90-Year-Old ‘I Dream Of Jeannie’ Star Barbara Eden Admits She Doesn’t Feel Her Age

Sep 30, 2021

America's favorite Jeannie in a bottle, Barbara Eden, turned 90-years-old in 2021, much to the shock of everyone who has ever enjoyed watching the acting expertise of this blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty on screen or on television. 

Eden, the beautiful "Jeannie in a bottle," was born in Tucson, Arizona, on August 23, 1931. Her parents later divorced, and Eden has a half-sister from her mother's subsequent remarriage. This star's career initially started with her singing in the church choir, in which she sang the solos. Later, in her teens, she would sing in several bands performing in local clubs for about $10 (equivalent to about $130 nowadays) a night. 

When she was 16, she became an Actor's Equity member and started to study singing at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music as well as acting at the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theater. Meanwhile, she repeatedly participated in beauty pageants and even won the Miss San Francisco title in 1951, which propelled her onto the Miss California pageant.

The nostalgia of 1970s television shows certainly emanates an aura of charm, and one such long-running show at the forefront was "I Dream of Jeannie," starring Eden. The show's plot involved American astronaut Tony Nielson, played by Larry Hagman. Apparently, Hagman’s character lands slightly off-course on a deserted island and unwittingly finds an unusual but beautiful bottle. He does the foreseeable rub on the bottle and out pops a beautiful Jeannie as a pixie-faced, blonde-haired beauty named Barbara Eden. 

Eden just turned 90 in 2021 and admits that she feels as young as ever. She is also still making appearances and adores her career. Keep reading to find out why Eden says she doesn’t feel her age.

Still Eden’s most iconic role, “I Dream of Jeannie,” combined early space travel with a series of comical faux pas caused by Jeannie and her naïve attempt at "mortal" existence without using her magical powers. Her antics must be hidden by Nielson in order to protect her from the public while also protecting his high-security employment. Obviously, surreptitious yet suggested romance permeates the entire plot.

As the casting for the role of Jeannie opened, producer Sidney Sheldon failed to find an actress who could deliver the role as he had originally intended it. There was one specific rule, however: Sheldon wanted no blonde genie since he felt this would bear too many similarities to the actress on "Bewitched." But after many unsuccessful auditions, he eventually contacted Eden's agent, and she landed the part that would soon become her most iconic role.

Even now, Eden has no plans to quit acting. In a 2000 interview with the Television Academy Foundation, she discussed how important it was for her to continue working:

"Oh it's very important for me to keep working. I, first of all, enjoy my work, but I can't imagine ever retiring. I hope there will be parts for me as a little old lady...but of course as you grow older there aren't as many parts for you, but I understand that but I still want to work."

Luckily for Eden, and for us, she is still working, even if it's not as frequently as in her heyday. Her last movie appearance was as Mrs. Claus in the 2019 film "My Adventures With Santa." 

Now at age 90, the Hollywood legend admits that she doesn’t let her age hold her back because she doesn’t feel her age. “I feel young!” Eden expressed to Page Six in September 2021. The actress continues to take care of her health and is still working every chance she can get.

Eden says that her health is thanks to years of regular trips to the gym, spin classes and lifting weights. This was her routine until nearly three years ago, now it has scaled back some. Today, Eden has a personal trainer who goes to her house. Together they do resistance training and take walks around her tennis court.

One of the other things that helps Eden stay young is her busy social calendar. “I have a lot of friends,” she shared. “I’m pretty active socially.” Keeping up with loved ones is a great way to stay connected and involved at any age.

Eden has taken a step back compared to her previous work schedule but still enjoys making appearances. She even has one lined up for March 2022, and says she is really looking forward to seeing her fans. “If I’m around, I’ll be there, I really like it,” Eden said with good humor.

Even now that her career has slowed down, the actress is grateful. “I was very very lucky to like the job I chose,” Eden added. “I feel sorry for people like my poor father who had to work every day at something he didn’t like. I enjoy my work. I still work.” 

We hope to see much more of Eden in the future. 

Such long-lived beauty and success in the limelight are rare in Hollywood. Show your allegiance to this lovely lady who has shown such timeless elegance and beauty by mentioning this age-defying star and discussing her with your friends!