On August 23, 1934, Barbara Jean Morehead was welcomed into the world in Tucson, Arizona. She was actually credited under that name in her earlier acting gigs. After her parents split up when she was three, Eden’s mom married a telephone lineman, but the Great Depression hit the family pretty hard, and they didn’t have much money.
During this time, her mother would sing to her, and that’s what sparked Barbara’s passion for the theatrical arts. While you may know her as an actress, she is an incredible singer and found solace in music throughout her hardships in life. From trying to make ends meet to becoming a beloved Hollywood darling, here is a look at Barbara Eden’s rise to the top. Plus, we included some interesting behind-the-scenes secrets from the set of I Dream of Jeannie. Stay tuned!