Does Barbara Eden Have Any Sisters? Unraveling The Family Story

Jackeline Hermiston

30 Jul, 2025

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For so many of us, Barbara Eden is the unforgettable genie who brought a sparkle to our screens. Her iconic role in "I Dream of Jeannie" made her a household name, and people still love to hear about her life. It's almost natural, you know, for fans to wonder about the people closest to her, like her family. One question that often pops up, perhaps because she's been such a public figure for so long, is whether this beloved actress has any sisters.

It's a very common curiosity, wanting to know about the family connections of someone who has given us so much joy through their work. People often feel a personal bond with stars they admire, and that makes them curious about their private world. So, that, is that, the question about Barbara Eden's sisters comes up quite a bit.

We're going to take a closer look at what we know about Barbara Eden's family life, drawing from information that's been shared. We'll explore her early days, talk about the people who shaped her, and, of course, address that persistent question: Does Barbara Eden have any sisters? It's a fascinating journey into the life of a true Hollywood legend, you know, and we'll clear up some of those family mysteries.

Biography of Barbara Eden
Personal Details & Bio Data
The Question: Does Barbara Eden Have a Sister?
Meet Alison Scanlon: The Sister Mentioned
Barbara Eden's Early Life and Family Background
Her Enduring Legacy and Personal Triumphs
Frequently Asked Questions

Biography of Barbara Eden

Barbara Eden, born Barbara Jean Morehead, has truly lived a remarkable life, full of both incredible success and personal challenges. She became a beloved figure in entertainment, known for her captivating presence on screen and her kind spirit. Her journey began in Tucson, Arizona, a place that, in a way, set the stage for her later moves and experiences. She was born in 1931, a time when the world was feeling the effects of the Great Depression, and this period certainly influenced her early years.

Her family background is a bit interesting, too, with her parents being Alice Mary (née Franklin) and Hubert Henry Morehead. It's quite something, actually, that she is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin, a truly famous historical figure. This connection adds a little extra layer to her personal story, tying her to a long line of notable individuals. For many years, people thought she was born in 1934, but it turns out her actual birth year was 1931. This just goes to show, you know, how sometimes public information can have a few little twists.

When Barbara was just three years old, her parents went their separate ways. This meant a big change for young Barbara and her mother, Alice. They packed up and moved to San Francisco, a vibrant city that would become her new home. It was there, in the Parkside neighborhood, that she grew up. Life wasn't always easy; the economic struggles of the Great Depression meant that Barbara grew up rather poor, which must have taught her a lot about resilience and making the most of things. She attended Abraham Lincoln High School in San Francisco, where she was quite active in school activities, laying some groundwork, perhaps, for her future in performing.

Her career really took off, and she became a retired film, stage, and television actress. While she appeared in many TV shows and films, it was her starring role as Jeannie that truly cemented her place in television history. She and Larry Hagman, who played Major Nelson, created a magical chemistry that kept audiences laughing and dreaming. Their friendship, as a matter of fact, lasted for several years, right up until his passing in 2012. Barbara has, you know, often spoken fondly of their time together on set, remembering those special moments.

Personal Details & Bio Data

Here's a quick look at some personal details about Barbara Eden, gathered from what's been shared about her life:

Detail	Information
Full Name at Birth	Barbara Jean Morehead
Born	August 23, 1931
Birthplace	Tucson, Arizona, USA
Current Age	91 years old (as of 2023, based on 1931 birth year)
Parents	Alice Mary (née Franklin) and Hubert Henry Morehead
Half-Sister	Yes, a daughter from her mother's second marriage to Harrison Connor Huffman
Children	One son (who passed away from an accidental overdose) and one stillborn child
Best Known For	Starring role as Jeannie in "I Dream of Jeannie"
Notable Ancestry	Descendant of Benjamin Franklin
Book Published	"Jeannie Out of the Bottle" (2011)

The Question: Does Barbara Eden Have a Sister?

The question of whether Barbara Eden has any sisters is one that frequently comes up among her many admirers. It's a natural thing to wonder about the family connections of someone so famous. For a long time, public information on this specific detail was a bit sparse, leading to some curiosity. While she has been quite open about many aspects of her life, details about her siblings weren't always widely publicized. So, in some respects, it made the public wonder.

However, it appears that Barbara Eden does indeed have a sister. The information that has come out, particularly from Barbara herself, sheds light on this. There was, at one point, a general statement that "there is no concrete evidence or public information to suggest that she has a sister." This might have referred to official public records or widely known facts, you know, which don't always capture every family relationship.

Despite any previous lack of widespread public knowledge, Barbara Eden has, in fact, spoken about her sister. This is a pretty clear indication. She has shared personal insights that confirm she has a sister named Alison Scanlon. This personal confirmation from Barbara herself is the strongest possible evidence. It shows that even if public records might not always highlight every family tie, personal connections are very real and important.

It's interesting, too, that Barbara's celebrity has, in a way, put her entire family in the spotlight, even those who prefer a more private existence. This is often the case with very famous individuals; their loved ones, even if they don't seek fame, become subjects of public interest. So, the curiosity about her sister, Alison, is really a part of that larger picture of public fascination with Barbara Eden's life.

Meet Alison Scanlon: The Sister Mentioned

Yes, Barbara Eden does have a sister, and her name is Alison Scanlon. It seems Alison is possibly best recognized because of her connection to Barbara. While Barbara Eden has been a bright star in the public eye for decades, Alison has, by and large, stayed out of the glare of celebrity. This is pretty common for family members of famous people; some prefer a quieter life away from all the attention, which is perfectly understandable, you know.

