A recent interview for Kevin Frazier’s TV grEATS sees Barbara Eden reflecting on her most popular role in the hit sitcom I Dream Of Jeannie. The five-season show cemented her star spot in Hollywood after her role as Roslyn Pierce in Flaming Star, which birthed a friendship between her and the late Rock ‘n’ Roll king, Elvis Presley.
Looking back on her character as Jeannie about 50 years later, Eden addressed what it was like playing the adorable genie, and the controversies surrounding her part. Her costume was at the time, a daring ensemble to wear, which made the series even more unforgettable.
Barbara Eden’s controversial genie outfit
Eden’s high-waisted pants and navel-displaying crop top, which made up her outfit as Jeannie, were a hot topic in the late ‘60s, as they were considered spicy. She once recalled how concerned NBC executives threw a fit when producer George Schlatter wanted to “premiere” her belly button.
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There were rumours of her exposed tummy being censored, and future parodies about the outfit, however, Eden remained unbothered. She considered all the frenzy over something as little as her innie “silly,” recalling how a journalist from The Hollywood Reporter visited the set just to see it.
Even in her mid-90s, fans still approach Eden publicly, requesting that she do the adorable genie blink and nod. Interestingly, her character did not need to move much beyond that, but she chose to add arm movement in the production because Jeannie could use more distinct motion.
Before I Dream of Jeannie, Eden co-starred with Elvis on Flaming Star, leading to a close friendship that sparked dating rumors. Eden was married to Ansara at the time and clarified that her rapport with the music legend was nothing beyond friendship. She and Ansara would divorce in 1974, and she would walk down the aisle again with Charles Donald Fergert three years later.