Barbara Eden Shows Makeup-Free Face in Simple Clothes at 91 - After Loss of 2 Kids She Still Calls Herself 'Lucky'

• "I Dream of Jeannie" star Barbara Eden, 91, went makeup-free, showing off her ageless beauty in simple clothes and revealed her secret to looking youthful.
• After surviving the tragic loss of her two children, the actress revealed why she still considers herself lucky.
• Barbara Eden opened up about her daily life and counting her blessings.

When Barbara Eden starred in the popular TV show "I Dream of Jeannie," she was revered for her beauty. At the age of 91, the actress is still stunning her followers with her ageless looks. Eden showed off her sprightly physique on Friday, March 17, 2023, by taking her new dog for a stroll around the neighborhood.

Eden stepped out with her big brown Labradoodle, Bentley, wrestling with the pup as they made their rounds. The actress wore clothes that kept her warm and comfortable, including a black puffer jacket, black camouflage sweatpants, a knitted sweater, and white running shoes. She also went without makeup, to the astonishment of her fans.

Bentley proved to be quite excitable, and Eden could be seen pulling with considerable effort to keep him from running amok. At one point, the actress's husband, Jon Eicholtz, joined the pair, putting his foot down and wagging his finger sternly at the happy hound. Unsurprisingly, Bentley didn't seem to take his owner's warning to heart.

The loss of her second child made Eden grateful for the life she had with her firstborn.

At the sight of the seemingly ageless actress, fans took to social media, where they praised her for her looks. One Facebook user wrote, "Beautiful as ever ... love her dog." Others reciprocated the praise, gushing, "Wow she looks great," and, "Looking cool."

The actress has shared her diet, since many fans wonder how Eden keeps looking so good. The "Harper Valley P.T.A." star revealed that she's highly particular about what she eats. While many associate strict dieting with cutting down on calories, Eden's diet is uncompromising when it comes to meat.

The actress shared that her diet is carnivorous, allowing her to enjoy as much dessert as she wants. She pairs her eating habits with a healthy exercise regime, which is why Bentley was such a welcome addition to the family. Eden and Eicholtz bought the pup during the 2020 lockdown. Eden takes care of her dog after the loss of two kids.

How Did Barbara Eden Lose Her Kids?

Motherhood was one of the things Eden aspired to most throughout her life. The actress spent almost seven years trying to have children with her first husband, almost giving up hope after everything they tried failed. Eventually, she and Michael Ansara received the good news they had been so eager to hear.

Eden's son, Ansara, spent much of the last 14 years of his life in rehab centers.

The actress was "thrilled" and "so happy" to learn that she was finally pregnant. Yet, at the same time, "I Dream of Jeannie" had sold. Eden fully anticipated the show's producers to replace her, but they stuck with their star. The actress shot the first 13 episodes before having her baby boy. She gushed:

"I don't know if becoming a mom changed me, but it was the most wonderful thing that ever happened to me. It's a miracle, having a baby, and having this little creation. I get goosebumps when I think about it. It's the loveliest thing that happened in my life."

Her firstborn's name was Matthew Ansari, and Eden adored him. A few years later, she and her husband received more good news when Eden became pregnant again. Naturally, the parents were excited to have another baby, but their anticipation was cut short by a tragic report from their doctor.

In 1971, almost eight months into the pregnancy, Eden and her partner were told their baby had died in the womb. The parents were mortified, and Eden recalled, "It was awful. I became numb." She immersed herself in her work to forget the trauma, soon realizing she needed professional guidance to work through her pain.

The loss of her second child made Eden grateful for the life she had with her firstborn. Although her first marriage eventually ended, the actress still had her son. Sadly, Eden's only living child also passed on at 35 after an accidental drug overdose, leaving his mother distraught.

Why Does Barbara Eden Consider Herself 'Lucky' despite the Loss in Her Life?

Eden's son, Ansara, spent much of the last 14 years of his life in rehab centers. His mother recalled what a lovely man he was when he wasn't on any substances and shuddered, "Drugs are inexplicable. It's so frustrating."

The actress also recalled life before discovering Ansara's addiction, saying they had no idea what was happening. His bouts of sleepiness and drastic mood swings left his parents baffled and worried. Eden recalled, "I was scared to death. I didn't know what to do."

Despite the tragedies she had to endure, Eden always got back up and met life with a brave face. She emphasized the importance family has played in her life, dishing on how fortunate she has been to have those she loves in her life. The actress mused:

"I think I'm really lucky to have a happy marriage. And a sister I adore. Family is very important. I think if you have it you're really lucky. I have friends … I don't have a lot of them, but the ones I do have are really good friends."

Eden and her current husband, Jon, have been together for an astonishing 32 years. The actress shared her secrets to a lasting marriage, stressing the importance of accepting and supporting each other. She noted, "I think you have to like each other a lot."

Eden also spoke about life's curveballs, saying things should eventually work themselves out. Despite the numerous heartbreaking events in her life, she managed to stay strong and now lives a happy, fulfilled life. The actress gushed, "There's a reason for most things, and I can't wish for it."