Despite Alison's preference for privacy, it's clear that she and Barbara share a very close bond. Barbara herself has spoken about this closeness, praising her family in interviews. This really gives us a warm feeling about their relationship. It's not just a casual connection; it sounds like a deep and supportive one. Barbara has, in fact, mentioned Alison in a very personal context, showing just how much her sister means to her.

For example, Barbara once shared her plans for a birthday celebration, saying, "I’ll be spending my birthday having lunch with my husband and some dear friends. I will also be enjoying the weekend with my family, my sister Alison, her husband, and their children." This quote, you see, directly confirms Alison's existence and highlights her role within Barbara's cherished family circle. It's a lovely glimpse into her personal life, showing that family, especially her sister, is a really important part of her celebrations and daily happiness. This sort of direct quote makes it quite clear, basically.

It's also worth noting that Barbara Eden had another sister, a half-sister, from her mother's second marriage. After her parents' divorce, her mother, Alice, married Harrison Connor Huffman, who worked as a telephone lineman. They had a daughter together, making her Barbara's half-sister. So, in a way, Barbara has had two sisters in her life, adding more depth to her family story. This shows, perhaps, the different kinds of family bonds that can exist, and how they all contribute to a person's life.

Barbara Eden's Early Life and Family Background

Barbara Jean Morehead, who later became the iconic Barbara Eden, started her life in Tucson, Arizona, on August 23, 1931. Her parents were Alice Mary, whose maiden name was Franklin, and Hubert Henry Morehead. Her early years were, you know, shaped by some significant family changes. When she was just three years old, her parents divorced. This event marked a big turning point for the young family, as it often does for anyone.

Following the divorce, Barbara and her mother, Alice, made a fresh start by moving to San Francisco. This city became the place where Barbara truly grew up and where many of her formative experiences took place. It was during this time that her mother, Alice, found love again and married Harrison Connor Huffman, a telephone lineman. This marriage brought a new addition to the family: a daughter, who became Barbara's half-sister. So, Barbara's family structure, in a way, expanded and changed quite a bit during her childhood.

Life in San Francisco during the Great Depression was, it seems, pretty tough for many families, including Barbara's. She grew up rather poor, which means she learned the value of hard work and perseverance from a very young age. These experiences, no doubt, contributed to the resilient spirit she would later show throughout her life and career. She attended Abraham Lincoln High School, where she was, apparently, quite involved in school activities, showing an early inclination towards being active and engaged.

It's also a fascinating tidbit that Barbara is a descendant of Benjamin Franklin. This connection links her to a truly significant figure in American history, giving her family background a rather distinguished touch. For decades, there was a common belief that her birth year was 1934, but it was later confirmed to be 1931. This little piece of updated information just goes to show how public records or common knowledge can sometimes have small inaccuracies that get corrected over time, you know.

Her Enduring Legacy and Personal Triumphs

Barbara Eden's career has been nothing short of legendary. She is a retired film, stage, and television actress who has left an incredible mark on entertainment. While she's appeared in a good number of TV shows and films, it's her starring role as Jeannie that, quite frankly, made her an icon. If you've ever dreamed of Jeannie, chances are you've dreamed of Barbara Eden, because she truly brought that otherworldly character to life in a way no one else could. The television star gained major fame for that role, which picked up a huge following.

Beyond her most famous role, Barbara Eden has shared the stage with other prominent figures. In 2013, for instance, she shared the stage alongside former US President Bill Clinton, Elton John, and Fergie. This really shows the breadth of her appeal and the respect she commands, even outside of acting circles. She also forged a lasting friendship with Larry Hagman, her co-star from "I Dream of Jeannie." Their bond was very special and lasted for many years until Hagman's passing in 2012 due to cancer. Following his death, Eden, quite naturally, recalled their time together on set, remembering the good moments.

Barbara has also shared her story in her own words. Her book, "Jeannie Out of the Bottle," was published on April 5, 2011, giving fans a deeper look into her life and experiences. It's a pretty good read, honestly, for anyone wanting to know more about her journey. At 91 years old, she is, it seems, full of life and continues to inspire many. Her resilience is truly remarkable, especially considering the profound personal losses she has faced.

Barbara Eden suffered the death of her two children, a tragedy no parent should ever have to endure. Her son passed away from an accidental overdose when he was in his thirties, and her second child was stillborn. These are heart-wrenching experiences, yet Barbara has shown incredible strength. She had her faith to lean on, which must have provided great comfort during those dark times, and the unwavering support of her husband. This shows, you know, her incredible spirit and ability to keep going even through immense sadness. She is, quite simply, a testament to enduring strength and grace.

To learn more about classic television icons on our site, and for more fascinating celebrity stories, you can also check out this page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Barbara Eden’s son?

Barbara Eden lost her only son to a heroin overdose when he was in his thirties. This was a truly heartbreaking event for her, and she has spoken about the immense pain of this loss. She also experienced the tragedy of a stillborn child, adding to her personal sorrow. She has, you know, found strength through her faith and the support of her husband during these difficult times.

How old is Barbara Eden now?

Barbara Eden was born on August 23, 1931. This means she is 91 years old as of 2023. For decades, her year of birth was thought to be 1934, but it was later clarified. She is, apparently, full of life and continues to be an active and cherished figure, which is pretty amazing for someone her age.

Were Elizabeth Montgomery and Barbara Eden friends?

Yes, it appears that Elizabeth Montgomery from "Bewitched" and Barbara Eden from "I Dream of Jeannie" were friends. Both actresses were iconic stars of the 1960s, known for their roles in popular fantasy sitcoms. While their characters were rivals on screen in a way, in real life, they shared a bond. This is, you know, a nice bit of trivia for fans of both classic shows.