The Truth About The 'Feud': 7 Surprising Ways Barbara Eden And Elizabeth Montgomery's Legacies Intersect

Decades after their iconic 1960s sitcoms, I Dream of Jeannie and Bewitched, dominated television, the rumored rivalry between their stars, Barbara Eden and Elizabeth Montgomery, remains a hot topic. As of late , the conversation has been reignited, with the now 94-year-old Barbara Eden speaking out to definitively shatter the myth of a tense relationship between the two actresses. While their on-screen personas—a bottled genie and a twitching witch—were magical competitors, the reality of their off-screen dynamic and their contrasting post-sitcom careers offer a fascinating study in Hollywood legacies.

The persistent "feud" narrative, often fueled by the media pitting the two similar-but-competing shows against each other, has been consistently denied by Eden. She has clarified that while they didn't socialize regularly, they shared a professional and amicable relationship, often filming on the same studio lot. This fresh, current perspective allows for a deeper look at two women who not only defined an era of TV fantasy but also carved out unique, powerful paths in their subsequent lives and careers.

Complete Biographical Profiles: Jeannie and Samantha

A true understanding of their paths requires a look at the women behind the magic, Elizabeth Montgomery and Barbara Eden. Their biographies reveal two talented actresses with very different personal and professional trajectories.

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Elizabeth Montgomery (Samantha Stephens)

• Full Name: Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery
• Born: April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California
• Died: May 18, 1995 (Age 62)
• Notable Early Work: Appeared on her father Robert Montgomery's TV show, *Robert Montgomery Presents*, in 1951.
• Iconic Role: Samantha Stephens on *Bewitched* (1964–1972).
• Marriages: Four marriages, including to actor Gig Young and *Bewitched* director William Asher.
• Children: Three children (with William Asher).
• Post-Sitcom Legacy: Became a prolific and respected dramatic actress in TV movies, notably in hard-hitting roles like the victim in *A Case of Rape* (1974). She was also a fervent activist for women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and Amnesty International.

Barbara Eden (Jeannie)

• Full Name: Barbara Jean Morehead
• Born: August 23, 1931, in Tucson, Arizona
• Current Status: Still active in the entertainment industry and public appearances (as of late 2024/early 2025).
• Notable Early Work: Began her career as a singer and appeared on *The Johnny Carson Show* in 1955.
• Iconic Role: Jeannie on *I Dream of Jeannie* (1965–1970).
• Marriages: Three marriages (currently married to Jon Eicholtz).
• Children: One son, Matthew Ansara (deceased).
• Post-Sitcom Legacy: Continued her career in comedy and film, starring in the successful movie and TV series *Harper Valley P.T.A.* (1978/1981) and remains a beloved figure in classic Hollywood.

The Feud Myth Smashed: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes

The idea of a bitter rivalry between the two stars is a classic case of a media-driven narrative that sells magazines but ignores the reality of their professional lives. Barbara Eden recently emphasized that the alleged tension was largely an "invention of the producers" and the press, eager to create a rivalry between the two similar shows.

The truth is far more mundane and professional. Both shows were filmed on the same lot, and the actresses would occasionally cross paths. Eden recalls that she and Montgomery would exchange pleasantries and that there was never any animosity. The two women were simply focused on the demanding schedules of their respective hit series. This recent clarification from Eden, given her age and perspective, serves as the final word on a decades-old Hollywood rumor, solidifying the fact that the two iconic figures were respectful colleagues, not rivals.

7 Key Differences in Their Enduring Pop Culture Legacies

While both actresses are forever linked by their supernatural sitcoms, their careers diverged significantly after their shows ended, leaving behind two distinct and powerful legacies.

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1. The Core Premise: Wish Fulfillment vs. Marital Complication

The shows themselves had fundamentally different topical themes. *I Dream of Jeannie*, created by Sidney Sheldon, was centered on Jeannie's magical wish-granting and her relationship with Major Tony Nelson (Larry Hagman), focusing on fantasy and escapism. *Bewitched* was a domestic comedy that immediately married Samantha and Darrin (Dick York/Dick Sargent), using her magic as a metaphor for the complications of a woman trying to conform to 1960s suburban life, often featuring her eccentric family like Endora (Agnes Moorehead).

2. The Post-Sitcom Career Trajectory

After *Bewitched* ended in 1972, Elizabeth Montgomery actively sought out serious, dramatic roles that were a radical departure from Samantha Stephens. She starred in numerous TV movies tackling controversial and topical subjects, such as the aforementioned *A Case of Rape* and *The Legend of Lizzie Borden*. This move established her as a serious dramatic actress and a champion of social issues.

Barbara Eden, after *I Dream of Jeannie* ended in 1970, continued to embrace comedy and light-hearted fare, most notably with the successful transition of *Harper Valley P.T.A.* from a movie to a television series. While she also took on dramatic roles, her career remained more rooted in the comedic and family-friendly genres that made her famous.

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3. Activism and Humanitarian Work

Elizabeth Montgomery was a passionate and outspoken liberal Democrat and activist. She used her platform to champion progressive causes, including women's rights, gay rights, and the work of Amnesty International. She volunteered extensively and served as a Grand Marshal at the 1992 Los Angeles Gay Pride Parade.

While Barbara Eden has been involved in various charitable efforts and maintains a public presence, her legacy is less defined by political or social activism and more by her enduring image as an entertainment icon and her continued connection to her fans through public appearances.

4. The Enduring Image of the Female Lead

Jeannie is often remembered for her iconic pink costume, blonde ponytail, and playful, subservient relationship to her "master," Tony Nelson. The show’s fantasy element is paramount. Samantha Stephens, on the other hand, is seen as a more modern, albeit magically constrained, woman who was trying to balance her true identity with societal expectations, a theme that resonates deeply with feminist topical discussions.

5. Longevity and Public Presence

Elizabeth Montgomery sadly passed away in 1995. Her legacy is preserved through her work and her activism. Barbara Eden, however, has enjoyed a decades-long career and remains a vibrant, active public figure well into her nineties. Her continued presence allows her to continually shape her own narrative, as seen in her recent feud denial.

6. The Legacy of Their Co-Stars

The supporting casts also created different legacies. *I Dream of Jeannie* is often linked to the tragic life and early death of its star, Larry Hagman, who struggled with addiction. *Bewitched* is remembered for its ensemble of legendary character actors, including Agnes Moorehead and the two Darrins, Dick York and Dick Sargent, whose own lives and struggles have become a popular subject of classic TV retrospectives.

7. The Element of Control

Elizabeth Montgomery and her husband, William Asher, had significant creative control over *Bewitched*, allowing them to steer the show's topical direction. Barbara Eden and her co-stars were largely actors-for-hire on *I Dream of Jeannie*, which was a Sidney Sheldon production, giving her less direct influence over the show's narrative and production.