Barbara Eden, 93, Stays Fit and Healthy Without Abandoning Her Sweet Tooth

Barbara Eden attends Remus Pre Award Tea Time in Beverly Hills, Calif., on March 8, 2023. Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images for Marcel Remus

Actress Barbara Eden celebrated 93 years of life this August and has no plans of slowing down.

While speaking to Fox News in a Saturday interview, the “I Dream of Jeannie” star shared that exercise has been key to staying fit.

“I used to work out all the time,” Eden said. “I used to do spinning classes and then do weights with a trainer. ... When COVID hit, that ended my heavy workouts. Now I have a stationary bicycle and I lift five pounds. I use very lightweight weights, but they’re good for your bones.”

Although Eden relies on her at-home workouts, she said she misses the camaraderie and motivation of working out at the gym.

The two-time Golden Globe nominee is best known for her role as Jeannie in the fantasy sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie” from 1965 to 1970. Reflecting on fitness trends of the past, Eden highlighted the importance of finding an enjoyable workout routine.

“I remember when aerobics was all the rage,” she said. “It was good for you. I tried it, but no, it wasn’t for me. But walking? Now that’s another thing. If you can walk briskly, which suits me just fine, that’s good for you. It’s good for your knees and ankles. I find it better than running.”

Alongside her fitness routine, Eden practices eating in moderation, a habit inspired by her parents, to remain in good shape. However, she doesn’t shy away from sweets.

“I like key lime pie. My sister brought me one for my birthday. I also like angel food cake. I make my own angel food cake and then put a very sharp, sweet lemon icing on it. And chocolates, of course—I love them,” she said. “You can’t miss with me, really. You want to give me something? Just give me anything sweet.”

The actress continues to work after several decades in Hollywood. For Eden, staying productive is important.

“I think if I wasn’t doing what I’m doing, I would go out and find a job just to keep myself going and be part of civilization,” she said. “If you don’t try, you’re not going to be doing anything. That’s not good. I say, just be busy. Be productive. That’s so important. … It’s important to me.”

Career Path

Eden was born Barbara Jean Morehead on Aug. 23, 1931. Some of her earliest experiences in the arts include studying theater at the City College of San Francisco as well as voice at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and acting with the Elizabeth Holloway School of Theatre.

Before her big break in “I Dream of Jeannie,” Eden made her television debut on The Johnny Carson Show in the 1950s and went on to appear in other shows such as “West Point,” “I Love Lucy,” “Father Knows Best,” “The Andy Griffith Show,” and “The Virginian.” In 1957, she secured a leading role in the comedy series “How to Marry a Millionaire” before starring in 1959’s “A Private’s Affair” and in 1960’s “Flaming Star” with Elvis Presley.

Eden’s talent spanned multiple sectors of Hollywood. In 1967 she released an album titled “Miss Barbara Eden” with Dot Records and appeared as a musical guest star in several variety shows, including 21 Bob Hope specials as well as “The Carol Burnett Show,” “The Sonny and Cher Show,” “The Jerry Lewis Show,” and “Tony Orlando and Dawn.”

In 1988, Eden received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.