Barbara Eden, the woman who made the world believe in magic, turned 92 on August 23, 2023—and she still looks as radiant as ever.

Best known for her iconic role as Jeannie in the 1960s hit sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, Eden didn’t just charm audiences—she made them fall in love with the idea of magic, mischief, and the timeless sparkle of hope. Nearly six decades later, fans still smile at the thought of her crossing her arms, blinking, and making the impossible happen.

But behind the bubbly genie costume and dazzling smile was a woman who endured unimaginable heartache—particularly the loss of her only son, Matthew Ansara, to a heroin overdose in 2001.

From Hardship to Hollywood

Born during the Great Depression, Eden knew what it meant to struggle. She built her career from the ground up, landing early roles in the 1950s and rising to fame in films like Flaming Star with Elvis Presley.

Then came 1965—and her breakout role as Jeannie, alongside Larry Hagman’s Captain Tony Nelson. That same year, Eden also welcomed her son, Matthew, with her then-husband, actor Michael Ansara.

A Mother’s Love, A Son’s Struggle

While Eden’s career soared, her personal life was far more complex. After 15 years of marriage, she and Ansara divorced, a shift she believes deeply affected their son.

Matthew began experimenting with drugs at a young age. By 19, Eden noticed the troubling signs—sleeping too much, lying, and seeming lost. She pushed him to get help and did everything she could to support his recovery. “He didn’t want to hurt us,” she once said. “But we figured it out. And I got him into rehab.”

But addiction is relentless. Eden had to make the gut-wrenching choice to lock him out of her home when he was just 20. “It was the hardest thing I ever had to do,” she said.

Over the years, Matthew cycled in and out of sobriety, even pursuing creative writing and acting. For a brief moment, things looked up. He found love again and starred in a couple of films—including To Protect and Serve and Con Games—but sadly, the cycle returned.

A Life Cut Short

In June 2001, Eden received the call no parent ever wants. Matthew was found slumped over in his car, dead from an accidental heroin overdose. Vials of steroids were also found—he had been bodybuilding for a competition. He was just 35.

“He couldn’t do anything in moderation,” Eden said quietly. “Even getting in shape, he did it like an addict—obsessively.”

Despite years of fighting and fleeting wins, Matthew lost his battle with addiction. Eden and Michael Ansara, who passed away in 2013, are both buried beside their beloved son at Forest Lawn in Los Angeles.

Still Shining, Still Inspiring

Now 92, Eden continues to grace screens with her gentle humor and grace. In recent years, she’s appeared on Worst Cooks in America: Celebrity Edition and starred as Mrs. Claus in the holiday movie My Adventures with Santa. She also performed on stage as recently as 2019 in Love Letters.

Though she retired her Jeannie costume long ago, Barbara Eden remains magical—not just for her onscreen charm, but for the strength and grace she’s shown off-screen as a mother, wife, and survivor of unimaginable loss.

Let’s Celebrate Barbara

We send our heartfelt wishes to Barbara Eden on her birthday and celebrate her incredible life and legacy.
And to anyone struggling—or who loves someone battling addiction—please know: help is out there. Don’t wait. Reach out. It could save a life.

Share this story and let’s give Barbara Eden the love and support she so deeply deserves.