Christine Redlin

We don’t often think about the passage of time when we’re living in the moment. While today marks the 61st anniversary of I Dream of Jeannie, 61 years into the future was the furthest thought from my mind on that frigid day in December of 1964. That was when we filmed the pilot on the beach at Point Dume! When you’re filming on location, you don’t think about anything other than work. After all, daylight is changing, shadows are moving, wind is blowing. We were there to get the shots and get the job done on schedule. Between hitting our marks and getting the shots, the biggest memory that stands out that day is that it was so horribly cold! There I was in a harem costume on the beach in December, shivering! It was so cold my lips were blue! I look back now, at that day, and I truly cannot quite express how amazing it is to me that 61 years later, Jeannie is still with me. I had no idea what was starting on that beach, or how it would find a home in the hearts of so many, for so many years. I also had no expectation that Jeannie, a delightful mythological, classic entity, would still be here! But she is, just over my shoulder, watching over everything! I think of those magical 5 years of my life, where every day was an adventure. Between Larry and Billy and Hayden, and the whole crew, we never knew what would happen! Even with a script in hand, you could never predict everything. From our hilarious guest stars, to being locked in a safe and playing the wonderfully mischievous naughty twin sister… I’ve said it many times and I mean it every time; I Dream of Jeannie was often more fun than work. Here’s to 61 years of magic! To all the laughter, all the joy, all the silliness and adventures that remain with me in my heart today. Here’s to you, the fans! Your love, dedication and fascination with the show keeps the magic alive. I cannot thank you enough for the love you’ve shown me and for the memories you’ve helped keep bright. Happy Anniversary Jeannie, still bringing laughs, granting wishes and reminding me of what a joy it was. -Barbara Eden