like a celebrity is going to be interviewed they already know what will be asked. and what they will and will not answer.. most people are prepaired for the questions.

[@raider7829]

Oh how heartbreaking for any parent. Barbara made me so HAPPY AS A CHILD. OH THE JOY OF HER SHOW!! To see her so hurt brought tears to my eyes. Sorrow that will never leave! God bless her!

[@miyoshiumeki]

Classless trick to play on her.

[@Frankie-O]

🤬

[@Cocodan-jn5md]

Barbara I lost my 12 yo daughter 10 months ago and nobody knows your pain like I do. one day at a time is all we can take. god bless

[@Vanasse1]

Wow.... just wow!!! To 'surprise' Ms. Eden with a clip of her son, who had just died, is the most pathetic, ratings-seeking, evil thing someone could do..... that was her SON, you pathetic scumbags.... why would you ask her about him in an interview just months after his death????? This is why I hate the media..... Ms. Eden, God Bless you and may God bring you peace until you are together once again with your beautiful son.

[@Vanasse1]

Gibson says .... 'Just take a second'.... F YOU!!!!!! She should have walked off the set.

[@robertmahaney2854]

I loved her since I was a kid growing I guess up watching her show. Talk shows and there hosts can be so cruel. This makes me so sad. We love you Barbara Eden❤️

[@califdad4]

he was her only child , very sad

[@Frankie-O]

😔

[@califdad4]

@@Frankie-O I should add Angie Dickinson is in the same spot, her only daughter Nikki who always had some health issues, took her own life in 2007, she is also alone and now 89

[@AndyMarshak]

Bastards making Genii cry... she was ambushed .. she should have walked out of that interview.

[@SusanBaileyAmazingEstate]

And his boss will say, great job! What a cheap tactic.

[@valentinejay]

I just love the way the cameras zoomed in to catch every emotion. They should have switched them off.

[@VinDcator]

Extremely poor taste, never should have been aired.

[@Frankie-O]

🤮

[@DaisyAnnabelle65]

I’m so sorry Barbara❤️ I am praying for you! You are loved by so many and the Lord has your son now ! You will see him again one day and you are loved my dear❤️