Married For 31 Years, Barbara Eden, 91, Shares Key To A Lasting Relationship Is ‘You Have To Like Each Other A Lot’

Feb 19, 2023

America's favorite genie in a bottle, Barbara Eden, turned 91 in August 2022, much to the shock of everyone who's enjoyed watching the blonde-haired, blue-eyed beauty on screen over the years. It's incredibly impressive to consider that the actress has had more than a six-decade career in Hollywood and she's shown no signs of slowing down.

Originally from Tucson, Arizona, Eden was born on Aug. 23, 1931. Her budding career initially started when she sang in the church choir, as she performed the solos. Later, in her teens, she graduated to singing in several bands that performed in local clubs.

Eventually, 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 into the Miss California pageant.

In 1965, Eden eventually landed the role of the genie in the charming '70s TV show "I Dream of Jeannie." The role cemented her career in Hollywood and led her to other opportunities. These included work in the theater as well as films and television.

Over the years, she's appeared in “The Odd Couple,” “Love Letters” and “Social Security,” some of which toured in major cities across the United States, as well as in the musicals “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” and “The Sound of Music,” among others. She's had an incredibly diverse portfolio of work in her career which has spanned over six decades. And her incredible work hasn't gone unnoticed — Eden received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988. 

While her career has seen many highs, Eden's personal life has been filled with both joy and tragedy.

Eden first broached the topic of not wanting to retire over 20 years ago, in an interview she did with the Television Academy Foundation. She said:

"Oh, it's very important for me to keep working. I, first of all, I 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 us and for Eden, she still has worked, 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.” 

She spoke further on the topic during her interview with People in Oct. 2021., after she'd turned 90, where she admitted that, although there are some limitations to getting older, she still won't let them hold her back. She said:

“Sometimes one is forced to slow down, but I'll do what I do until I can't."

The nonagenarian also reflected on how much she enjoyed playing her Jeannie character back in the '60s. She told the publication:

"I like her a lot. I think what makes me so happy is that so many people around the world like her. Not me. They like that character. And they like the show for what it is. It takes people out of themselves and into another world. and I appreciate that. I like it very much." 

But despite her glamorous career, Eden has also been no stranger to heartbreak. Over the years she went through two divorces and while she was eight months pregnant with her second child she learned that her baby had died in the womb. But nothing prepared her for the worst loss of all — the death of her only son Matthew Ansara in 2001 from a drug overdose. With everything she's experienced over the years, she advised others to speak up when they don't feel well. She told People:

"When you can't move or don't want to do anything, go and get help."

The ups and downs of her life certainly taught her a lot. Eden also mused on how varied people's career paths are and to not let that hold anyone back. "People have to find their own way," she said before she added: "Don't be afraid. Everyone's life is different. Everyone's beginnings are different." She continued:

"Learn to recognize in other people what you have inside yourself because that's the one thing we all have. We're all connected. Knowing that kind of got me over a lot of humps when I first came to town and started auditioning."

She's taken her own advice to heart, as Eden proved she isn't afraid to try new things, even at her age. In 2021, she published her first-ever children's book, titled "Barbara and the Djinn," alongside co-author Dustin Warburton. She told the news outlet how filled with love and happiness her life is these days and expressed her gratitude for all that she has. She said:

"I'm really lucky. I have dear friends. I have a wonderful family, a very supportive husband, a dog who is adorable, but a brat! Yes, I'm very happy. I think life, everything, has to work itself out. There's a reason for most things, and I can't wish for it." 

Eden’s love life, which was far more tumultuous in her earlier years, has now settled down and she often cites her current husband for it. Eden’s first marriage was to actor Michael Ansara in 1958. However, the marriage came to an end in 1974, with the couple filing for divorce. In 1977, Eden married her second husband, Charles Fegert. They divorced in 1982.

Eden walked down for the third time in 1991 to marry real estate developer Jon Eicholtz and the pair have been living in wedded bliss ever since. Eden told Closer Weekly one of the secrets to their long-lasting relationship is the ability to give and take equally. She said:

“I think you have to like each other a lot. No, you really do. … You don’t necessarily have to like the same things. Because we certainly don’t. I don’t play golf. I don’t like to watch baseball … and he loves to watch the Angels. But I do because I love him. And I like him. So I’ll watch with him.”

She added he, in turn, is exceptionally supportive when it comes to her busy schedule.

“He puts up with me working,” Eden remarked and added Jon “doesn’t actually mind” how much work she does. “I find that it’s just great because he likes what I do. He likes me doing it. I think I’m really lucky to have a happy marriage.”

Another key ingredient to their love is the fact that they’re both happy dog parents. Eden said the couple has a Labradoodle” who they dote on, or as she said a “Little boy, he’s so spoiled.”

Are you a fan of Barbara Eden? Did you know that she's 90 and still hasn't officially retired from acting? Let us know your thoughts then pass this on so others can read about it too.