Barbara Eden, 95, said she was “okay” after canceling a last-minute appearance at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles, festival organizers and the actress said.
Festival organizers posted on Facebook that “due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight.” The post said Eden was “deeply regretful” about the late cancellation and asked attendees to send their best wishes.
Eden posted on Instagram that there had been “a bit of miscommunication” and that she was not suffering from an illness. “It’s okay everyone! I’m okay!” she wrote, adding that a doctor recently prescribed a new medication that produced “nasty side effects” and that her physician ordered her to remain at home until the effects are resolved.
Cinecon, which describes itself as a festival celebrating classic and rare films, had planned to honor Eden with the Cinecon Legacy Award and a screening of her 1961 film “All Hands on Deck.” Co-star Pat Boone accepted the award on her behalf, the festival said. This edition marked Cinecon’s 62nd year.
Eden is best known for starring as Jeannie opposite Larry Hagman on the NBC sitcom “I Dream of Jeannie,” which aired from 1965 to 1970. Her career has spanned more than seven decades across film, television and theater, with credits that include “Flaming Star,” “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea” and “Harper Valley P.T.A.” She has received two Golden Globe nominations and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
