Barbara Eden, the iconic actress known for her role as the titular genie in the beloved NBC sitcom ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, recently celebrated the show’s 60th anniversary by reminiscing about some of her most cherished and challenging moments on set. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Eden opened up about her favourite episode, least favourite moment, and the origins of Jeannie’s famous spell-casting gestures. As the milestone anniversary of the show approaches, fans are eager to hear more about the behind-the-scenes stories that made ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ a timeless classic.
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Reflecting on the pilot episode of the series titled “The Lady in the Bottle,” which aired on September 18, 1965, Eden fondly recalls it as her favourite moment from the show. The episode introduced viewers to the magical world of Jeannie and her interactions with astronaut Captain Tony Nelson, played by the late Larry Hagman. Eden’s portrayal of the mischievous genie captivated audiences and set the stage for the show’s successful five-season run from 1965 to 1970.
In addition to her favourite episode, Eden also revealed her choice for the best guest star on the show, highlighting singer Sammy Davis Jr. as a standout performer. Davis Jr. made a memorable appearance in a season 2 episode titled “The Greatest Entertainer in the World,” which aired in 1967. Eden described Davis Jr. as a “darling gentleman” and cherished the experience of working with him on set.
While ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ brought many joyous moments, Eden did not shy away from sharing a challenging memory from her time filming the show. Recalling a particular incident where the crew accidentally left her trapped inside Jeannie’s bottle during a lunch break, Eden expressed her frustration at being unable to free herself from the prop. Despite the mishap, Eden’s professionalism and dedication to her craft shone through in every scene she filmed.
One of the defining characteristics of Jeannie as a character was her unique way of casting spells, which involved blinking her eye, nodding her head, and crossing her arms. Eden revealed that the idea for the iconic gestures came from director Gene Nelson, who helmed the pilot episode. The actress further explained that she intentionally incorporated these movements to convey strength and power, adding depth to Jeannie’s enchanting persona.
As Eden continues to be synonymous with the character of Jeannie, she considers it a “huge blessing” to have been a part of a show that has stood the test of time. Reflecting on the enduring popularity of ‘I Dream of Jeannie’, she attributes it to the magical element that captivates audiences of all ages. Eden’s portrayal of the whimsical genie remains a cherished memory for fans around the world, proving that the magic of television can transcend generations.
In conclusion, Barbara Eden’s revelations about her favourite and least favourite moments from ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ offer a glimpse into the enchanting world of the classic sitcom. As the show celebrates its 60th anniversary, fans can look back on the timeless appeal of Jeannie and Captain Nelson’s adventures with fondness and nostalgia. Eden’s iconic portrayal of the beloved genie continues to inspire and delight audiences, reminding us that the magic of television knows no bounds.