Barbara Eden, the renowned star of the classic TV series “I Dream of Jeannie”, recently revealed the surprising and long-standing mystery behind why the first 13 episodes of the show were in black and white. It had been widely assumed that the decision to film in monochrome was due to technological limitations surrounding the advent of colour television in the 1960s. However, Barbara Eden has now clarified that the real reason for the lack of colour was her pregnancy.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Barbara Eden disclosed that she was expecting a baby during the production of those initial episodes. Eden explained, “I was pregnant. I was going to have a baby, and so they started fast, and I think they thought I was going to die or something.” This revelation sheds light on the behind-the-scenes considerations that led to the unconventional filming choice for the show.
Barbara Eden’s son, Matthew Ansara, was born on August 29, 1965, during the filming of the early episodes of “I Dream of Jeannie”. The show’s creators opted to proceed with filming in black and white rather than in colour to accommodate Eden’s pregnancy. Interestingly, the first colour episode of the series aired on December 18, 1965, three months after the premiere of the show, marking a shift towards colour television for the remainder of the series.
As the lead character of NBC’s “I Dream of Jeannie” from 1965 to 1970, Barbara Eden’s personal milestone of becoming a mother intertwined with the show’s production history. In a touching reflection on her journey to motherhood, Eden shared that she and her first husband, actor Michael Ansara, had struggled for nearly seven years to conceive a child before the fortuitous news of her pregnancy coincided with the show’s sale.
Barbara Eden’s luminous portrayal of Jeannie on the sitcom continues to resonate with audiences, and her candid revelation about the challenges and joys of balancing her personal life with her professional career adds a poignant layer to her iconic portrayal. Despite the unconventional circumstances of filming the early episodes in black and white, the enduring charm and appeal of “I Dream of Jeannie” remain a testament to Barbara Eden’s talent and resilience.
The legacy of “I Dream of Jeannie” endures as a beloved classic in television history, with Barbara Eden’s revelations providing a deeper understanding of the dedication and creativity that shaped the show. By sharing her personal story behind the black and white episodes, Eden offers fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes decisions and the human stories that contributed to the magic of the iconic series.
Barbara Eden’s journey as both a mother and a trailblazing TV star continues to inspire audiences, showcasing the remarkable blend of personal and professional milestones that shaped her career. Her openness about the challenges she faced during the production of “I Dream of Jeannie” only serves to deepen the admiration and appreciation for her enduring contribution to the world of entertainment.