Trivia of Barbara Eden

Trivia of Barbara Eden (23 August 1931)

*Due to ‘The Great Depression’, little Barbara Eden had a humble upbringing, since her family couldn’t afford many luxuries. Eden’s mother would entertain her by singing songs, which later became an inspiration for Eden to build career in entertainment industry.She became a pop singer in her teenage years.

*As Barbara Huffman, she was elected Miss San Francisco in 1951 and she also entered the Miss California pageant.

*She did a screen test for the role of Betty Anderson of film Peyton Place (1957) starred Lana Turner, but Terry Moore got the role. She also did screen test for role Leola Boone in No Down Payment (1957), but Joanne Woodward got the role.

*Eden starred in the syndicated comedy TV series How to Marry a Millionaire (1957 - 1959). The series is based on the 1953 film of the same name.How to Marry a Millionaire was one of the first television sitcoms based on a feature film, and was the first series that Barbara Eden was featured in as a regular cast member.

*Eden starred in a movie called 'Flaming Star (1960)' where she played as Elvis Presley’s love interest.During shooting, Presley once asked advice from Eden before marrying Priscilla.I want to know how you and your husband survive this business,"" Eden recalled what Elvis asked. "’I’m a little worried about bringing her to the United States.’"At the time, Eden was married to actor Michael Ansara. Presley was curious about how they managed to stay married in Hollywood."This is our work,’" Eden replied. "’He goes on location, I go on location. But we’re always together. This is how we make money, but we are a team. And as long as the two of you are a team, it will work out.’ But Elvis was worried. ‘I just don’t know,’" he would say.

*Barbara Eden got married with her co-star in film Voyage to The Bottom of The Sea (1961), Michael Ansara.The couple would go on to welcome their only child, son Matthew Ansara.Barbara and Michael would end up divorcing in 1974 and the actor passed away in 2013 at the age of 91.Matthew struggled with substance abuse disorder, and on June 26, 2001, he died at age 35 from a drug overdose.

*She was the first blonde who auditioned for the role of Jeannie for 'I Dream of Jennie TV Series(1965 - 1970)'.Director Sidney Sheldon didn't want a blonde to play Jeannie because he didn't want unfavorable comparisons to Bewitched (1964). However, none of the other actresses competing for the role were able to play the role the way he wrote it. Barbara Eden impressed Sheldon in The Brass Bottle (1964), so she got the role.Eden personally selected the pink/maroon color combination of Jeannie's harem outfit. Pink symbolizes the playful, girlish aspects of her personality, while maroon symbolizes the fiery, headstrong aspects of her personality. Eden also selected the purple trim of her bottle.