Barbara Eden Remembers Son's Death: 'I Had A Lot Of Guilt And Anger'

"I Dream of Jeannie" star Barbara Eden has recalled the passing of her only son Matthew Ansara 20 years ago and opened up about the pain of losing an only child in an interview with People.

Matthew died due to an accidental drug overdose in 2001 at the age of 35. According to Eden, his demise left her with "a lot of guilt and anger."

Eden also told the outlet her son was in and out of rehab clinics for 14 years before his death. She went on to say that at first, she didn't know what to do because she "didn't recognize the behavior — the sleeping and the bouts of anger that would come up all of a sudden with this charming, darling boy."

"I was scared to death," Eden said further. "I didn't know what to do. He was too young to know he needed rehab or help."

The pain of losing the child she loved the most left her with guilt and anger, the actress admitted, adding that she would often question herself where she failed as a parent.

"I don't think there's anything worse than to lose your child," she said. "As a parent, I had a lot of guilt and anger, and following his death, I was always on the edge of tears. Even though he was 35, he was still my baby."

To recover from grief and guilt, Eden spoke to other parents who were going through the same ordeal.

"I began to speak with parents who were going through the same thing," she shared. "I think parents should know that it's not a bad thing to be strict with your child. If you know what's going on, you have a chance to help. Ultimately, it's up to them, but there’s hope."

Eden also revealed she and her first husband Michael Ansara had tried for seven years before she became pregnant with Matthew in 1965.

"The same day that 'I Dream of Jeannie' sold, the doctor told me I was pregnant," she said. "I was thrilled. I was so happy, but I knew they'd have to replace me. Well, God love [I Dream of Jeannie creator] Sidney Sheldon. He got to work and we did the first 13 shows with me pregnant with Matthew."

The 90-year-old actress described her son as "a beautiful human being inside and out" when he was sober.

"Drugs are inexplicable. It's so frustrating," she claimed.

In August, Eden's book for children, "Barbara and the Djinn," was released. It follows a spunky girl named Barbara who goes on adventures with a "charming and wizardly Genie" as per Page Six.

The actress is set to star in a show with famous impersonators The Edwards Twins in February 2022.