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The iconic ‘I Dream of Jeannie‘ star Barbara Eden turns 93 on August 23rd. Here is a look at her life and her illustrious career.
A descendant of Benjamin Franklin
Born to the couple Alice Mary and Hubert Henry Morehead, Eden was born on August 23 1931 in Tucson, Arizona. Through her mother’s side of the family, she is related to Benjamin Franklin. Eden remembers her family to be a musical one. Soon enough she joins the church choir. As a teenager she sang in a band led by Howard Fredericks and Freddie Martin. She studied theater at City College of San Francisco.
Television Career
Eden’s first role came her way in the form of a recurring role in the show ‘The Johnny Carson Show‘ in 1955. It is, however, for the role of Jeannie that she’s known the best. An NBC classic fantasy sitcom starring Barbara Eden and Larry Hagman. The sitcom revolved around a beautiful genie released by an astronaut Anthony “Tony” Nelson who later becomes the USA Airforce Major. Eden shined on silver screen as Jeannie for 5 years and for 139 episodes.
Her other prominent roles include “ Flaming Star” where she starred opposite the legendary musician Elvis Presley, Harper Valley PTA, The Brass Bottle and How to Marry a Millionaire.
Social media seems to be buzzing with the star’s birthday. Actor Michael Warburton posted on X “ 93 Candles today for Barbara Eden”. Barbara herself didn’t forget to wish Jeannie on her birthday.
She posted on Instagram a scene from her sitcom ‘I dream of Jeanie’ with the loving caption, “Poor thing, all she wanted to know was when she was born! It took them four weeks to find out the date! Of course, no thanks to nosey Dr. Bellows!
Happy Birthday Jeannie! Still in pink and still looking over my shoulder! She’s a good girl and a great character. So happy to have been welcomed into your homes and given the chance to give so many the giggles for so many years! -Barbara.” Interestingly enough Eden herself had a little confusion about her birthday in her early years. For the longest time it was believed she was born in 1934! Well 1934 or 1931 Eden’s charm and poise still enamors her fans.