Barbara Eden, best known for her role as the magical, 2,000-year-old genie in the iconic
1960s sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie", experienced an unfathomable personal tragedy when her
only son, Matthew Ansara, tragically passed away in 2001.
For years, Eden chose to cope privately, only recently beginning to share her poignant experiences
and reflections regarding this heartbreaking loss.
In this video, we will explore not only this excruciatingly painful chapter in her life
but also the complexity of her relationship with Matthew's father, from whom she separated
not long after I Dream Of Jeannie came to an end.
We'll additionally be checking in on Eden to see what she's been up to professionally
in recent years.
If you're a fan of Eden or I Dream of Jeannie, then this is one video you won't want to miss.
Facts Verse Presents: Barbara Eden Opens Up About the Death of Her Son
Barbara and Baby Matthew Never Had It Easy
Barbara Eden experienced a rollercoaster journey through motherhood, starting with the simultaneous
news of her son's impending birth and her show, I Dream of Jeannie's premiere in 1965.
Her son, Matthew Ansara, was born on August 29, 1965, to Eden and her then-husband, Michael
Ansara.
The joy of motherhood, as sweet as it is, swiftly transformed into a herculean task
of balancing a burgeoning career and her responsibilities as a parent.
Though Eden's first priority was always Matthew, her career continued its upward trajectory.
She managed to stay on "I Dream of Jeannie," thanks to the creative techniques of the show's
creator, Sidney Sheldon, who disguised her pregnancy on set.
After the show ended in 1970, Eden maintained her presence in the showbiz industry while
prioritizing motherhood.
Unfortunately, her marriage to Michael faltered, leading to their divorce in 1974.
Eden then experienced another devastating blow when she miscarried her second child
a year after the show concluded.
Little Matthew sadly ended up growing up to face battles with addiction - tragically losing
his life to a drug overdose in 2001.
Despite the profound loss, Eden chose to move forward by honoring her son's memory instead
of pretending he never existed.
In the next few minutes, we'll be summarizing statements that Eden has provided the press
in the last couple of years that have shed light on both her son's tragic life and death
as well as various other struggles that she had to deal without throughout her life and
career.
Struggles, Troubles, and Relationship Woes
While maintaining her role on "I Dream of Jeannie," Eden faced severe financial strains,
forcing her to find additional work during the show's hiatus.
Her multiple commitments often pulled her away from Matthew - which was something that
ate her up inside.
Michael, too, faced career challenges, leaving the financial responsibilities primarily to
Eden.
Even amid these struggles, Eden decided to turn down lucrative opportunities to spend
precious moments with her family, highlighting her unwavering devotion as a mother.
Growing up with a famous mom led to some resentment from Matthew, who struggled to separate illusion
from reality.
As he matured, however, he became Eden's staunch defender, proving to be fiercely protective
of his ever-supportive mother.
The tensions in Eden and Michael's marriage grew exponentially during and after "I Dream
of Jeannie," resulting in their divorce following the heartbreaking stillbirth of their second
child.
Eden fell into a postpartum depression, which she tried to ignore by immersing herself in
work.
Reflecting on the past, Eden now questions whether the decision to divorce Michael was
right, mainly due to its eventual impact on Matthew.
Subsequent changes in Eden's personal life, including her second marriage and Matthew's
decision to live with his father, had a profound effect on their family dynamics.
Matthew also attempted to follow in his mother's footsteps by pursuing an acting career, though
it never quite took off.
Matthew’s Addiction Consumed Him
Sadly, Matthew's life took a downward spiral due to his escalating drug addiction.
Despite Eden's concerted efforts to help her son, the addiction ultimately prevailed.
Multiple rehab stints failed to offer a lasting solution, creating a whirlwind of emotional
distress for the family.
At one point, Eden was even told by a counselor that Matthew, consumed by his drug habit,
was no longer her son.
Even though things looked bleak, there were still fleeting moments of hope.
Matthew managed to turn his life around in his late twenties, though his newfound sobriety
didn't last.
Eventually, a phone call from a desperate Matthew led to a tragic discovery of a nearly
fatal heroin overdose.
In 2000, Matthew seemed to regain control of his once life.
He got clean, got engaged, and found new passions, leading Eden to cautiously hope for a brighter
future.
Regrettably, this hopeful chapter ended abruptly when Matthew was found dead in his truck in
2001, having succumbed to a lethal dose of narcotics.
Despite the unbearable loss, Eden continues to remember her son, honoring his memory and
advocating for increased vigilance against the scourge of addiction.
In an October 2021 interview with Fox News, Eden candidly shared the devastating reality
of losing her son, saying, 'The pain of losing your child is arguably the worst thing one
can experience.'
She further revealed that his loss triggered immense guilt and anger within her, and that
she was perpetually on the verge of tears for months afterward.
Regardless of the fact that he was 35 when he passed, she expressed that he remained
forever her 'baby.'
