'I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Barbara Eden Reflects on Over Six Decades in Hollywood | PEOPLE

In this exclusive interview with Barbara Eden, the legendary actress opens up about landing her iconic role in I Dream of Jeannie, the tragic loss of her son to accidental drug overdose, and why she decided to write her new children's book, Barbara and the Djinn.
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Barbara Eden on Her Iconic Role In 'I Dream of Jeannie' & Opens Up About Sons Overdose | PEOPLE
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[@smitastic7030]

She definitely has aged well. Even her voice sounds 50 years younger. I hope she sticks around for many more years!

[@sumitbhattacharya4402]

Looks lot of plastic surgery

[@smitastic7030]

@Sumit Bhattacharya I'm sure she's had some, but she looks great for 90!

[@marcoparada6652]

@@sumitbhattacharya4402 , look again.

[@dwandascott3947]

She looks every bit of 90 or 95. Y’all need glasses. I love her but like most Caucasian her face and neck look like a road map as she ages. When you have lots of money you should look better than average but she doesn’t. She looks great cause she is exceptionally pretty but she is aging like her contemporaries

[@warrenbfeagins]

If you close you eyes, she sounds EXACTLY like she did on the show. That's remarkable.

[@jess4metoo]

I had the pleasure of meeting her. Very kind and appreciative of her fans. She signed my bottle too!

[@harperstacey9604]

When did you meet Barbara Eden? From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@jess4metoo]

@@harperstacey9604 July 2011

[@barbsnyder3579]

We lost our son when he was 32, that was 12 years ago today. We will never ever get over it.

[@DaviHughes]

So sorry for your loss

[@michaelshaw3344]

I'm so sorry to hear...may God bless you and yours

[@kandorstevenson]

She gave me so many hours of happiness as a child. Thank you Barbara Eden for all the joy.

[@jorgerobles9484]

She's 90 years old, and she looks amazing for her age, looks like a woman in her 60s. Hope she can live many more years, Barbara Eden is a living legend.

[@SimilakChild]

she's full of plastic surgery. aside from that she's in great health.

[@tilatsiddiqui3969]

Isn’t he allegedly a gender inverted male posing as a woman that was created and selected by the Satanic masonick entertainment industry and Is a sellout who made sacrifices for fame and fortune?

[@gryphon10]

Lol no

[@gryphon10]

She was 66 when she died

[@kingnaira8648]

@@gryphon10 huh?

[@phund7723]

Such a real person. I love how she says people liked the character I played not me. So true but most actors can’t admit that. From that statement alone I think it’s fair to say I like the actress as well as a good person and not just who she played. Then how she talks about her son, again so focused on helping others avoid that tragedy . Amazing women, not the actress, her.

[@SuzLa1]

Many people are too dumbed down to realise acting is pretending to be another person.

[@takata98]

It's interesting how over the years like Babara said, "People like the character I played, not me!" I have noticed with many different actors and actresses they can play a good character or a bad one. How ever I find it interesting some can play good or bad and yet you can either like or despise the character and remain engrosed or continue to view. By contrast there are other actors/actresses who can can play good characters or bad and you will never like either the character or the actor/actress, often just choosing not to view or turning off when you see who is in the cast. I think that is the magic behind the longevity of different careers.

[@mymymy9452]

Wow, l can't believe she still going, l fell in love with her show in the mid 00s when l was a teen now l am 30yrs old and l can't believe she is not only alive but still with it in her 90s wow, he DNA is strong.

[@johnedwardjones999]

Barbara looks and sounds terrific. Sharp mind. Took care of herself and obviously loves life.

[@mrs.anonymous7468]

They don't make them like her anymore plain and simple!! So wholesome and appreciative of her life even with her tragic story- she still chose to be positive and move forward with her life! Beyond classy, and just an all around beautiful person (thats' why she got the part in the first place, SS was no dummy, he saw that in her) , the snotty, woke, me, myself and I actresses of today can't hold a candle to her not even at 90! Happy B-day Barbara you will always be my all-time favorite actress and IDOJ will always be #1 in my book and I watched it when it first aired! Wow, now that is devotion for you!

