What Happened to Barbara Eden Son? How Did Barbara Eden Son Die?
by Ushapriyanga | Updated May 31, 2023
What Happened to Barbara Eden Son?
Barbara Eden received news about her television pilot I Dream of Jeannie premiering in the fall of 1965 at the same time she discovered she was pregnant with her son, Matthew Ansara. Despite trying for seven years, she and her then-husband Michael Ansara were finally going to have a baby, as confirmed by her doctor.
On August 29, 1965, Barbara and Michael became proud parents to their cherished child. Barbara expressed in her 2011 autobiography Jeannie Out of the Bottle that they referred to Matthew as their "lucky-charm baby." Their happiness knew no bounds, and their love for him was immeasurable.
Unfortunately, Matthew faced addiction struggles throughout his life. Tragically, on June 26, 2001, at the age of 35, he passed away from a drug overdose. Barbara reflected in her autobiography that their joy had been limitless, and they had envisioned a healthy and happy life for him. Matthew held an irreplaceable place in both of their hearts, and that would never change.
Even after more than 20 years since Matthew's heartbreaking death, Barbara continues to honor his memory. She emphasized the importance of not disregarding his existence and ensures that he is remembered and acknowledged.
“It’s a killer. I have his pictures around. He was such a beautiful young man,” the actress exclusively told Closer in August 2021. “The only way I can honor him is to talk about him. Don’t pretend like he never was. Because he was he was [a] super, super human being.”
How did Barbara Eden Son Die?
Barbara Eden, the iconic television and film actress, reflects on her late son Matthew and the profound impact his death has had on her. In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, the 90-year-old actress opens up about the guilt she experienced and the lessons she has learned since his tragic passing 20 years ago.
Describing Matthew when he was clean and sober, Barbara fondly recalls him as a beautiful person, both inside and out. She expresses frustration and the inability to comprehend the destructive power of drugs, as Matthew died from an accidental heroin overdose in 2001.
Barbara and her first husband, actor Michael Ansara, struggled for nearly seven years to conceive a child. She shares that on the same day her television show I Dream of Jeannie was sold, she received the news of her pregnancy. Despite her joy, she anticipated being replaced on the show due to her pregnancy, but the show's creator, Sidney Sheldon, ensured they worked around her pregnancy and filmed the first 13 episodes with her expecting Matthew.
Becoming a mother was a profound experience for Barbara, describing it as the most wonderful thing that ever happened to her. She considers having a baby a miraculous event, a creation that fills her with awe and joy.
In the following years, Barbara, Michael, and Matthew faced a tumultuous journey as Matthew battled with addiction. Initially, they struggled to recognize the signs, with sudden bouts of anger and unpredictable behavior that surprised them. Barbara admits to feeling terrified and unsure of how to handle the situation.
She also shares that Matthew was too young to understand that he needed rehab or professional help. Given his circumstances, she considers it a wonder that he managed to live until the age of 35.
Barbara Eden's interview highlights the profound impact of her son's loss and the complexities of addiction, while also emphasizing the immense joy and love she experienced as a mother.
Barbara Eden Son Matthew
Barbara Eden, the 90-year-old star of "I Dream of Jeannie," is reflecting on the devastating loss of her son, Matthew, 20 years after his untimely death at the age of 35 from an accidental heroin overdose.
In an interview with People magazine, Barbara opened up about Matthew's struggles with addiction and the challenges she faced in recognizing and addressing his behavior. Initially, she and her first husband, Michael Ansara, were unaware of the signs, such as excessive sleeping and sudden outbursts of anger, displayed by their beloved son. Barbara admits feeling immense fear and helplessness during that time, unsure of how to support him.
Given Matthew's young age, Barbara believes he lacked the understanding that he needed professional help or rehab. She expresses astonishment that he managed to live until the age of 35, considering the severity of his addiction.
Matthew was the son of Barbara Eden and Michael Ansara, who were married from 1958 to 1974. Barbara has since been married to her third husband, real estate developer Jon Eicholtz, for the past 30 years.
Motherhood Meant Responsibility for Barbara
From the moment Barbara held Matthew in her arms, she felt an overwhelming sense of pride and joy in being a mother. However, she faced challenges as a parent, particularly the need to find additional work alongside her role in "Jeannie" for financial reasons.
During breaks from filming the show, Barbara took on guest-starring roles in episodic television, performed in summer stock theater across the country, and appeared in nightclub acts in Las Vegas and other locations. Although this work provided financial stability, it meant she had to be away from Matthew, which saddened her as she didn't want him to feel neglected.
The situation was further complicated by her husband Michael, whose series "Broken Arrow" had been canceled and was struggling to find work. As a result, Barbara took on the responsibility of supporting their family both financially and in other aspects. For instance, when Matthew fell ill and Michael couldn't manage, Barbara had her mother come to assist. Additionally, she had to miss Matthew's second birthday due to a commitment in Las Vegas.
Despite these challenges, Barbara wanted to make changes. In the same year, she made the difficult decision to decline Bob Hope's offer to entertain the troops during Christmas, prioritizing the opportunity to spend the holiday morning at home with Michael and Matthew.
Barbara Eden's experiences demonstrate the balancing act she faced as a working mother, striving to provide for her family while also desiring to be present for the important moments in her son's life.
Who was Barbara Eden Son?
Barbara Eden published her memoir, "Jeannie Out of the Bottle," on April 5, 2011, through Crown Archetype, a division of Random House. The book debuted at number 14 on The New York Times Best Seller List, providing readers with a glimpse into her personal life and illustrious Hollywood career spanning over 50 years.
In "Jeannie Out of the Bottle," Barbara shares intimate details about her early childhood, her journey to stardom in her teenage and early adult years, her experiences working with various co-stars throughout her career, and the events leading up to her iconic role in "I Dream of Jeannie." The memoir also delves into her marriages to Michael Ansara (1958-1974), Charles Fegert (1977-1982), and Jon Eicholtz (1991-present). Additionally, Barbara opens up about the emotional turmoil she experienced following the tragic death of her son Matthew Ansara in 2001 due to a drug overdose.
In June 2021, Barbara Eden shared during discussions about her children's book, "Barbara and the Djinn," that she and her husband Jon Eicholtz had successfully recovered from a bout of COVID-19.
What Happened to Barbara Eden Son-FAQs
Barbara Eden is most famous for her iconic role as Jeannie in the TV sitcom "I Dream of Jeannie," which aired from 1965 to 1970.
Yes, Barbara Eden has written a memoir titled "Jeannie Out of the Bottle." It was released on April 5, 2011, and provides insights into her personal life and Hollywood career spanning over 50 years.
Barbara Eden has been married three times. Her first husband was actor Michael Ansara (1958-1974). She was then married to Charles Fegert from 1977 to 1982. Her current husband is Jon Eicholtz, whom she married in 1991.
"Jeannie Out of the Bottle" is Barbara Eden's memoir. It covers her early childhood, her rise to popularity, her career in Hollywood, and her marriages. The book also discusses her emotional struggles following the tragic death of her son Matthew Ansara from a drug overdose in 2001.
Yes, Barbara Eden revealed in June 2021 that she and her husband Jon Eicholtz had recovered from COVID-19.