As part of the successful and ongoing LOBBY SERIES at The Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building, has been paying tribute to iconic and legendary individuals in entertainment. Past tributees have included, Lucille Ball, Tippi Hedren, Loretta Swit, Rich Little, and more.
The Hollywood Museum’s President/Founder, Donelle Dadigan, was pleased to welcome one of Hollywood’s most endearing and enduring stars and everyone’s favorite Jeannie, Barbara Eden on Wednesday, August 21st (in advance of her birthday on August 23rd). Ms Eden’s NBC I Dream of Jeannie TV series is one of Hollywood’s most successful, popular and longest running programs spanning more than five decades on network TV and in syndication worldwide.
From Feature Films to starring in Television series, numerous musical guest appearances and touring Broadway musical productions, Barbara Eden’s career has joyfully spanned for more than six decades earning her the title of Hollywood Entertainment Icon. She began her illustrious career when she was signed by 20th Century Fox as a contract player. It was soon after that Barbara was cast to star in the studio’s TV version of its hit motion picture,How to Marry a Millionaire, recreating the role made famous by Marilyn Monroe and the rest is Hollywood history. Perhaps best known for her role as America’s favorite Jeannie in the NBC hit I DREAM OF JEANNIE, the museum is proud to pay homage to the series’ multi-talented star, Barbara Eden.
Ms. Eden will be loaning her original costume and a genie bottle, used for shooting the series, for this once in a lifetime exhibit. In addition, the rare and never before displayed original bottle used on the pilot for the series will be on display, along with five screen accurate bottles representing five seasons, by Mario Della Casa.
Among the illustrious standing room only crowd of patrons that gathered to honor Ms Eden were Anson Williams (Happy Days), who remarked “Barbara spoiled me. She starred in the first film I directed and was so easy to work with that I recall thinking ‘I cant be this lucky my first time out.”
Film historian and critic, Leonard Maltin, gave tribute to Ms Eden’s contributions beyond that of “I Dream of Jeannie” and Elliott Gould (MASH/Friends/ER/Doubt), reported a similar experience stating that he co-starred with Barbara in his first film adding “Beauty, talent and professionalism, all in one package).”
Dawn Wells (Gilligan’s Island), who referred to Barbara as her “Belly Button Buddy,” explaining how they both had to deal with the censors whenever their belly buttons dared to peek out from behind their wardrobes, while Ilene Graff (Mr Belvedere), who played Barbara Eden’s sister in “Opposites Attract” was on hand to support and reunite with her co-star.
Peter Marshall (Hollywood Squares), gave glowing testimony of working with this “remarkable lady” in film “Swingin Along,” while dear friend, Loni Anderson (WKRP) spoke of their numerous Bob Hope specials and the stir she caused when Barbara wore her Jeannie costume to trick-or-treat around the neighborhood one year.
President and Founder of The Hollywood Museum, Donelle Dadigan, introduced the evening, by revealing a little know fact that Ms. Eden and Marilyn Monroe both shared the same stand-in (Ms Evelyn Moriarty) and that it seemed appropriate this evening that, adjacent to the lobby where the tribute was being held, Ms Monroe became the blond we know her to be in Max Factor’s Blonds Only Room.
The tribute included the unveiling of Ms Eden’s original costume from the hit series “I Dream of Jeannie” and her own Jeannie bottle used on the series from 67 to 69, which as her husband Jon explained, “Still has a faint aroma from all the smoke pellets that were dropped in the bottle for effect.” The items will be on display in the lobby of The Hollywood Museum until Sept 26th, when the museum will be featuring costumes, scripts and props in honor of the 55th anniversary of “Gilligan’s Island,” with special guest Dawn Wells (MaryAnn Sommers).
The evening concluded with a “Happy Birthday” melody by friends, family and famous surrounding a stunning cake by Sweet Lady Jane’s bakery.
Roslyn Kind, Elliott Gould and Donelle Dadigan Lee Purcell, Barbara Eden, Donelle Dadigan and Loni Anderson on the red carpet at The Hollywood Museum Carolyn Hennesy, Barbara Eden and Kevin Spirtas on the Red Carpet at The Hollywood Museum Barbara Eden and guest tributor, Loni Anderson. Donelle Dadigan and Barbara Eden check out the display of the original costume worn by Ms Eden on “I Dream of Jeannie”
ABOUT THE HOLLYWOOD MUSEUM:
The Hollywood Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that houses over 10,000 Authentic Show Business Treasures spotlighting more than 100 years of Hollywood history – from the Silents to Talkies, to Hollywood’s Golden Era, Film Noir, Television and its Pioneer Years, through the rebellious 60s, special effects 70s, evolving 80s, involved 90s, technological 2000s, and beyond to current day heartthrobs! The Hollywood Museum’s exhibits showcase the best in film, network and cable television, and new digital platforms featuring iconic and fan favorites! Located in the heart of Hollywood, at the corner of Hollywood Blvd and Highland Ave – The Hollywood Museum in the historic Max Factor Building is the Official Museum of Hollywood and offers visitors the most extensive collection of Hollywood memorabilia in the world featuring the glamour of Hollywood legends and stars – past, present and in the making. The museum offers one-of-a-kind costumes, props, photographs, scripts, stars’ car collections, personal artifacts, posters, and memorabilia from favorite stars, films and TV shows. Just a few steps from the Hollywood Walk of Fame, the Hollywood Museum has been named the #1 top tourist attraction in Hollywood by LA Weekly, and one of the “Top 10” Museums in LA by the LA Tourism and Convention Board and Trip Advisor.
REGULAR HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
TICKETS: $15 Adults: $12 Seniors (62+): $12 for students with ID and $5 Children under 5.
ADDRESS: 1660 N. Highland Ave. (at Hollywood Blvd.), Los Angeles, CA 90028
MUSEUM INFO: www.TheHollywoodMuseum.com or Tel: (323) 464-7776
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