admin Charles Donald Fegert is best remembered as the former husband of actress Barbara Eden, the star of I Dream of Jeannie. He was not only known for this connection but also for his successful career as a Chicago advertising executive. His life story is both fascinating and complex, mixing success in business, high-profile marriage, and later struggles. This guide explores his biography, career, marriage, family, and legacy.
Quick Bio of Charles Donald Fegert
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Charles Donald Fegert |
| Birth Year | 1930 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Death | September 2002 (age 71–72) |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Newspaper Advertising Executive |
| Notable Role | Vice President of Advertising, Chicago Sun-Times |
| Spouse | Barbara Eden (m. 1977 – div. early 1980s) |
| Wedding Date | September 3, 1977 |
| Children | At least three (from earlier marriages) |
| Stepchildren | Stepfather to Matthew Ansara (Barbara Eden’s son) |
| Known For | Marriage to Barbara Eden & Sun-Times career |
Early Life of Charles Donald Fegert
Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up in the Midwest and remained closely connected to Chicago for most of his life. His early years are not widely documented, but family records show he came from a modest background.
Growing up in Chicago, he built his life around business and sales. This city became the center of his professional career, and it is also where he later met Barbara Eden, the Hollywood actress who brought his name into the headlines.
Career in Advertising and Media
In the 1960s and 1970s, Charles Donald Fegert rose to prominence as an advertising executive. He worked with the Chicago Sun-Times and became Vice President of Advertising and Marketing. This was a top role in the newspaper industry, giving him influence over major campaigns and revenue streams.
During his career, Fegert was seen as a strong salesman and leader. He attended industry events, business meetings, and became known as a figure who brought energy to Chicago’s advertising world. His role gave him both wealth and social connections, which later connected him with Hollywood circles.
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Meeting Barbara Eden
Barbara Eden, beloved for her role in I Dream of Jeannie, met Charles Donald Fegert in the mid-1970s. Their meeting took place when Eden was working in Chicago. At the time, Fegert was already a successful executive with a high social standing.
The two quickly connected. Eden described him as charming and attentive. Their romance became public, drawing attention because Eden was a Hollywood star and Fegert was a powerful figure in Chicago business. This was the start of a relationship that would soon lead to marriage.
Marriage to Barbara Eden
The wedding of Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden took place on September 3, 1977, in a beautiful garden ceremony in Long Grove, Illinois. Press photos showed them as a glamorous couple, blending the world of business and entertainment.
After marriage, Eden moved to Chicago, where the couple lived in a high-rise condo. Their marriage became a subject of media interest. Fans of Eden were curious about her new life in Chicago and her marriage to a man outside of Hollywood.
Married Life and Struggles
In the beginning, Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden enjoyed a happy marriage. Fegert’s charm and energy made their relationship exciting. However, problems slowly appeared.
Eden later revealed in her memoir that Fegert’s lifestyle included late nights, heavy drinking, and drug use. She described the marriage as becoming difficult and even troubling. Eventually, the couple separated. Their marriage officially ended in the early 1980s, with most sources listing 1982 or 1983 as the final divorce year.
Family and Children
Before his marriage to Barbara Eden, Charles Donald Fegert already had children from earlier relationships. Reports mention he was a father of at least three children — two sons and a daughter. Their names remain private, as the family lived away from the spotlight.
Through his marriage with Eden, Fegert also became stepfather to Matthew Ansara, Barbara Eden’s only son from her first marriage. Eden later shared how the move to Chicago created challenges in her relationship with her son, which became one of the difficulties in her marriage to Fegert.
Connection with Hollywood
While Charles Donald Fegert was not an actor or entertainer, his marriage to Eden brought him into the Hollywood spotlight. He attended events with her, appeared in magazines, and was photographed by press agencies. His name was often linked with Eden’s fame during those years.
Even after their separation, he remained a figure of public curiosity. When Eden gave interviews about her life, she often spoke about her time with Fegert, making sure his chapter was part of her personal history.
Later Life of Charles Donald Fegert
After his divorce from Barbara Eden, Charles Donald Fegert returned to a quieter life in Chicago. He continued in advertising but stayed away from major public attention. Over time, he became less visible in media reports.
In September 2002, Charles Donald Fegert passed away at the age of 71–72. His death was recorded in local obituary records and family archives. He left behind children and family members who remained outside of the spotlight.
Legacy and Public Memory
The legacy of Charles Donald Fegert is tied to two main areas: his career and his marriage to Barbara Eden. In Chicago, he is remembered as a confident and skilled advertising executive. In popular culture, he is remembered as the man who married a famous actress and lived a chapter of Hollywood life.
While his personal struggles were shared by Eden in her memoir, it is also clear that he played an important role in her story. His life shows the mix of business success, high-profile romance, and private difficulties.
Key Facts Recap
- Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930 in Chicago.
- He became Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Sun-Times.
- He married Barbara Eden on September 3, 1977, in Long Grove, Illinois.
- The marriage ended by the early 1980s.
- He had three children from earlier marriages.
- He was stepfather to Matthew Ansara, Eden’s son.
- He died in September 2002.
Conclusion
Charles Donald Fegert was more than just the former spouse of Barbara Eden. He was a successful advertising executive, a father, and a man whose life blended Chicago business with Hollywood fame. His story is remembered both for his achievements in media and for his high-profile marriage.
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Though his marriage to Eden ended, he remains a part of her life history and a figure in Chicago’s advertising legacy. Today, his life is remembered through press archives, Eden’s memoir, and the memories of those who knew him.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Who was Charles Donald Fegert?
He was a Chicago advertising executive and the former husband of actress Barbara Eden.
Q2. When did Charles Donald Fegert marry Barbara Eden?
They married on September 3, 1977, in Long Grove, Illinois.
Q3. Did Charles Donald Fegert have children?
Yes, he had at least three children from earlier marriages.
Q4. When did Charles Donald Fegert die?
He died in September 2002, at the age of 71–72.
Q5. What was his career?
He was Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Sun-Times.
