Barbara Eden says Elvis Presley deserved more serious film roles

Barbara Eden says Elvis Presley was an underrated actor who could have had a stronger film career if he had been given more dramatic roles.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the I Dream of Jeannie star reflected on working with Presley in the 1960 Western Flaming Star. The film cast Presley as a man of mixed white and Native American heritage trying to prevent violence as tensions rise in West Texas.

"He was good. He was good in that movie," Eden said. "I think all they did was use him to get the money. They didn't think about his career or how talented he was."

Unlike Presley's hit musical G.I. Blues, Flaming Star featured only two songs and focused on drama. Although it earned less at the box office, the film later received praise from critics and filmmakers. Quentin Tarantino has called it one of the best Westerns of the 1950s, while The New York Times has described it as arguably Presley's finest film.

Eden has also spoken warmly about Presley in previous interviews, calling him "a lovely, sweet gentleman" and praising both his acting ability and kindness on set. She recalled seeing his Las Vegas show years later, describing the experience as unforgettable.

Released in 1960, Flaming Star remains one of the few dramatic films in Presley's movie career and is widely regarded as a standout performance.