Barbara Eden remains a beloved television icon, best known for her role as the magical Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie. However, she recently revealed that she almost didn’t take the role that would define her career. In an exclusive interview, Eden opened up about the surprising reason she nearly passed on the part: her pregnancy.
The actress shared that when she was first offered the role of Jeannie, she was expecting her first child. Eden admitted she wasn’t sure how the show could work with her pregnancy. “I said, ‘I can’t do it. I’m pregnant,’” she recalled. Her honesty almost led her to decline the opportunity that eventually made her a household name.
Pregnancy almost changed TV history
During her conversation, Eden explained how her pregnancy initially made her hesitate. The show’s producers were eager for her to join, but she thought it wouldn’t be feasible under the circumstances. However, producer Sidney Sheldon was determined to have Eden in the role. He assured her that the show would work around her pregnancy, convincing her to accept the part.
Filming adjustments were made to accommodate Eden’s condition. She recalled how the production team carefully hid her baby bump during the early episodes by using strategic camera angles and costumes. Ultimately, her pregnancy didn’t prevent the show from becoming a huge success, and she delivered her son just before filming continued in full swing.
Barbara Eden boasts a timeless connection to her ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ role
Looking back, Eden says she is grateful for how everything turned out. She noted that playing Jeannie became one of the most joyful parts of her life and career. The actress credits Sidney Sheldon’s persistence and creative solutions for making the role possible despite her initial concerns.
Today, Eden remains closely associated with I Dream of Jeannie. Her charm and humor helped turn the show into a classic that still resonates with viewers. Her story highlights how an unexpected life event nearly changed TV history, but instead led to one of the most enduring performances in sitcom history.