Charles Donald Fegert: Barbara Eden’s Second Husband

Charles Donald Fegert wasn’t a Hollywood actor, a chart-topping musician, or a household name on his own. He was a sharp-minded advertising executive from Chicago’s South Side who built a solid career in the newspaper business. But his life took a turn into the public spotlight when he married actress Barbara Eden, the beloved star of I Dream of Jeannie. Their five-year marriage made Fegert a recognizable name in celebrity circles, even though he never sought the attention that came with it.

Fegert passed away at the age of 71, leaving behind a story that’s equal parts professional grit and unexpected fame. Here’s a closer look at who he was, how he rose through the ranks in advertising, and what his marriage to one of television’s most iconic actresses looked like behind the scenes.

Early Life in Chicago

Charles Donald Fegert was born around 1931 and grew up on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. His father worked in the steel mills, and the family lived a working-class life that shaped Fegert’s drive and ambition from a young age. He attended South Shore High School, a neighborhood institution that served as a launching pad for many young Chicagoans looking to build something for themselves.

After graduating, Fegert briefly followed his father into the steel mills. It didn’t take long for him to realize that factory work wasn’t the path he wanted. He had a natural ability to connect with people, a talent for persuasion, and enough nerve to try his hand at something different. That instinct carried him straight into the world of sales and advertising, where he’d eventually make his mark.

Career in Advertising

Fegert’s professional life centered on Chicago’s competitive newspaper industry. He started as a salesman at the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the city’s most prominent dailies. His work ethic and results-driven approach caught the attention of leadership, and he moved up quickly.

Over time, Fegert climbed to the role of Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Daily News. In that position, he oversaw ad revenue strategies, managed sales teams, and built relationships with major advertisers across the region. Colleagues remembered him as someone who knew how to close a deal and wasn’t afraid to put in long hours to make it happen.

His career at the Sun-Times and Daily News gave him a comfortable living and a respected reputation within Chicago media circles. He wasn’t the type to chase headlines or crave recognition. Fegert was a behind-the-scenes operator who let his work speak for itself. That quiet confidence would later contrast sharply with the spotlight that came from his personal life.

Marriage to Barbara Eden

Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden began dating in 1974. At the time, Eden was already one of the most recognized faces on American television thanks to her role as Jeannie in the hit NBC sitcom I Dream of Jeannie, which ran from 1965 to 1970. She’d previously been married to actor Michael Ansara, and the end of that marriage in 1974 left her navigating single life in Hollywood.

Fegert represented something different for Eden. He wasn’t part of the entertainment industry. He was grounded, direct, and rooted in the Midwest. Their courtship lasted three years before they married on September 3, 1977. The wedding brought together two very different worlds: Eden’s glamorous Hollywood life and Fegert’s buttoned-up Chicago business scene.

However, the marriage didn’t stand the test of time. The couple separated in March 1982, and their divorce was finalized in 1983. Neither spoke publicly in great detail about what went wrong, though the strain of living in two different cities and operating in vastly different professional worlds was widely noted by those close to them. The marriage produced no children.

Eden would later marry Jon Eicholtz, a real estate developer, in 1991. That marriage has lasted over three decades and counting.

Personal Life and Later Years

Outside of his marriage to Barbara Eden, Fegert kept his personal life largely out of the public eye. He’d been married before Eden and was reported to have had children from earlier relationships, though details about those family connections remain scarce.

After the divorce, Fegert returned to a quieter existence in Chicago. He stepped back from the media spotlight that had briefly followed him and focused on his professional pursuits and personal relationships. Friends described him as a man who valued loyalty, hard work, and a good conversation over dinner. He wasn’t one for red carpets or gossip columns.

Charles Donald Fegert passed away in his sleep at his Chicago home at the age of 71. The exact date of his death hasn’t been widely documented, but his passing was mourned by family, colleagues, and friends who knew him as a dedicated professional and a straightforward man. His contributions to Chicago’s advertising industry, particularly his years at the Sun-Times and Daily News, left a lasting impression on those who worked alongside him.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Charles Donald Fegert?

Charles Donald Fegert was an advertising executive from Chicago, Illinois. He worked as a salesman at the Chicago Sun-Times and later served as Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Daily News. He’s best known as the second husband of actress Barbara Eden.

How long were Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden married?

They married on September 3, 1977, and separated in March 1982. Their divorce was finalized in 1983, making the marriage roughly five years long.

Did Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden have children together?

No. The couple didn’t have any children during their marriage.

How did Charles Donald Fegert die?

Fegert passed away in his sleep at his home in Chicago at the age of 71. The exact date of his death has not been publicly verified.

What was Charles Fegert’s occupation?

He was an advertising executive and salesman who spent most of his career in Chicago’s newspaper industry, working at both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News.

Related Celebrities

• Barbara Eden — Actress and star of I Dream of Jeannie, Fegert’s second wife