Barbara Eden Recalls Being Offered I Dream of Jeannie Role: 'Do They Know What I Look Like?' (Exclusive)

Barbara Eden, who turns 95 in August, recalled during an exclusive PEOPLE interview that she did not initially audition for her iconic role on I Dream of Jeannie. Speaking at the Project Angel Food seventh Lead with Love event at KTLA 5 Studios in Hollywood, Eden said casting involved “every tall brunette” and that she believed the part was not for her. After her agent sent her a script, Eden felt it was familiar and later learned she had been offered the role. She described having tea with series creator and writer Sidney Sheldon, which she said sealed the deal. Eden starred as Jeannie from 1965 to 1970 alongside Larry Hagman, who died in 2012 at 81. She also said she remains grateful for her health, family, and friends, and she continues to receive fan mail from multiple countries.