In 1965, ABC scored a ratings winner with the sitcom "Bewitched," the story of a sassy witch, Samantha Stephens, married to a mortal husband, Darren. Looking to cash in on that show's success, competitor NBC took a chance on producer Sidney Sheldon's idea: "I Dream Of Jeannie."
"Jeannie" centered on a hottie of a 2,000-year old genie, found on a beach by stranded astronaut Major Tony Nelson, and their life in their Florida home.
While never a ratings blockbuster during it's five-year run from 1965 to 1970, "I Dream Of Jeannie" made household names of stars Barbara Eden, Larry Hagman and Bill Daily and 50 years after making it's debut, "Jeannie" continues to be a favorite.
Today, the miraculously ageless actress continues to work steadily. She appears in plays all over the country and thrills fans at autograph shows and conventions all over the world.
She has no plans of retiring anytime soon.
"While the industry might, I don't," she jokes. And don't hold out for that Dancing With The Stars appearance that fans keep asking her to do - it's not happening anytime soon.
"I like to watch it," Eden said. "In the beginning, they took non-dancers and you could watch the progress. Now everyone seems really young and has training. I did ballroom at the Hollywood Palace and I can do it, but I don't think it's my time to do it now."
Are you "Still Dreaming of Jeannie?" Watch the "I Dream of Jeannie" marathon on Antenna TV starting on Saturday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. EDT with one of Eden's favorite episodes, "Lady in the Bottle."
