Step aside, Aladdin! Barbara Eden, the enchanting woman who brought genies into our living rooms, is marking her 92nd birthday on August 23. Even in her nineties, Barbara continues to dazzle us all!
For those who fondly remember wishing for their own friendly genie, Barbara Eden remains a cherished figure, captivating audiences for nearly six decades since her enchanting role in I Dream of Jeannie.
Though her on-screen magic seemed limitless, her personal life faced challenges, notably the tragic loss of her son to a heroin overdose in 2001.
Born during the Great Depression, Barbara Eden, now 92, transformed her early struggles into a career of glamour and fame. Her journey began in 1956 with appearances in films like A Private’s Affair and Twelve Hours to Kill, and television programs like The Johnny Carson Show and I Love Lucy.
In 1960, she gained international recognition acting alongside Elvis Presley in the western film, Flaming Star.
Then, in 1965, Barbara Eden became a household name as Jeannie, the delightful genie released by an astronaut named Tony Nelson, in I Dream of Jeannie.
Her portrayal of Jeannie captured the hearts of millions during the show’s five-year run, with Larry Hagman as her co-star and romantic lead, Captain Nelson.
While Barbara was achieving remarkable success on screen, her personal life was also significant. In the same year she reached superstardom, she became a mother. Barbara and her husband at the time, actor Michael Ansara, celebrated the birth of their son Matthew on August 29, 1965.
Unfortunately, when Matthew was nine, Barbara and Michael ended their 15-year marriage. Reflecting on this period, Barbara believes it was a turning point in her son’s life, leading him down a troubled path.
Famed for her role in Harper Valley PTA, Eden recalled noticing changes in Matthew when he was 19. He had moved in with his father following Barbara’s second marriage. Upon returning home, Barbara noticed he was sleeping excessively and not attending college as claimed.
“Matthew never revealed his heroin use,” Barbara explained. “He deliberately hid it to shield us from hurt. But we noticed his sluggishness, weight loss, and late nights. I urged him to seek help and allowed him back home after a month in rehab.”
Despite the efforts, Matthew’s addiction persisted. Professionals advised Barbara that during addiction, the person becomes the drug, altering family relationships. Regretfully, Barbara took the difficult step of asking him to leave when he was 20.
Matthew’s struggle with addiction started when he was just 10 years old, relying on rehabilitation centers over 12 years with his parents striving to support him.
“Sometimes, he’d jokingly warn us to ‘lock up everything’ when visiting,” Barbara recalled. “When sober, he’d express deep love and sorrow, reinforcing the bond despite his behavior.”
During a brief recovery at age 27, Matthew got married and studied creative writing at UCLA. However, the cycle of addiction resumed, ultimately leading to his separation from his wife.
Despite numerous attempts to turn his life around, Barbara vividly remembers reaching out to her son during difficult times. Upon finding him living in dire conditions, she managed to save him from an overdose with the help of friends.
“We discovered him, unconscious from an overdose, in an unkempt apartment and rushed him to the hospital, saving his life,” Barbara recounted.
Matthew was later diagnosed with clinical depression at 29, though, despite treatment, solutions proved elusive.
By 31, he appeared to overcome his demons, pursuing an acting career with roles in the 2001 films To Protect and Serve and Con Games, with the latter released posthumously.
With plans for a joyful future, Matthew expressed contentment saying, “Life is great, Mom. It’s wonderful to finally appreciate the beauty around me.”
A Tragic Loss
Around this time, tragedy struck. In the early hours of June 26, a call informed Barbara of another setback in her son’s life.
Just hours earlier, police discovered 35-year-old Matthew, a bodybuilder, unresponsive in his vehicle, alongside vials of steroids.
Matthew’s autopsy revealed an accidental drug overdose, attributable to a particularly potent heroin batch.
“His obsessive nature was part of the addiction, even extending to how he trained. But ultimately, it overwhelmed his body,” reflected Barbara.
The painful loss of her beloved son left Barbara, now married to Jon Eicholtz since 1991, searching for answers and solace.
“Matthew struggled immensely. He wanted his parents together, something impossible in many divorces. Despite his battles, he couldn’t conquer the ultimate struggle,” Barbara shared.
Michael Ansara, who passed at 91 due to Alzheimer’s-related complications, rests beside Matthew at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles.
As Barbara reflects on her life’s highs and lows, she continues to charm audiences. She’s appeared in shows like Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition and the 2019 film My Adventures with Santa as Mrs. Claus, with her last stage performance in Love Letters in 2019.
On this milestone birthday, let’s send our warmest birthday wishes to the beautiful Barbara Eden.
We extend our deepest sympathies for her unimaginable loss. If someone you know battles addiction, connect with a local hotline—it could be transformative.
Feel free to share this story to spread warmth and love to Barbara, a truly memorable entertainer!
