The “I Dream of Jeannie” actress was set to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival on Saturday.The “I Dream of Jeannie” actress was set to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival on Saturday.
Actress Barbara Eden abruptly dropped out of appearing at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival due to a “sudden illness.”
“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” event organizers announced on Facebook Saturday.
“Barbara is deeply regretful that she had to cancel at the last minute, as she had been very much looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating with us,” the Cinecon 62 Classic Film Festival team continued.
“We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara. We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery,” they concluded.
Though the “I Dream of Jeannie” star, 95, won’t be at the event, the film festival said they will still honor her, as she was set to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award.
Eden’s co-star Pat Boone accepted the award on the actress’ behalf. Both Eden and Boone, 92, starred together in “All Hands on Deck” and “The Yellow Canary.”
It’s unclear what illness Eden is currently battling.
Page Six has reached out to her reps for comment but did not immediately hear back.
Eden’s acting and singing career spans over seven decades.
Most notably, she starred as Jeannie alongside Larry Hagman as Major Anthony Nelson in the hit NBC sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie.”
The hit series spanned 139 episodes across five seasons from 1965 to 1970.
In a 2024 interview, Eden opened up about how she has managed to stay in shape over the years.
“I used to work out all the time,” she told Fox News at the time.
“I used to do spinning classes and then do weights with a trainer. … When COVID hit, that ended my heavy workouts. Now, I have a stationary bicycle, and I lift five pounds. I use very lightweight weights, but they’re good for your bones.”
Eden and her husband, Jon Eicholtz, tied the knot in 1991. She shared son Matthew Ansara with her first husband, actor Michael Ansara.
Matthew died of a heroin overdose in 2001.