[@MarcosVinicius-tr9sg]

Whoa! My words 💜👏💐

[@bvg83]

it’s great to see her still around! i wish her the best 😉

[@moekermali8887]

Such a nice human being. We all need to listen to her and take away what she has experienced . Totally agree what she has shared about her sons drug addict.

[@broddybounce]

Really great feature story. She is so well beloved and NBC, who originally aired Jeannie (or, heck, ANY network), needs to give her Betty White treatment and find a part for her - either in a co-starring or character role in a series! Among all the joy, it is sad to hear of the one really big tragedy in her life with her son, but very moving. Thanks for doing this, People.

[@josephtrainor9143]

SAY IT LOUDER!

[@slc2466]

Barbara's so positive, and modest- she had built a very nice career by 1965 and the producers of "Jeannie" were lucky to get Eden's rare caliber of talent, professionalism and beauty for the role.

[@DaveAlan]

You are such a beautiful woman! I watched I Dream of Jeanie all of my life and I still watch it to this day! I am so sorry about your son dying of an overdose. I understand about drugs and what it can do to someone. I love you Miss Barbara (Jeannie)

[@madonnahagedorn5649]

Barbara Eden is my all time favorite timeless beauty. I have her book, a Jeannie doll, a replica bottle and IDOJ on DVD. I treasure it all.

[@jasguy2715]

I always had a crush on Barbara Eden if that's the right way to describe it but I always felt drawn to her you can see what a wonderful person she was no matter what character she played you've always could see the real Barbara. It's going to be a very very sad day for me and for many other people when she passes.

[@pteddie6965]

I agree with you, jas. I've had a crush on her since I first saw her in Mayberry giving manicures in Floyd's barber shop. She has convinced me that she is a nice person, a person whom I'd like if she lived next door. When I first lie down at night, I watch an episode of "I Dream of Jeannie". Watching her calms me and puts me at ease. I'm not sure why, but Barbara is kind of an imaginary friend like I had in childhood seventy years ago. I just 'like her' and there's no explaining why.

[@jasguy2715]

You took the words right out of my mouth how you explained how you feel about her I feel exactly the same way@@pteddie6965

[@jennamcqueen8059]

I dream of Jeannie, its classic 60's and what a priviledge growing up with her, our generation was so lucky!

[@fishandchips9033]

She has outlived all of our co stars. Wow wow she looks absolutely out of this world. Gosh she is 90 for god sakes. She has been blessed with great health. Love from the UK ❤️🙏👍

[@karanfield4229]

What a wonderful mother. Bless her. ❤🙏

[@jamesk8s1]

DESTINY! I can NOT believe she is 90!!! WOW!!!! She is the youngest 90 year old ever!! Awesome for her!!!

[@missannettep6796]

She is beautiful and she is the ideal friend, neighbor, and kind lady, LADY.

[@judd442009]

Barbara's wise advice about early intervention with children's drug abuse is a very profound message.

[@harperstacey9604]

Her son Matthew died of a heroin overdose many years ago. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@Chahlie]

I carry Naloxone everywhere with me just in case I am in a position to save someone's child. Everybody makes mistakes and nobody should have to die from one.

[@Barbaraedenfan]

Oh I just love Barbara!!!♥️

[@blackjacket7118]

I'm Still crazy over this beauty! It was a wonderful show. Thank you.

[@thatone8085]

She looks 30 years younger than her real age. Timeless beauty. 2021

[@robertomoi2044]

I suggest you go to your local optician. As we say here in the UK, "should've gone to specsavers"

[@gryphon10]

😂

[@zabut2301]

No matter how much time passes, Barbara always makes my heart skip a beat.

[@corylombard]

Beautiful, kind heart.

[@annsmith7207]

Ninety years old ? We should all be so lucky! Blessings, Barbara!

[@shaunbarr1856]

Not Lucky Blessed pray

[@kermittheefrog5762]

such an amazing woman! love love love barbara eden!

[@barbaragermain3713]

God's Best Blessings to this lovely Lady!!

