Barbara Eden Explains Why She Missed Cinecon at the Last Minute

LOS ANGELES — Barbara Eden has reassured fans that she is doing okay after suddenly canceling her appearance at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival over the weekend.

The I Dream of Jeannie star, who recently turned 95, was scheduled to appear at the Los Angeles film festival on Saturday, Sept. 5. She was expected to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award and introduce a screening of her 1961 comedy All Hands on Deck with her former co-star Pat Boone.

Just hours before the event, festival organizers announced that Eden would not be able to attend because of a “sudden illness.”

The announcement quickly sparked concern among fans, who filled social media with messages wishing the actress a speedy recovery.

But on Sunday, Eden explained that she was not actually suffering from an illness. Instead, she said her doctor had recently prescribed a new medication that caused unpleasant side effects.

“It’s okay everyone! I’m okay,” Eden said in a statement shared on her official Instagram account. She explained that there had been “a bit of miscommunication” about why she had canceled.

According to Eden, the medication caused enough discomfort that her doctor advised her to stay home until the problem could be resolved.

“What awful timing for this to happen!” she wrote, while thanking fans for their concern. Eden described the setback as “just a speedbump” and said she expected to return to her normal activities once her doctor gives her the go-ahead.

Despite her absence, Cinecon organizers still honored Eden with the Legacy Award. Boone accepted the award on her behalf during Saturday’s event.

Eden and Boone have worked together on several films, including All Hands on Deck and The Yellow Canary. The two were also scheduled to introduce the All Hands on Deck screening at this year’s festival.

Eden recently spoke with Entertainment Weekly ahead of her 95th birthday about her long career and her plans for the future. While she is best known for playing the magical genie Jeannie in the hit sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, Eden has appeared in numerous films and television productions over the years.

Her other notable films include Flaming Star, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea and Harper Valley P.T.A.

At 95, Eden also says she has not completely closed the door on acting.

“If it’s well written, I’d probably do anything,” she told EW, emphasizing the importance of a good script. She even said she would be interested in playing a villain.

“I could be really mean,” Eden joked.

The 62nd Cinecon Classic Film Festival ran from Sept. 3 through Sept. 7 at the Landmark Nuart Theatre in Los Angeles, celebrating classic and nostalgic films with screenings and special appearances.