Barbara Eden has pulled out of an appearance at a Los Angeles film festival due to a “sudden illness.”
The 95-year-old actor, famed for her titular role in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, was scheduled to receive a legacy award at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival on Saturday, but canceled her appearance at the last minute.
“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” event organizers announced in a Facebook post.
“Barbara is deeply regretful that she had to cancel at the last minute, as she had been very much looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating with us,” they continued.
“We know how many of you were excited to welcome Barbara. We appreciate your understanding and join you in sending her our best wishes for a speedy recovery,” added the Cinecon Classic Film Festival. The Independent has contacted her representatives for further information.
open image in galleryFans shared their well-wishes for Eden in the comments, with one Facebook user writing, “Healthy wishes for Barbara!”
Another added: “Hope she’s resting and not ill.”
Organizers said that Pat Boone — who starred opposite Eden in 1961’s All Hands on Deck and 1963’s The Yellow Canary — would accept the Cinecon Legacy Award on her behalf instead.
Eden is best known for her starring role in I Dream of Jeannie from 1965 to 1970, in which she played a mischievous 2,000-year-old genie freed from her bottle by astronaut Tony Nelson (played by Larry Hagman).
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Aside from her success as a TV star, she starred in films including Flaming Star, alongside Elvis Presley, and Harper Valley P.T.A.
While the actor has taken on less film work in recent years, she recently told Entertainment Weekly she is open to more acting roles.
open image in gallery“If it’s well written, I’d probably do anything. If it’s well written,” the actor told the publication.
She added that she would be open to playing a villainous character, saying: “I could be really mean.”
On the 60th anniversary of I Dream of Jeannie last year, Eden shared fond memories of working with her former co-stars, Hagman, Hayden Rorke, Billy Daily and Emmaline Henry.
“The amount of happiness and warmth I feel when I think about ‘Jeannie’ is immeasurable. Working with Larry, Hayden, Billy, Emmaline… it was a such a magical time,” she wrote.
“I never would have thought, that Jeannie would still be with me, always, right over my shoulder after all these years. Yet, she’s still there! I wouldn’t have it any other way!”