[@jamessotomayer8948]

BRbara Eden. What a Great Spirit! She was and is beautiful, Sincere, Compassionate and Honest ! God Bless You Ms. Eden.

[@kouklakee]

Classy Beautiful Lady !

[@DaisyAnnabelle65]

I love her she’s always been so beautiful! 🌸

[@izom]

still so sweet !

[@rromancunard]

She is so beautiful and charismatic at the same time. Is the Anni-Frid Lyngstad of the TV. I think that is important give her more awards and recognitions for her good trajectory. She is alive and is time to reward and give back all the good smiles that she create in our lives.

[@edwardanthony7283]

Always a treat!

[@kristiann102]

Loved this feature!

[@MyGabriel70]

She is so beautiful and very charming¡¡

[@benniecampbell3973]

Barbara Eden🤩🥳😘🥰😍😇

[@jasonjmarchi]

Barbara Eden is a National Treasure. .

[@clarkclarke]

This was beautiful....love her ...I loved watching Genie ..... 💕💕🙏🏾

[@ginnylorenz5265]

What a beautiful Soul. Wisdom and Peace. God bless her!!!!

[@LisaNix2]

I loved her on an episode of I Love Lucy😀

[@harperstacey9604]

She also appeared on an episode of the Andy Griffith show. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@1911beauty]

This is what 90 looks like. How blessed is she!

[@chiefscheider]

Her cosmetic surgeon is blessed too. He could earn a comfortable living with just her as a patient.

[@jasperwellington11]

Words can't describe how much I admire This woman!!

[@ereal4850]

We need her book in AUDIO PLEASE… I like to clean, run errands & listen!!

[@darisalfarizi3012]

I love her

[@n2bfw884]

I just bought the set of the series on DVD. Almost 58 hours of one of the most enchanting women ever.

[@gabrieliturralde3095]

Awwww Barbara, I love you forever ❤️❤️❤️

[@LPP_2024]

I Salute You Barbara!

[@naughtysauce4323]

From the pictures I found of her son, it was obvious she loved him and they had a special bond.

[@evagarcia1934]

Ella es mi genio para toda mi vida todas las noches la veo y me divierte aunque sea repetido bendiciones mi bella Bárbara Eden te quiero por siempre Graciasssss💝💝💝

[@alziraneves7235]

My favorite actress!!!!

[@pamelamays4186]

There's no way that she's 90! Must be that "Jeannie" magic.😉✨

[@harperstacey9604]

She got help from a plastic surgeon. From Ms. Harper Stacey.

[@Benjorunner]

@@harperstacey9604 right, she looks great but 90 without any wrinkles especially around the eyes is impossible. lots of people already get those in their thirties. And it also looks like cheek implants or injections. But apart from that she's a wonderful person, gotta love her 😍

[@cardsnumbersyou]

What happened to her son is heartbreaking. As someone who have lost friends to addictions the saddest part is that you can’t save them, they need to save themselves. Some reach the rock bottom and decide they don’t want to live like that anymore and look for help, others reach rock bottom and they can’t handle the pain of life anymore and exit the stage… What a brave woman to still be standing and talking about something so painful openly with the public. I imagine her testimony have helped others. ❤🙏🏼❤

[@Slipmahoney21]

She’s 91!!!! What an amazing woman!!

[@dsnyguy1]

Very bittersweet!

[@lildan419r2]

She really sells herself short she's beautiful

[@davidtaylor328]

Barbara Eden RULES & she's still as Beautiful as Ever !!! 👍🏻😍👍🏻

[@kennethruby4152]

Incredible story 🎉🎉, Love you Barbara ❤

[@kennethruby4152]

Happy Birthday Jeanie 🎉❤❤

[@ivanalejandrogonzalezsanch7297]

Barbara se ve maravillosa a su 90 años, todavía no puedo creer que haya cumplido esa edad. Que Dios la bendiga y le siga dando larga vida y salud.

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

God bless you you beautiful woman!🙏❤️

[@ruth4489]

Love you Barbara, great interview

[@ernestoechevarria2153]

ese papel era para ella, la más dulce y bella genio

[@douglasthompson9482]

I love Barbara....always have.

