Generations of TV viewers have watched I Dream of Jeannie, the classic 1960s sitcom about an astronaut who brings home a 2,000-year-old female genie.
While the premise might sound silly, viewers tuned in and laughed, thanks to the talented and beautiful actress at the center of it all: Barbara Eden, who played Jeannie.
Fans might find it hard to believe, but Barbara is now 90 years old!
And while it’s been a long time since she’s worn her famous harem outfit on TV, she’s still going strong and keeping busy.
But life hasn’t always been easy for Barbara…
Barbara Eden on turning 90
Turning 90 is a big deal for most people, but in an interview with the Hollywood Reporter in 2021, she said she feels that age is but a number.
“It’s like any other birthday, I’m just happy to be here,” she said. “I really don’t think about it. Everybody else does but I never have. I’m looking forward to going back to work.”Despite her age, Eden is far from retired. She’s continued to work — and only a global pandemic could slow her down: “I was working up until the shutdown point last March,” she told the Hollywood Reporter.
In fact, Eden revealed that, despite taking all health precautions, she and her husband tested positive for the coronavirus, although thankfully she had only a mild case and received antibody infusions: “It was the lightest case of COVID I think anyone’s ever had in the whole world.”
Otherwise, Eden continues to be in good health: “I think the secret to feeling great is to keep active, do things that you love and have a good sense of humor,” she told Closer Weekly.
Still keeping busy
Now, Eden is eager to get back to work, and has a few projects lined up. She authored a children’s book called Barbara and the Djinn, about a subject Eden is familiar with: a girl who finds a genie.
“The story follows a little girl on a journey of finding these beings who are different, but who need help,” Eden wrote on Facebook. It’s very simple, and it’s all about understanding people who are different and having empathy and love for them. We need more empathy, love and understanding in this world, especially now.
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