I Dream of Jeannie aired from 1965 to 1970, enchanting audiences with the magical escapades of Barbara Eden’s Jeannie and Larry Hagman’s Major Tony Nelson. The show followed the comedic trials and tribulations of Major Nelson, who met Jeannie after crash-landing on a deserted island. The on-screen chemistry between Eden and Hagman was a standout feature as they navigated the challenges Jeannie’s magical interventions posed in Major Nelson’s everyday life.
Together, they formed a dynamic duo that captivated viewers for five memorable seasons. However, in a heartfelt interview with Closer Weekly, the 92-year-old fondly reminisced about her time working alongside the iconic Hagman, who sadly passed away on November 23, 2012.
Barbara Eden says it was a wonderful experience working with Larry Hagman
Eden disclosed that even though meeting on the sitcom set was her first encounter with Hagman, she was in her natural element. “We started doing this scene, and I threw my arms around his neck,” she told the news outlet. “Later, he told me, ‘You scared the bejesus out of me!’ He was always so honest, he’d just blurt out things.”
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She also revealed that the late actor was a very jovial person, although he had an incredible work ethic, which sometimes led to him putting pressure on the production team. “He could also be eccentric and silly. He had a wonderful sense of humor,” Eden added. “He was always doing something crazy.”
Eden elaborated on Hagman’s character, highlighting his initially positive traits and revealing his addiction struggles. The late actor grappled with dependence on tobacco, Bontril (a mild form of amphetamine), and alcohol. Unfortunately, these addictions not only hindered his career, but also contributed to his untimely demise. “I’ve never worked with anyone with whom I’ve been so in tune and on the same level, acting-wise,” she admitted. “It was a joy and a challenge working with him. He was so talented and so very sweet to me. But he was his own worst enemy.”
Despite the struggles with his demons, she respects him as one of the finest actors and holds him dear as a friend. “I think we were just meant to be together,” Barbara confessed. “We clicked. He was a very kind man when he was feeling well. He really was, and I loved him a lot.”