Barbara Eden cancels film festival appearance at last minute due to 'sudden illness'

Barbara Eden canceled her scheduled appearance at the Cinecon Classic Film Festival in Los Angeles on Saturday, September 5, due to a sudden illness, according to event organisers.

The 95-year-old actress was expected to attend the festival and receive the Cinecon Legacy Award during the 62nd annual event. However, she withdrew shortly before her scheduled appearance.

“We’re sorry to share that, due to a sudden illness, Barbara Eden will no longer be able to appear in person at Cinecon tonight,” organisers said in a Facebook statement.

The festival added that Eden was deeply regretful about the last-minute cancellation and had been looking forward to meeting attendees and celebrating with them. Organisers also wished the actress a speedy recovery.

The Cinecon Classic Film Festival is dedicated to classic and nostalgic cinema. This year’s event is taking place at the Landmark Nuart Theatre from September 3 through September 7, marking the festival’s first year at the venue.

Eden was scheduled to receive the Cinecon Legacy Award alongside other honourees, including Nancy Kwan, Anna Maria Alberghetti and Lainie Kazan. Alberghetti was also unable to attend the event in person.

Pat Boone, who appeared alongside Eden in the films All Hands on Deck and The Yellow Canary, still honoured the actress at the festival.

Eden is best known for playing the title character in the 1960s sitcom I Dream of Jeannie. The actress recently celebrated her 95th birthday on August 23 and has continued to express interest in acting.

In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Eden said she would consider taking on more roles if the material was well written. She also expressed interest in playing a villain, saying she could be “really mean.”