Barbara Eden was one of the most beloved sitcom stars of the 1960s, captivating audiences as the magical genie on NBC’s I Dream of Jeannie. Decades later, the iconic star is celebrating a milestone birthday.
Eden turns 95 years old on August 23. She is the longest-living cast member from I Dream of Jeannie, which aired from 1965 to 1970 and co-starred Larry Hagman (Major Anthony Nelson), Bill Daily (Capt. Roger Healey), Hayden Rorke (Dr. Alfred Bellows), and Emmaline Henry (Amanda Bellows).
The gorgeous star has lived a magical life.
Eden was named Miss San Francisco in 1951 before beginning her career as an actress and chorus girl. In an interview with The Television Academy, she recalled that she was working as a singer when her mother suggested she study acting.
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After attending the Elizabeth Holloway School of the Theatre in San Francisco, Eden moved to Los Angeles and worked in sketches on the Johnny Carson’s late-night show, a guest role on I Love Lucy, How to Marry a Millionaire, and more before being called for a meeting with I Dream of Jeannie creator Sidney Sheldon.
“[He] was testing every beauty-contest winner — usually tall women with long dark hair,” Eden shared. “My agent sent me the script. I told him that I loved it. … So I met Sidney and got the part. I think he’d finally decided that he needed a comedian to play Jeannie.”
Eden starred in I Dream of Jeannie for five seasons, from 1965 to 1970, playing a 2,000-year-old genie who fell in love with astronaut Major Tony Nelson. She went on to star in dozens of TV shows and films, including Harper Valley P.T.A., Dallas, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch.
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Decades later, Eden continues to make public appearances, and fans are amazed by her youthful looks 70 years after she started her television career.
Speaking with Fox News, the actress revealed she stays in shape by riding a stationary bike and lifting light weights. She also takes walks.
“I was lucky to have a mother and father who were conscious of eating well and living,” she added. “My mother’s mantra was ‘moderation of all things.’ That’s how they lived, and that’s how I’ve lived.”
Eden also revealed that her simple skincare routine includes a drugstore facial cleanser and a repair serum.
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As for the secret to her long life, Eden has chalked it up to genetics and gratitude. When she turned 90, she told The Television Academy she felt “really lucky.”
“I was so surprised to be ninety! The time had passed so fast; I wasn’t paying attention. Now I guess I have to,” Eden shared at the time.
Eden will appear at the Cinecon Film Festival in Los Angeles on Sept 5.
Related: Barbara Eden Reveals Why She Stayed Away From Desi Arnaz on ‘I Love Lucy’