Following the news of Larry Hagman‘s passing — the actor died Friday at 81 years old from complications of cancer — one of Hagman’s earliest co-stars, Barbara Eden, has taken to the Web to share memories of her time working with Hagman on the 1960s series I Dream of Jeannie.
“I still cannot completely express the shock and impact from the news that Larry Hagman has passed,” Eden wrote on her Facebook page. “I can still remember, that first day on Zuma Beach with him, in the frigid cold. From that day for five more years, Larry was the center of so many fun, wild, shocking… and in retrospect, memorable moments that will remain in my heart forever.”
For five seasons, Eden played the mystical servant — and eventual wife — of Hagman’s Major Tony Nelson. With chemistry as good as it was hilarious, the duo became one of sitcom’s most beloved couples. Though Hagman had not appeared in I Dream of Jeannie‘s 1985 and 1991 reunion specials, the two reteamed to promote the series’ TV Land debut and the release of Jeannie‘s Season 1 DVD. Eden also appeared alongside Hagman during a 1990 episode of Dallas, playing an heiress attempting to get revenge against Hagman’s J.R. Ewing. “He was such a key element in my life for so long and even, years after I Dream of Jeannie; our paths crossed many times,” Eden wrote. “Throughout various productions I had the pleasure of watching the Texas Tornado that was Larry Hagman. Amidst a whirlwind of big laughs, big smiles and unrestrained personality Larry was always, simply Larry. You couldn’t fault him for it, it was just who he was. I am so thankful that this past year I was able to spend time with him and experience yet again ‘Larry’ in all his Big Texas bravado.” The actress continues, “I, like many others believed he had beat Cancer and yet we are reminded that life is never guaranteed. My deepest condolences go out to his wife Maj, his son and daughter and his grandchildren, as well as his friends in this time of his passing. I can honestly say that we’ve lost not just a great actor, not just a television icon, but an element of pure Americana. Goodbye Larry, there was no one like you before and there will never be anyone like you again.” [Image Credit: WENN] More: Larry Hagman, ‘Dallas’ Star, Dies at 81
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