Barbara Eden, an accomplished American actress, singer, and comedian, has been captivating audiences for over six decades.
She is renowned for her portrayal of Jeannie in the timeless sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, which aired from 1965 to 1970.
But how much is this iconic actress worth in today’s times?
Barbara Eden’s Net Worth
Barbara Eden’s net worth stands at $10 million as of 2023.
Eden has amassed a large fortune through her successful careers in film, television, theater, and music.
Additionally, she has graced numerous commercials, endorsements, and charitable events.
Barbara Eden’s Early Life and Career
Barbara Eden was born on August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona, under the name Barbara Jean Morehead.
Following her parents’ divorce when she was three, she relocated with her mother to San Francisco.
At a young age, she fostered a fervor for singing and acting, showcasing her talents in various choirs, nightclubs, and theater troupes.
Her graduation from Abraham Lincoln High School in 1949 was followed by her enrollment in theater studies at the City College of San Francisco.
In 1951, she clinched the title of Miss San Francisco and took part in the Miss California contest.
Her move to Los Angeles marked the initiation of her acting journey, accompanied by the adoption of the name Barbara Eden.
The year 1955 marked her television debut on The Johnny Carson Show, and she soon secured guest roles in popular shows including:
- I Love Lucy
- Perry Mason
- Gunsmoke
- The Andy Griffith Show
Barbara Eden also headlined the television adaptation of How to Marry a Millionaire from 1957 to 1959, where she embodied the character that Marilyn Monroe had originated in the film rendition.
Her silver screen debut took place in 1956 with Back from Eternity, followed by roles in movies such as:
- Flaming Star (1960) alongside Elvis Presley
- Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea (1961)
- The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm (1962)
- Five Weeks in a Balloon (1962), 7
- Faces of Dr. Lao (1964)
- The Brass Bottle (1964).
Barbara Eden’s Breakthrough Role as Jeannie
Barbara Eden’s Breakthrough as Jeannie Barbara Eden’s career soared when she was cast as Jeannie, a 2,000-year-old genie who falls in love with astronaut Tony Nelson (enacted by Larry Hagman) in the NBC sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.
The inspiration for the show came from Sidney Sheldon, who was captivated by Eden’s performance in The Brass Bottle, where she portrayed a genie’s love interest.
I Dream of Jeannie achieved immense popularity, enjoying a five-season run from 1965 to 1970.
Garnering two Golden Globe Award nominations and a TV Land Award for Favorite Dual-Role Character, the show propelled Eden into household recognition and established her as an emblem of charm and mischief in her portrayal of the lively Jeannie.
Her musical talents also shone through in the show, highlighted by her renditions of songs like “I’m Sorry” and “The Man I Love.”
Barbara Eden’s Post-Jeannie Career
Barbara Eden’s Trajectory Post-Jeannie Following the culmination of I Dream of Jeannie, Barbara Eden’s artistic journey continued, with her participation in diverse films and television ventures.
She featured in movies including Harper Valley PTA (1978), adapted from the country song by Jeannie C. Riley, and Chattanooga Choo Choo (1984).
Her presence extended to TV movies and series, encompassing:
- The Amazing Dobermans (1976)
- The Stepford Children (1987)
- Dallas (1984-1990)
- Sabrina the Teenage Witch (1996-1997)
- George Lopez (2002-2004), Army Wives (2013)
- Shimmer and Shine (2015-2017)
She revisited her Jeannie role in two TV movie sequels: I Dream of Jeannie: 15 Years Later (1985) and I Still Dream of Jeannie (1991).
Complementing her acting pursuits, Eden pursued a musical path, culminating in her 1967 album release titled Miss Barbara Eden. She graced various variety shows and stage productions with her vocal talents, gracing renowned venues such as Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and Lake Tahoe.
Barbara Eden’s Personal Life
The Personal Life of Barbara Eden Barbara Eden has been joined in matrimony thrice.
Her initial husband was actor Michael Ansara, with whom she shared vows in 1958, parting ways in 1974.
From this union, a son named Matthew Michael Ansara was born; regrettably, he passed away from a drug overdose in 2001 at the age of 35.
Her second marriage united her with Charles Donald Fegert, a Chicago Sun-Times executive, in 1977; this union dissolved in 1983.
Her current and third husband, Jon Eicholtz, a real estate developer, became her life partner following their marriage in 1991.
Throughout her career, Eden has been ardently committed to diverse charitable causes.
Her advocacy extends to the American Cancer Society, the USO, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the March of Dimes, and the Children’s Miracle Network.
In 2011, she penned her memoir titled Jeannie Out of the Bottle, an illuminating chronicle of her personal life and over 50-year Hollywood journey.
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Conclusion
Barbara Eden has etched her place as a cherished and enduring figure in the annals of American television.
Her dossier boasts over 20 feature films, five network TV series, and 19 TV movies.
The iconic role of Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie catapulted her into pop culture eminence and endowed her with the mantle of a symbol of allure.
Her resonance has extended to music and theater, entwined with a philanthropic involvement in a medley of causes.
Her $10 million net worth in 2023 stands as a testament to her enduring and prosperous expedition in the entertainment realm.
Facts about Barbara “Jean Morehead” Eden
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Barbara Jean Morehead (Birth Name) |
| Barbara Eden (Stage Name) | |
| Date of Birth | August 23, 1931 |
| Place of Birth | Tucson, Arizona, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Actress, Singer, Comedian |
| Notable Role | Jeannie in “I Dream of Jeannie” TV series |
| Net Worth (2023) | $10 million |
| Debut Film | “Back from Eternity” (1956) |
| Notable TV Shows | “I Dream of Jeannie,” “How to Marry a Millionaire” |
| “Dallas,” “Sabrina the Teenage Witch” | |
| Albums Released | “Miss Barbara Eden” (1967) |
| Awards and Honors | TV Land Award for Favorite Dual-Role Character |
| Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2003) | |
| Marital Status | Married three times |
| Spouse(s) | Michael Ansara, Charles Donald Fegert, Jon Eicholtz |
| Children | One son named Matthew Michael Ansara (deceased) |
| Charitable Involvement | American Cancer Society, USO, Make-A-Wish Foundation |
| March of Dimes, Children’s Miracle Network | |
| Memoir | “Jeannie Out of the Bottle” (Published in 2011) |
| Active Years | 1955 – Present |
| Notable Quote | “Dream big and dare to fail.” |
