Barbara Eden: The Iconic Star Of "I Dream Of Jeannie"

Barbara Eden's Net Worth: A Wealth Built on Talent

Let’s talk about Barbara Eden, a name that’s practically synonymous with charm and talent. This incredible American actress boasts a net worth of $10 million. For most of us, she’s the iconic Jeannie from "I Dream of Jeannie," but her journey to fame didn’t happen overnight. Barbara’s career started way before that magical bottle appeared on our screens. She studied theater in San Francisco and competed in beauty pageants, which paved the way for her big break. After landing her dream role in "I Dream of Jeannie," Barbara didn’t stop there. She continued to act in various television shows, took on Broadway productions, and even ventured into voice acting. In 2011, she published her memoir, "Jeannie Out of the Bottle," giving fans an inside look at her life. And let’s not forget, Barbara Eden earned her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1988—a well-deserved honor for a woman who has given us so much entertainment over the decades.

Early Life: The Roots of a Future Star

Barbara Jean Morehead was born in Tucson, Arizona, on August 23rd, 1931. Her childhood wasn’t easy. Her parents divorced when she was young, and the family faced tough times during the Great Depression. Despite the challenges, Barbara found joy in music, inspired by her mother, Alice, who would sing to entertain her children. Barbara’s love for singing blossomed, and by the time she was a teenager, she was earning money performing in nightclubs. But she didn’t stop there. At just 16, she became a member of Actor's Equity and started studying theater at the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre. She also honed her singing skills at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. After graduating high school in 1949, she spent a year studying theater at the City College of San Francisco. It was during this time that Barbara began entering beauty pageants, eventually winning the title of Miss San Francisco in 1951. This led her to compete in the Miss California Pageant, marking the beginning of her rise to fame.

Early Career: Breaking Into Showbiz

By 1955, Barbara had already made her television debut on "The Johnny Carson Show." That appearance was just the beginning. She went on to guest-star in numerous shows, including "The West Point Story," "Highway Patrol," "Private Secretary," "I Love Lucy," and many more. Her versatility shone through in her guest roles on "Burke’s Law," where she played different characters in four separate episodes. In 1957, she landed a role in "How to Marry a Millionaire," further cementing her place in the entertainment world. Her big break in film came when director Mark Robson spotted her in a play and arranged a screen test with 20th Century Fox for the movie "No Down Payment." Although she didn’t get the role she auditioned for, the studio offered her a contract. This led to roles in films like "A Private’s Affair" and "Flaming Star" alongside Elvis Presley. Throughout the early 60s, Barbara continued to book roles in films such as "Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea" and "The Wonderful World of the Brothers Grimm." She wrapped up her contract with 20th Century Fox by starring in "The Yellow Canary" and continued to take on supporting roles in various films, including "The Brass Bottle."

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I Dream of Jeannie: The Role That Defined a Career

In 1965, Barbara Eden booked the role that would define her career: Jeannie in "I Dream of Jeannie." The show was created to capitalize on the success of "Bewitched," and while many other actresses auditioned, Barbara’s charm and talent set her apart. In this beloved series, she played a beautiful genie set free by an astronaut. Over the next five years, Barbara dedicated herself to this role, appearing in 139 episodes. Interestingly, she also portrayed the genie’s evil sister in some episodes. By the time "I Dream of Jeannie" ended in 1970, Barbara had become a household name, and her portrayal of Jeannie remains iconic to this day.

After Jeannie: A Career That Kept Evolving

Even after "I Dream of Jeannie," Barbara Eden’s career didn’t slow down. She quickly transitioned into movies like "The Feminist and the Fuzz" and "A Howling in the Woods." In 1974, she starred in "The Stranger Within," where she played a woman impregnated by aliens. Her versatility was showcased in critically acclaimed projects like "Stonestreet: Who Killed the Centerfold Model." In the late 80s, she starred in and co-produced the romantic comedy "The Secret Life of Kathy McCormick." The 90s saw Barbara returning to her theater roots, focusing on musicals. She also ventured into voice acting, most notably in the children’s series "Shimmer and Shine." In 2013, she made a memorable appearance alongside Bill Clinton, Elton John, and Fergie at the opening ceremony of the 21st Life Ball in Vienna and booked a role in the film "One Song."

A Memoir: Sharing Her Story

In 2011, Barbara Eden released her memoir, "Jeannie Out of the Bottle." This book offers a fascinating glimpse into her five-decade career in Hollywood and shares stories from her early childhood. It also delves into some of the more challenging moments of her life, including the tragic drug overdose of her son in 2001 and her experiences with marriage. Through her words, Barbara invites readers to understand the person behind the screen icon, making her memoir a must-read for fans who want to know more about the woman who brought Jeannie to life.