Barbara Eden lost her son at the age of 35. She managed to get through the loss thanks to her husband and their “happy marriage.” Now, at 92, she still travels with her beloved husband and leads an active life.
Barbara Eden was launched into widespread fame with the TV show “I Dream of Jeannie.” The 91-year-old actress spent more than six decades working in Hollywood and has no plans to slow down.
Although she had a highly successful acting career, Barbara’s life wasn’t without significant personal and professional challenges. After the hit show ended, Barbara faced a series of tragic events, the least of which was two divorces.
Barbara and her first husband, Micheal Ansara, tried for years to conceive a child to no avail. Finally, they had some good news after seven years of trying. They heard Barbara had fallen pregnant, and on the very day “I Dream of Jeannie” was sold.
But a long and happy marriage takes work, and Barbara has put in her fair share of effort.
Although she was over the moon, Barbara thought the show’s producers would want to replace her. To her surprise, they decided to continue filming even though she was pregnant, so she shot a large part of the show while expecting.
Barbara shared that motherhood was the most beautiful thing she had ever experienced. She adored being a mom, and her baby boy, Matthew Ansara, was healthy and strong. However, as Matthew grew older, things took a dark turn.
Matthew formed a substance abuse habit, much to Barbara and Micheal’s shock. At the time, though, they didn’t recognize the symptoms, and Matthew was too young to understand the extent of his addiction.
Barbara remembered Matthew started sleeping much more, and his temper became unpredictable. She and Micheal were dumbfounded. Matthew didn’t seek help, and the addiction became worse over time.
In 2001, Matthew tragically passed away from an overdose at the age of 35. Barbara lamented the loss of her only son, saying losing her child was the worst thing she had ever endured. She commented, “Even though he was 35, he was still my baby.”
Barbara Eden Revealed the Secret to Staying Happily Married for 32 Years
Although her first two marriages didn’t work out, Barbara found lasting love with her current husband of 32 years, Jon Eicholtz. The pair said their vows in 1991 and have been happily married since then. Barbara remarked:
“I’m really lucky to have a happy marriage.”
But a long and happy marriage takes work, and Barbara has put in her fair share of effort. The actress believes in compromise, saying she and Jon have only lasted this long by being considerate of the other person. They always make room for each other.
At her age, many would have expected Barbara to settle down and retire.
Even when they argue, Barbara tries to see things from his perspective to ensure they communicate as effectively as possible. The pair also said they try to show interest in things the other enjoys, even if they wouldn’t usually like it.
They watch sports together, and Jon is highly supportive of her career. But Barbara said it’s imperative that partners truly like each other and enjoy spending time together. She also realized it’s crucial to sometimes put Jon’s needs above hers.
Jon has always considered his wife’s needs as well. He was there for her when she lost Micheal and travels with her whenever she has to for work. Barbara expressed her gratitude for his support, saying he doesn’t mind how busy she is. She said:
“He puts up with me working. [He] doesn’t actually mind [my schedule]. I find that it’s just great because he likes what I do. He likes me doing it.”
Due to her busy schedule, Barbara is often away from home. For long periods at a time, she and Jon don’t see each other, which is why the actress appreciates her husband’s support so much.
For Barbara, the key to a successful marriage is compromise. Even though they might not share the same interests, both try their best to include themselves in each other’s worlds.
Barbara Eden Looks Amazing at 92: She Shows How She Currently Lives
At her age, many would have expected Barbara to settle down and retire. She filled her Hollywood home with memorabilia from her years on her hit TV show, and her bookshelves are lined with awards and books that influenced her.
Barbara spends most of her free time at home with her husband and their Labradoodle, Bentley. When she’s not working, she’s enjoying her time with her family, and she shared that they’ve been having tons of fun with their new pup.
Fans commented on a post Barbara made, saying she looked “amazing.” The 92-year-old impressed many followers with her appearance and tenacity to keep working. The actress celebrated her 92nd birthday, and fans were still shocked at how young Barbara looked.
In one of her Instagram posts in June 2023, the actress posed with several artists during the UCLA screening of the documentary, “The Musicians’ Green Book: An Enduring Legacy,” and commenters showered her with compliments. “You look beautiful and younger every day!” remarked a fan. Another added, “Wow, Barbara, a beauty like yours does not fade.”
The secret to her youthfulness is simple. The actress said she’s attentive to what she eats but does not restrict herself from the food she loves, like steak and a lot of pork. She balances it all out with exercises like walking and spinning.
She also said she used to have a trainer but was forced to stop when the pandemic hit. But after a lengthy and memorable career, Barbara is still enjoying her life and her days in the industry.