Barbara Eden

‘Jeannie Porch Thoughts’

Created by Daniel Zachariou, the Supanova Pop Culture Expo began in Sydney in 2002 and has now expanded nationally giving over 120,000 loyal fans (geeks) the chance to meet and greet their favourite stars from film, TV, anime, comics and geek culture.

Although I never imagined myself as a geek, I could hear the I Dream of Jeannie theme song swirling around my head while being on hold to chat with Barbara Eden in her home in Los Angeles, California.

When Sidney Sheldon created NBC’s fantasy sitcom that first aired in 1965, a show about a United States astronaut who stumbles upon a bottle containing a two thousand year-old female genie, he didn’t envisage the lead role of Jeannie to be played by a blonde. The casting call was for brunettes to avoid comparison to rival network’s sitcom Bewitched starring Elizabeth Montgomery.

Having sighted actress Barbara in the 1964 comedy The Brass Bottle, Sidney invited her to join him for a cup of tea at the Beverley Hills Hotel; and it was over that cup of tea that would have Barbara become one of the most famous faces around the world for her role of Jeannie.

Controversy and challenges didn’t stray far from the sitcom over its 139 episodes. Barbara’s pregnancy in the first season proved challenging for filming and TV ratings were very average in its first year at #27 (tying with Lassie). There were also constant issues from the network censors who insisted Jeannie’s belly-button remain hidden and her smoke to never travel beneath Major Nelson’s bedroom door.

The series was cancelled by the end of the ratings season of 1969-1970, yet I Dream of Jeannie has been on our TV screen since 1970. It remains the world’s longest running sitcom in the history of television.

With the jazz waltz instrumental theme song still bouncing around in my head, her publicist lets me know that Barbara and I can begin our Porch chat.

Can you describe your Porch in LA?

I am sure you are not surrounded by giant sized pencils, massive Aspirin bottles and I am sure there isn’t any pink smoke or an elephant over your shoulder. On my Porch, I am overlooking the cliffs of LA. I am surrounded by my beautiful garden with a swimming pool and tennis court. It’s a beautiful and a quiet place to relax where I can catch up on fan-mail.

How do you keep up with timely responses to fan-mail?

I am lucky I have a wonderful secretary who keeps my fan-mail in order. I sign them all off and also respond to letters.

This will be your first visit to Melbourne, what have you heard about our city?

I have never been to Melbourne although I can tell you how your city has brought daily happiness to my Porch in LA - my Labradoodle. Melbourne has the best Labradoodles in the world. He was flown over to LA by QANTAS when he was 15 weeks old. I understand Melbourne is very sophisticated and beautiful city and has great restaurants. I am looking forward to Supnova and seeing more of Melbourne.

What was it like being 19 and arriving in LA with just a suitcase?

I was very lonely. I was used to being in San Francisco with people talking, walking and travelling on street cars around the city. When I came to LA I didn’t know how to drive an automobile. I had to buy a little car and learn how to drive. There was no-one on the sidewalks. LA was like a big country town all spread out. You didn’t see humans – they were all in the automobiles. It took me a while to get used to that.

Who guided you and pointed you in the direction in terms of auditioning for roles?

So many people helped me because I didn’t know anyone. I lived in the Hollywood Studio Club that was formed in 1916 for young women involved in the motion picture business. Actress Kim Novak was there at that time. There were many actresses and producers but they were all women. We exchanged notes on interviews and auditions.

If you didn’t play the role of Jeannie, what other characters would you have liked to be recognised for? There are so many movies I am proud of. There are a couple though – Ride the Wild Surf where I played a red-headed Tom Boy. I could really relate to her in many ways. Also I loved playing Stella Johnson in Harper Valley PTA.

Before ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ was cancelled, you expressed your immense disappointment about Jeannie and Master Nelson’s marriage. Why did you disagree with the storyline?

They should not have married. Jeannie was not human. She thought she was human which made it funny. He knew she wasn’t human so there was no way they could have consummated that union.

How physical was it playing the role of Jeannie?

It was quite difficult because we didn’t have the technology that we have these days to make the magic. When we were flying, we were really flying through the air on flimsy wires and thin boards. I worked with lions, rode elephants and camels. I even broke a tooth during one episode. I was in the make-up chair for three hours a day. It was physical but a lot of fun.

Why do you think the series still appeals to people around the world?

It’s a fantasy and essentially a happy show. It’s not out-dated and it helps people take their minds off their troubles. People need happiness

How did you feel when the series ended and how did you adjust?

I felt very sad because we had become a family. It was a major adjustment at first because I was in a routine. I went on to make telemovies and made Howling in the Woods with Larry Hagman. I also sang and performed in Las Vegas. I kept myself busy.

Why do you enjoy still meeting fans of I Dream of Jeannie?

I love meeting people who enjoy my work. I think every actor does. My fans are very normal and really nice people. I have a website and my fans write-in and I reply back. They are just beautiful people and I have been lucky there have never been any weird fans.

What will Jeannie always mean to you?

The role of a lifetime.

What are your Porch Thoughts on the following people that influenced your life and career in some way? :

Elvis Presley: “He was so talented and the moment he walked on set (Flaming Star, 1960) he became the character. Elvis cared about his acting. He was a wonderful and kind gentleman.”

Lucille Ball: “I was in awe of her. I still wonder what would have happened if I had signed and stayed on with her instead of signing with 20th Century Fox. Lucille was always so good to me.”

Marilyn Monroe: “When I met her she glowed. She was lovely. She had beautiful hair, beautiful skin and was such a nice person with a beautiful voice.”

Johnny Carson: “Oh God! Johnny was outrageous to work with and I had to be prepared for anything doing live comedy skits with him. A wonderful experience.”

Bob Hope: “It’s always hard to describe how I felt about him. I loved him and was in awe of him. He was a gentleman and great combination of talent. He never lost control.”

Warren Beatty: “Ha ha! I was so young when he chased me around Fox studios. I just ran. The stupid thing is I realised nothing would have happened. Years later he managed to kiss me though.”

Sidney Sheldon: “Sidney, his wife and daughter became dear friends. Professionally he did so much for me. His scripts were everything and he had a very vivid imagination. He was always hands on.”

Larry Hagman: “Larry was so crazy. A talented, fun and eccentric guy with a big heart. Our paths crossed many times after the show. He was such a key element in my life.”

Bill Daily: “Bill is exactly what you see on the screen. His gestures and the way he talks. Such a lovely and extremely funny man in real-life.”

Hayden Rorke:“Hayden was the love of my life. He was the oak, the centre that keep us together. He worked very hard and was an exceptionally talented actor and very kind-hearted.”