Barbara Eden | Source: Getty Images
This seasoned star has faced immense sorrow, enduring the profound loss of both children from her first marriage and later navigating an abusive relationship in her second. After many years, the celebrity rediscovered love and revealed her secret to a lasting, fulfilling partnership.
This iconic actress began her Hollywood journey under challenging circumstances, compelled to work as a dancer to make ends meet. Despite experiencing heartbreak with two divorces from her previous marriages, this public figure found lasting love at 60. See photos of her and her spouse.
This actress, who is also a singer, had a rocky start in Hollywood. | Source: Getty Images
The famous
actress
,
who is also a singer, developed a passion for singing through evenings spent with her mother, who encouraged her pursuits. As a teenager, she prioritized her singing and acting studies over dating.
During a meeting with a Warner Brothers talent scout, she received a discouraging remark about her appearance, which reinforced her decision to focus on character roles rather than conform to expectations.
While staying at the Hollywood Studio Club, she worked as a dancer at Ciro’s nightclub, where Elvis Presley once requested a date. They met later on set, and she noted his polite and pleasant demeanor.
The actress was forced to take a job as a dancer after being discouraged by talent scout for an acting role. | Source: Getty Images
After starting her Hollywood career, the actress met
TV actor
Michael Ansara on a blind date. They married in 1958, and in 1965, welcomed their son, Matthew Ansara.
However, in 1971, her second pregnancy ended in tragedy; she carried a stillborn baby to full term, leading to deep depression. This unprocessed grief impacted her relationship with Michael, and after more than a decade together, they divorced in 1974.
Around this time, their son Matthew began experimenting with drugs. When the mother of one remarried and moved to Chicago, Matthew stayed in Los Angeles with his father, who threatened custody action.
For six years, the actress traveled frequently to see her child, visiting every three weeks. Later, she recognized the
need for therapy
to fully address her grief.
During her acting career, she met and married her first husband, Michael Ansara. | Source: Getty Images
The couple later welcomed their first child together, a son named Matthew Ansara. | Source: Getty Images
The couple sadly lost their second child through a stillbirth and they divorced several years later. | Source: Getty Images
Following the end of her first marriage, the Hollywood star met and wed her
second husband
, Chuck Fegert, in 1977. In her memoir, “Jeannie Out of the Bottle: A Memoir,” she
recalled
how he initially “knew how to treat a lady” and often surprised her with flowers.
However, once they were married, his behavior shifted as he fell into a circle that indulged in heavy drinking and cocaine use. This lifestyle led to rudeness and, eventually, abusive behavior, prompting her to leave. The pair divorced in 1982.
After her first failed marriage, the actress got married again to Chuck Fegert. | Source: Getty Images
However, their union was short-lived because he was abusive. | Source: Getty Images
In her 50s, Barbara Eden never anticipated finding love again. Yet, she
met architect
Jon Eicholtz, and their connection gradually deepened. They married in 1991, when
she was 60
, sharing a strong bond built on mutual values, a love for travel, and unwavering loyalty.
As she
described
, “I have his back and he has mine,” reflecting a relationship founded on enduring support and companionship.
Barbara Eden married her third husband Jon Eicholtz and they have been together for decades now. | Source: Getty Images
Barbara Eden found love in her 50s and never imagined that she would have found someone again at that age. | Source: Getty Images
Barbara Eden married Jon Eicholtz at age 60. | Source: Getty Images
Sadly, years after finding happiness, Barbara faced heartbreak when her son Matthew, then 35, passed away from an accidental heroin overdose in 2001.
Barbara was
left
“devastated” when her child was found unresponsive in his car at a gas station in Monrovia, where paramedics later pronounced him dead.
Looking back, she shared the guilt and sadness she felt,
describing
him as a “beautiful human being” when sober and expressing frustration over the grip of addiction.
Barbara and her first husband, Michael, had waited nearly seven years to welcome Matthew, an experience she
called
“the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me.”
However, Matthew’s struggle with addiction spanned 14 years, leading to erratic behavior that she initially didn’t understand. “I was scared to death. I didn’t know what to do,” Barbara
expressed
.
Sadly, Barbara Eden lost her only child Matthew Ansara years after marrying Jon Eicholtz. Eden found love in her 50s and never imagined that she would have found someone again at that age. | Source: Getty Images
Matthew Ansara battled drug addiction since he was young. Barbara Eden found love in her 50s and never imagined that she would have found someone again at that age. | Source: Getty Images
Barbara Eden once shared that she thinks about her son every day since his untimely passing at 35. Eden found love in her 50s and never imagined that she would have found someone again at that age. | Source: Getty Images
Reflecting on the loss, the loving parent
admitted
, “I don’t think there’s anything worse than to lose your child.” Despite Matthew’s age, she
said
, “he was still my baby.” Not a day goes by that the celebrity doesn’t think of her son.
Amid her grief, Barbara felt fortunate to have the unwavering support of her husband Jon by her side. “I’m really lucky,” she
shared
. She expressed deep gratitude for Jon, acknowledging that she now has someone in her life who truly cares for her.
Moreover, Barbara attributes her lasting happiness to empathy,
advising
, “You should walk in the other person’s shoes” during conflicts. She also emphasizes authenticity,
urging
people to “be true to yourself” and appreciate their unique qualities, a lesson she learned early in her career.
Barbara’s passion for her work remains as strong as ever. If she had one wish, she once said it would be to never stop working. At 87, the “I Dream of Jeannie star”
shared
, “I will be kicking along until they kick me out. I love to work. If I don’t work, then I get lazy.”
Now 93, Barbara attributes her youthful energy to staying active and eating in moderation, a principle taught by her parents. Although her workouts have shifted to a home-based routine with light weights and a stationary bike, she fondly recalls the motivation of gym classes.
Although she is in her 90s, Barbara Eden still keeps active to keep her youthful appearance. | Source: Getty Images
The television star also divulged that she enjoys her favorite foods like Italian and German cuisine but always practices balance in her diet.
Barbara Eden’s
passion for life and commitment to balance have inspired fans for decades. Her story reminds us of the power of staying true to ourselves and finding joy at every age.