[@susannahagnone9556]

God Bless her..especially today on the anniversary of her only son's death She is truly exceptional, down to earth...

[@rromancunard]

For me she is in the list of the best actress of all the times. Is beautiful, charming, charismatic, original and authentic.

[@tng4550]

My sister loves barbara so much

[@ragemodels]

OMD I had no idea that her son got hooked to Herion so young!!! How tragically sad he looks like Rock Hudson : very very Handsome !!! Barbara Eden seems to be such a lovely and warm person !!! I loved "I dream of Jeanie " growing up !!! 💛🪁💛

[@mirrorgt908]

shes amazing

[@firtuD.dani7722]

Her smile is amizing! She is wonderful!

[@SledgeNE]

Jeannie Forever ♥

[@resagelato]

Hi Barbara, We enjoyed you immensely as children in the 60s and 70s.

[@linapagliari8003]

Barbra ur a class act😁🇨🇦🇨🇦

[@darrellgritten4398]

Lovely lady, inside and out.

[@jimtaylor2715]

Always loved this woman.

[@joshuaharper4439]

I have always loved Barbara Eden and I dream of Jeannie she was just so funny I would give anything to get to meet her I am going blind and I would love to have a chance to meet her one day before I do

[@naughtysauce4323]

Gotta admit, she looks better at 90 than Lucy did in her 70's. She must live a clean life free of at least smoking.

[@jamessotomayer8948]

Only God Can Create a miracle like Barbra Eden!

[@annegreenwood3624]

such a great actress she looks so beautiful i dream of genie still one of my favourite shows

[@allenspearing9143]

I wish I was married to a woman as beautiful as Barbara Eaden

[@newcruiser]

Is she WHAT !!!!!. 90?. OMG. She looks AMAZING !!. This is GOOD NEWS !.

[@chaswr]

91!

[@zeheero]

She aged so gracefully and she still alert!!

[@jackdundon2261]

Love to see Barbara and Betty White do a show together. Oh the fun they could have.

[@user-zh8kd9vk3m]

I agree with Barbara that you have to get them early, before it's too late. Taking preventative actions is something most people overlook.

[@Michelle-pn9xt]

Yes. It was revealing. This is 2021, and this aired before I was born. I don't see a reason for a woman to show her belly button on TV. The men were covered up. Why do some women think acting is about being naked? Talent does not require you to remove all of your clothes. Too many women have low self-esteem.

[@leroypacheco5781]

Good morning Barbara Eden I'm big fan of yours too I love doing genie I dream of Jeannie you're the cutest one that I've seen on TV then became Wonder woman after you did you were the first one so I'm glad you're still alive and still kicking it I hope you make a little bit more movies your store is beautiful as ever sign me right sign LeRoy Pacheco

[@SinuheAncelmoUnLibroParaSebas]

Barbara Eden is the always beautiful woman! Barbara is a great person. Was this interview performed in october 2021?

[@jamzcharlz]

What a happy lives she lives so nice

[@sjubedabee4483]

My child hood memories, really she ia jennie the demi goddess

[@thomasbinninger1355]

Well done.

[@youtoo2072]

PLEASE EVERYBODY LISTEN TO THIS LADY/MOM/ HEART=SOUL!! HER PREGNANCY/MOTHERHOOD STORY IS MOST IMPORTANT!

[@justinwills8561]

She is still beautiful

[@aparecidacampos1048]

Genia!! 🌹❤❤❤

[@texaslocoman1]

we will have the 57th anniversary of the premiere this year

[@gw6496]

Love that show 👍🏾👍🏾need more women today like her Barbara Eden!!!

[@nellyrage6436]

I really want to know how she lived till 90 like her lifestyle and all.

[@jeanyvictor1684]

Mam iam your huge fan ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@lesarichards7682]

This so warmed my heart and brought back childhood memories and so what do you guys think about I Dream of Jeannie the movie and I think a really good candidate to play Jeannie is Ariana Grande and it would be so awesome with Barbara Eden in a cameo playing her mother and not sure what the plot would be but maybe something involving Aliens and saving the world lol... And hurry up do it do it RIGHT NOW