I dream of Jeannies Barbara Eden when she met co-star Larry Hagman for the first time (exclusive)

Barbara Eden was only 15 years old when she made the decision to forego a traditional school and pursue a career in the show business, using her singing as a start pad for a career that is still strong after almost 80 years.

“I never had a high school girl. I never had a best friend, I didn’t go to dances, I didn’t go constant. I only replaced with 16 1/2. I was always missing self -improvement, ”she said TV Guide Magazine 1966. ”I learned from make -up, hairstyles, clothing, all full -back. I joined my studies. On the way, I developed the personal philosophy that I still believe in – there is always tomorrow, but not today. “

And that she wouldn’t. Eden quickly became an experienced star and continued to appear The Johnny Carson Show and the main role in the TV adaptation from 1957 by How to get married a millionaire. She also had numerous films in her résumé, including in the opposite Elvis Presley in the 1960s Flame star, Before she landed the part of the sweet and charming Jeannie in the lover I dream of Jeannie (1965-70).

Now, in a nice and brilliant 93-year year of life, Barbara Eden is always like that when she entertains with us about her most famous role. As I dream of Jeannie Eden celebrates its 60th anniversary this year and commemorates some memories of the show and her first meeting with her notorious Costar Larry Hagman.

I dream of Jeannie is one of these rare legendary television series that is still loved today. What do you remember to get the script first? What do you think about the premise of the show?

Barbara Eden: Well, at first I was very surprised to get the script. I had read about it diversityAnd I thought they tested all of these women who were winners of the beauty competition. And not only that was almost 6 feet and I am not and I am not a Mediterranean sexy, dark-haired, beautiful women.

So I just put it aside and thought: “Well, that won’t be for me.” And then the script arrived and I read it and I immediately recognized what they had spoken in trades. My agent called me and asked what I thought about. I said, “I think it’s wonderful.” He said, “Well, that’s good because you made an offer.” I said, “Oh, really?” He said, “Yes, you just have to drink tea with Sidney Sheldon (the Creator).” I did it and it was nice. We were synchronized when we talked to each other. I liked the script. I liked it very much. I found it fresh and it would talk, but I liked the character. I really liked her. I knew I would like to play them.

Everett collection

How was your first meeting with your Costar Larry Hagman?

I didn’t know anything about him. … But when I met Larry for the first time, Sidney called me and said: “You should meet and talk to him.” He wanted it quickly, but I think I worked in a film at Universal, and I said: “Well, I can’t. I work. “And he said:” Well, he will come to you and wait. “

He came to my changing room during a break while shooting, and we read the script, and then I got up and we made a specific scene. Larry told me that later, but I frightened him to death. I had no idea. He was pretty good at hiding it because it was one of these scenes in which Jeannie just jumped up and grabbed him, and I did it.

They definitely had this rare chemistry between you two.

He was one of the rare actors I worked with where we immediately understood and believed and we did it. I don’t know, we were in the same rhythm, I think, but I loved working with him.

You can watch I dream of Jeannie On weekdays to Antenna TV.