Barbara Eden Reveals Why I Dream of Jeannie Season 1 Was Filmed in Black and White
Barbara Eden Unveils ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Filming Secret
Eden Reveals Pregnancy as Reason for Black-and-White Filming
Barbara Eden has disclosed a long-held secret regarding the iconic ’60s sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie.” The star of the show shared with People magazine that her pregnancy influenced the decision to film the first season in black and white. Initially, the belief was that special effects concerns prompted this choice. However, Eden revealed, “I was going to have a baby,” leading producers to expedite filming to hide her growing baby bump.
A Glimpse Behind the Scenes: The Start of ‘I Dream of Jeannie’
Eden, who played the titular character, noted that her pregnancy coincided with the show’s production start. “The same day that ‘I Dream of Jeannie’ was sold, the doctor informed me I was pregnant,” she recalled. Creator Sidney Sheldon adapted quickly to accommodate Eden, filming the first 13 episodes during her pregnancy. Eden gave birth to her son, Matthew Ansara, on August 29, 1965. Subsequently, the show switched to color, first airing in December 1965.
The Tragic Loss of Matthew Ansara
Matthew Ansara battled addiction for many years, leading to his untimely death in 2001 from an accidental heroin overdose. In her conversation with People magazine, Eden reflected on the pain of losing her only child. “Drugs are inexplicable,” she remarked. Eden and her first husband, Michael Ansara, had yearned for a child for nearly seven years before the birth of their son.
Coping with Child Loss and Finding Strength
Eden opened up about the overwhelming grief of losing Matthew, stating, “I don’t think there’s anything worse than losing your child.” She spoke candidly about her journey through guilt and sorrow, emphasizing the importance of staying informed about addiction signs. “I began to speak with parents who were going through the same thing,” she explained, adding that support and awareness are crucial for other families.
Barbara Eden’s Enduring Career and Legacy
Despite losing Matthew, Eden continues to embrace life, deeply grateful for her supportive network of friends and family. Reflecting on her career, she stated, “I was always content and happy with [Jeannie].” Throughout her time on “I Dream of Jeannie,” Eden seamlessly balanced various projects, underscoring her dedication to her craft.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1965 | Start of “I Dream of Jeannie,” birth of son Matthew. |
| 2001 | Matthew Ansara’s tragic passing. |
| 2021 | Eden’s reflection on her son’s struggles and her own journey. |
As Eden looks forward to new challenges, she remains committed to her passions, both professionally and personally. With her indomitable spirit, Eden’s legacy continues to inspire, proving that life, despite its challenges, holds beauty and hope for those willing to seek it out.
