Barbara Eden’s Marriage History: Meet Her Husband, Ex-Spouses

While she dazzled audiences as a genie in I Dream of Jeannie, legendary actress Barbara Eden was also creating some magic in her love life. She married three times, to her ex-husbands Michael Ansara and Charles Fegert, and spouse Jon Eicholtz. Even though her first two marriages didn’t last, each marriage had quite an impact on her.

The icon first tied the knot in 1958 to Michael, a fellow actor. The former couple welcomed their only child, Matthew, in August 1965, before parting ways in 1974. “We called him our lucky-charm baby,” Barbara wrote of her only child in her autobiography Jeannie Out of the Bottle.

“We had a child at last and we loved him more than words could say. Our joy was boundless, and our hopes that he would live a healthy and happy life were unlimited,” she continued of their beloved child. “Matthew meant everything to both of us and always would.” Tragically, Mathew died at age 35 in 2001 from a drug overdose.

Following her first divorce, Barbara found love for the second time with Charles, whom she said “I do” to in 1977. The ex-pair were married for five years before going their separate ways in 1982. Though the Harper Valley PTA alum enjoyed the single life for several years after, she wed for the third time to Jon in 1991.

Since exchanging vows with the realtor and architect, Barbara has been keeping busy by spending time with Jon and working in Hollywood. The producer said despite having been a staple in showbiz for the last seven decades, she doesn’t see herself retiring any time soon.

“I will be kicking along until they kick me out,” the TV veteran exclusively told Closer in April 2019. “That’s what keeps my energy up. I love to work. If I don’t work, then I get lazy.” When she isn’t hard at work, Barbara said she loves making memories with Jon.

“My husband and I like to travel. We recently took a trip to Africa — we’ve been all over, to places like China,” the Golden Globe nominee marveled. “[I’m] lucky.”

To learn more about Barbara’s marriage history, scroll through the gallery below to meet her ex-husbands and spouse!

Michael Ansara (1958-1974)

Also in the entertainment industry like Barbara, Michael was a stage, screen and voice actor with numerous classic credits to his name, including various roles on I Dream of Jeannie. Aside from that, Michael also found himself playing Kane in the late ’70s series Buck Rogers. He was even the voice of Mr. Freeze in Batman: The Animated Series.

In addition to his 16-year marriage with Barbara, Michael was wed to his first wife, Jean Byron, from 1955 to 1956. He later said “I do” to his third spouse, Beverly Kushida, in 1977. The couple were married up until Michael died at age 91 from complications of Alzheimer’s disease in 2013.

Charles Donald Fegert (1977-1982)

Charles was a Chicago Sun-Times executive when he married Barbara in 1977. He became a big name in advertising, rising the ranks fairly quickly. He eventually bought his own top management team. Not much else is known about Charles, though reports show he had a daughter named Lisa and two sons, Michael and Chip.

Tragically, Charles died in his sleep in 2002. “He was always fun. He was the [most fun] dad and the [most fun] grandpa, always doing imitations and singing,” daughter Lisa Fegert once said. “All the grandchildren were sitting around the table singing songs he taught them.”

Jon Eicholtz (1991-Present)

While he doesn’t have a Hollywood background like his wife, Jon is an architect and real estate developer. He paved a successful career after graduating from Kansas University with a degree in Architectural Engineering. In 2014, the couple started their own scholarship at Jon’s alma mater for students who were looking to pursue acting careers.

During an exclusive interview with Closer in 2019, Barbara revealed the secret to marriage with Jon. “You should walk in the other person’s shoes if you’re having a little problem,” she shared. “Try to see their side of it. It’s not easy! But try.” No wonder these two are still going strong!

In an October 2021 interview with People, Barbara shared that she was extremely happy with her third husband and their low-key life.

“I’m really lucky,” she said. “I have dear friends. I have a wonderful family, a very supportive husband, a dog who is adorable, but a brat! Yes, I’m very happy. I think life, everything, has to work itself out. There’s a reason for most things, and I can’t wish for it.”