Actress Barbara Eden, 90, Opens Up About Having No Plans To Retire Just Yet

Feb 28, 2022 by apost team

America's favorite genie in a bottle, Barbara Eden, turned 90 in Aug. 2021, 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 onto 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. 

The actress sat down with People in Oct. 2021 and opened up about her legendary career and why she won't retire.

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 it 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." 

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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 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." 

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.