Following Matthew’s death, Eden sought comfort and understanding by engaging with parents
enduring a similar experience, advising them that it's not detrimental to be stringent
with your child.
She stressed to them the importance of being aware of the child's activities as it provides
a possibility to offer help.
Though the decision ultimately rests with the child, she emphasized, there is still
hope.
While the wound of her son's loss will forever remain, Eden has managed to find joy in other
aspects of life.
She cherishes a blissful marriage with Jon Eicholtz, an 83-year-old real estate developer,
spanning over three decades.
Eden also highlighted the importance of a supportive network of 'cherished friends'
who are a constant source of strength and companionship for her.
Matthew’s Father Outlived Him
Born in a small village in Syria to American parents, Michael Ansara, Matthew’s father
and Barbara Eden’s ex-husband, passed away on July 31, 2013 at his residence in Calabasas,
California, at the age of 91.
His death followed a prolonged struggle with Alzheimer's disease.
Ansara's career was marked with diverse roles, however, he is particularly beloved for his
portrayal of the legendary Klingon warrior Kang in three different Star Trek TV series,
a unique accomplishment shared by only six other actors.
Before embarking on his acting journey, Ansara, who moved to the U.S. at the tender age of
two, had originally intended to become a doctor.
His plans changed after enrolling at Los Angeles City College and subsequently attending the
Pasadena Playhouse, which led to various stage and film roles.
His fellow students at the Playhouse included renowned figures such as Charles Bronson,
Carolyn Jones, and Aaron Spelling.
In the 1950s, Ansara portrayed Native American characters in two prime-time series: ABC's
Western Broken Arrow and NBC's Law of the Plainsman.
His acting repertoire extended to major roles in several films, including Julius Caesar
(1953), The Robe (1953), and The Comancheros (1961) alongside John Wayne.
His distinctive, deep voice brought life to Mr. Freeze in the animated Batman series.
As you know, Ansara was married to actress Barbara Eden, of I Dream of Jeannie fame,
from 1958 to 1974.
Post-divorce, he continued to build his acting legacy, with numerous TV appearances on shows
like The Untouchables, Alfred Hitchcock Presents, and Perry Mason, to name a few.
He even appeared on I Dream of Jeannie alongside his ex-wife Eden.
After his split with Eden, Ansara briefly married Jean Byron in the 1950s, followed
by a 36-year marriage with actress Beverly Kushida, who survives him.
Despite his success, Ansara spoke in a 1979 interview about the struggles of typecasting
in Hollywood after playing a Native American character so well.
He spent two years without work, illustrating the difficulties actors can face in finding
diverse roles.
Following Michael's death, his life and career were celebrated in a private service, with
donations in his memory directed towards St. Michael's Antiochian Orthodox Church in Van
Nuys.
Not long after his passing, Michael was post-humorously honored with his own star on the Hollywood
Boulevard.
Eden Is Still Pressing On
Losing a loved one, especially one's own child, is nothing short of devastating.
Barbara Eden could have simply thrown in the towel and given up, but she didn't do anything
of the sort!
In fact, despite how devastating of an experience Matthew's must have been, she has continued
to press on with her head held high!
No one would have blamed her if she had retired from acting after losing Matthew, but as we’ve
seen, she’s still dedicated to her craft even today – more than 2 decades after Matthew’s
heartbreaking death.
At age 91, Eden's professional journey in the entertainment industry has continued at
an admittedly slower pace but has seen some notable events.
In 2018, she made an appearance in the film "My Adventures with Santa," and the following
year, she starred in "Always and Forever Christmas."
Even though these roles were not as frequent as during her "I Dream of Jeannie" era, they
kept her connected to the industry she loves.
In 2023, Eden made a rare public appearance at an event at the Beverly Hills Hotel, a
move that excited fans and industry insiders alike.
This engagement reminded everyone of Eden's enduring charm and star power.
Beyond her on-screen endeavors, Eden penned a memoir in 2011, "Jeannie Out of the Bottle,"
where she candidly recounted her life and career.
The book continues to enjoy popularity among her fans.
Additionally, Barbara Eden has become an advocate against drug abuse in recent years.
Drawing on her painful personal experience with her son's overdose, she uses her platform
to promote awareness about the opioid crisis, often speaking at seminars and conferences.
As we conclude this exploration into Barbara Eden's life, it's clear that the beloved actress
has faced tremendous personal challenges and profound losses with remarkable resilience.
Her son's tragic passing and her divorce from Michael Ansara tested her strength and resolve
in unimaginable ways.
Yet, Eden found the courage to not only heal herself but also reach out to others in similar
pain, sharing her experiences and offering a beacon of hope.
We invite you to join the conversation about Barbara Eden's life journey and her brave
decision to share her personal experiences with loss.
How do you think her openness about these tragic events could impact others facing similar
situations?
Share your thoughts and insights in the comments section below.
And as always, thanks for watching!