‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Barbara Eden Reminisces on Show’s 59th Anniversary & Shares How She Stays Healthy at 93

Lauren Novak September 19, 5:29 pm

I DREAM OF JEANNIE, Barbara Eden, 1965-1970 — Everett Collection

Barbara Eden played the beautiful 2,000-year-old genie in I Dream of Jeannie, which premiered 59 years ago. Now, Eden is 93 and continues to attend fan conventions and pay tribute to her iconic character. To celebrate the anniversary of the pilot, she spoke live on Facebook, returning to her role as Jeannie in the 1965 pilot, this time from Jeannie’s perspective. Fans gushed over the special treat saying, “Thank you Barbara! You definitely brought us all back to the magic of Jeannie” and “That was a wonderful reading Barbara Eden, what a beautiful voice! Thanks for all you did and are still doing.”

If you’re in the mood for a walk down memory lane and missed Eden live, listen to her return to the famous genie below:

How Eden Stays Healthy at 93

Not only that, but Eden recently opened up about how she stays so healthy and fit in her 90s, and it seems to be a pretty manageable routine. Like most of us, she said she used to get caught up on the exercise trends but realized they’re not for everyone.

Go Red For Women Red Dress Collection 2015 Presented By Macy's At Mercedes Benz Fashion Week - Runway

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Go Red

She explained, “I remember when aerobics was all the rage. 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.” She also likes to use a stationary bicycle and lift five pounds because strength training is good for your bones.

While Eden tries to eat healthy, she said that she often finds a balance because she loves sweets. She shared, “I like 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. You can’t miss with me really. You want to give me something? Just give me anything sweet.”