Barbara Eden, the beloved star of I Dream of Jeannie, celebrated her 92nd birthday on August 23, 2023. Known for her role as the magical genie Jeannie, Eden captivated audiences for five seasons alongside Larry Hagman. Despite her success, Eden faced profound personal tragedy, losing her only son, Matthew Ansara, to a heroin overdose in 2001.

Born during the Great Depression, Eden transitioned from poverty to fame, appearing in films and TV shows in the 1950s and ’60s. Her breakout role came in 1965 with I Dream of Jeannie, which coincided with the birth of her son, Matthew, with her then-husband, actor Michael Ansara.

Matthew’s struggles with drugs began early, exacerbated by his parents’ divorce when he was nine. Eden recalls noticing troubling signs at 19, prompting multiple attempts at rehabilitation. Despite brief periods of sobriety, Matthew battled addiction for over a decade, with cycles of relapse and recovery.

In 2001, Matthew, an aspiring actor and amateur bodybuilder, was clean and preparing to marry. Tragically, he passed away that June at age 35 from an accidental overdose of heroin laced with steroids. Eden described his struggles with addiction and obsessive behavior, mourning his inability to overcome his personal demons.

Today, Eden remains active, appearing in TV and film, and cherishing her memories while continuing to reflect on the challenges of parenting through adversity.