I Dream of Jeannie star Barbara Eden celebrated her 92nd birthday in August, and she’s not slowing down. She’s worked in film for nearly seven decades, and she’s not ready to retire just yet because she loves her career far too much to say “goodbye.”

“All through the years, I’ve noticed that many people don’t realize what a joy it is and what a gift it is to be able to work in an arena that you really love,” she told People in a feature published on August 23. “So many people have to work in jobs they hate, and they have to do it just for sustenance, but aren’t we lucky when we can study for something, enjoy it, and know that other people enjoy it? I think that’s a gift that life gives us if we are willing to work for it.”

Eden got into Hollywood in 1956 when she landed a role on The Johnny Carson Show. The then 25-year-old immediately went into guest roles on hits such as I Love Lucy, Perry Mason, and Gunsmoke. So, finding work came easy for her. In 1965 she earned the lead role in I Dream of Jeannie, which went on to air for five seasons. The series now holds a place as one of the most classic shows to ever hit television. The story also came back in 1985 as a made-for-tv-movie titled I Dream of Jeannie…15 Years Later. 

‘I Dream of Jeannie’ Star Thanks Fans For Her Ongoing Success

While I Dream of Jeannie is her most iconic project, Barbara Eden remained a constant face in the industry. The actress remains on screen because of her hard work, but she knows her stardom would have faded out decades ago if it weren’t for her fans. So, she makes it a priority to travel the country and make appearances at conventions to keep in touch.

“They’re the best fans in the whole world,” she gushed. “They’re very well-read, they’re good, nice people. When I get up on the big stage, I speak, and then I do the Q&A, I’m sometimes surprised. They know more than I do about my work!”

Eden shared that one fan named Bernard is a constant face at conventions. And when someone asks her a question she can’t answer, she refers to him because “he knows exactly the day, the date, everything.”

Barbra Eden isn’t only focused on her career, though. The starlet also makes plenty of time for her family. In fact, she chose to spend her big day with her husband of 22 years, Jon Eicholtz, her massive Labradoodle, Bentley, and her extended family.