‘MY SECRET PAIN’
THE I DREAM OF JEANNIE STAR ON HER SON’S TRAGIC DEATH
It’s more than 50 years since beaming blonde bombshell Barbara Eden first leapt out of her genie bottle to TV stardom on iconic series I Dream of Jeannie. The thrice-married actress has starred in 25 movies and worked with showbiz greats such as Elvis Presley and Paul Newman.
Glittering career aside, Barbara’s personal setbacks include two failed marriages, a miscarriage, and the tragic heroin-induced death of her son Matthew at age 35.
“I still talk about him a great deal to other parents concerned about drugs,” Barbara, 87, tells New Idea. “I never saw the signs in my own child.”
Barbara, in Australia this month for pop culture extravaganza Supernova, talks to us about life and love, and lifts the lid on her Jeannie co-star, Larry Hagman – who wasn’t quite the charmer he was on screen!
When you starred in I Dream Of Jeannie, did you ever think people would be talking about it half a century on?
I never dreamed this would happen. I still get fan mail from all over the world. People love the fantasy of Jeannie, and a story involving astronauts is still relevant today, isn’t it!
You’ve spoken about co-star Larry’s atrocious behaviour on set – spitting at people, having tantrums, being rude to nuns who came onto the set -– he sounds ghastly!
[Laughs] Yes, it all happened. He was wild and wonderful!
It just sounds so juvenile …
That’s exactly what it was. He was a little boy. When the camera rolled, Larry was right there. But in between takes, everybody had to look out.
You weren’t allowed to show your belly button on TV back then, were you?
No, but when I raised my arms sometimes people could sneak a peek. Clearly, the censors never noticed!
Where is your genie bottle these days?
I had it in my house for many years until a friend said I had to be more careful. I’ve now donated it to the Smithsonian to be on display, along with some of my costumes.
Given your son’s death, what is your message to parents about drugs?
Parents have to take the blinkers off and learn about drugs. Know where your children are. I don’t believe in children having any privacy. I used to, but now I think you need to know what they’re doing through the day.
So, you didn’t know enough about drugs?
No, I didn’t know what a bong was! When I first saw one, I thought what a pretty little thing! I was exposed [to drugs], and they were not for me; I like life too much. But children are targeted when they’re so young and that’s the sad, sad thing.
It seems like every man in showbiz tried to come onto you at some stage – and this was decades before the #Metoo movement. How did you deal with it?
I just did. You couldn’t take any of it personally with these men; you’re just the next one in a long line!
You look like you’ve led such a charming life, but of course you’ve had to overcome heartache, haven’t you?
Everyone’s life is a roller-coaster of ups and downs. I’m no different. But I was lucky to have met [third husband] Jon in my 50s and he’s a great companion to enjoy life with.