The Untold Story of Charles Donald Fegert: Barbara Eden’s Ex-Husband

You’ve probably heard of Barbara Eden — the beloved actress who played “Jeannie” in I Dream of Jeannie. But not many people know much about her second husband, Charles Donald Fegert. He wasn’t a Hollywood star. In fact, he stayed far away from the spotlight. But his life story is still very interesting.

Charles Donald Fegert was a big name in the world of newspaper advertising. He lived in Chicago, worked hard, and rose to the top in his field. But when he married a Hollywood actress, his quiet life suddenly became a topic of public curiosity. So, who was this man behind the headlines? And what really happened between him and Barbara Eden?

In this article, we’ll explore the full story — from his early life to his career success, his marriage, and his personal struggles. There’s a lot to learn about Charles Donald Fegert, and it’s time his story was told.

Charles Donald Fegert Quick Bio

Charles Donald Fegert’s Childhood and Family

Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He came from a working-class family. His father worked in the steel mills — a tough job that required strength and discipline. Growing up in a middle-class neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Charles learned the value of hard work from an early age.

Life wasn’t fancy, but it was full of strong family bonds and big dreams. Like many kids in Chicago at the time, Charles probably spent his days playing outside, going to local school events, and helping out at home. These early years shaped his strong work ethic, which would help him later in life.

Even though his name isn’t well-known today, Charles’s story begins like many others — simple, hardworking, and full of promise.

Charles Educational Journey

Charles went to South Shore High School in Chicago. After finishing school, he didn’t jump straight into a fancy job. Instead, he joined the Coast Guard and also worked briefly in the steel mills, just like his father. These jobs gave him real-world experience and showed him how tough life could be.

But Charles wanted more. So, he continued his education at Loyola University, where he studied business. He graduated in 1955 with a degree in Business Administration. This was a big turning point in his life. With a good education and a strong work ethic, Charles was ready to build a better future.

And he did. Soon after college, he stepped into the world of advertising — and that’s where things really started to take off for him.

Career in Advertising

Charles Donald Fegert began his career at the Chicago Sun-Times as an ad salesman. It wasn’t a glamorous job, but he worked hard and made connections. He didn’t just sell ads — he built relationships, helped businesses grow, and gained a reputation for being sharp and reliable.

His success didn’t go unnoticed. Charles moved up quickly, eventually becoming the Vice President of Advertising and Marketing. He also worked at the Chicago Daily News in similar top-level roles. People in the business world respected him. He wasn’t just a “boss” — he was a teacher and leader. He showed his team how to sell, how to talk to clients, and how to get results.

One friend even called his style “management by charisma.” He didn’t yell or give orders — he inspired people. He was known for being confident, charming, and always well-dressed.

Charles wasn’t just a newspaper executive. He also helped with charity events, owned stakes in restaurants and discos, and knew how to handle big business deals. In Chicago’s business scene, he was someone people noticed.

Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden’s Relationship

So, how did a Chicago businessman end up marrying a Hollywood star?

In 1974, Barbara Eden was in Chicago for a stage performance. That’s where she met Charles. At first, she didn’t like him very much. She found him loud and a bit too confident. In fact, she once wrote that he called her his “fantasy dream girl” the first time they met — and she was not impressed.

But Charles didn’t give up. He started sending her flowers twice a day — every morning and every night. Each bouquet came with a simple card marked with the letter “C.” He didn’t send notes, but his actions spoke loudly. Eventually, Barbara began to warm up to him.

She later said that Charles made her feel special during a lonely time in her life. She was a single mother, recently divorced, and feeling alone. Charles filled that gap — at least in the beginning — with kindness, attention, and romance.

After three years of dating, Charles and Barbara got married on September 3, 1977. The wedding was a big deal. Barbara was a famous TV star, and Charles was a top business executive in Chicago. They seemed like a power couple — success in both Hollywood and the business world.

They moved into a luxury condo in Chicago that overlooked Lake Michigan. The place was big and beautiful, and it had a mirrored Jacuzzi in the bedroom. It looked like a dream life from the outside.

But things weren’t as perfect as they seemed. Barbara had to move from Los Angeles to Chicago to be with Charles. Sadly, her son Matthew didn’t move with her. He stayed with his father in LA, and that created emotional distance and stress for Barbara.

Still, for a little while, they tried to make it work. Charles even joked that Barbara would be “a spectacular wife once I get her in the kitchen.” But behind the scenes, things were starting to fall apart.

Why the Marriage Didn’t Work

As time went on, Charles began to change. According to Barbara Eden, he became insecure, jealous, and controlling. He also started drinking more and spending time with the wrong crowd. Barbara felt like the man she had fallen for was slipping away.

She described their home life as emotionally draining and unhealthy. It wasn’t long before arguments became more frequent. She felt trapped — not just in the marriage, but in a lifestyle that no longer matched who she was.

In 1982, after five years of marriage, Barbara and Charles separated. The divorce was finalized in 1983. It wasn’t just a legal breakup — it was a painful ending to a chapter that had once felt hopeful.

Charles Donald Fegert’s Children

Even though his marriage to Barbara Eden didn’t last, Charles Donald Fegert had a full family life. He was married three times in total. Before Barbara, he had another marriage with Trish Althaus, a young model. Together, they had two children.

In total, Charles had at least four kids — including two sons named Michael and Chip and a daughter named Lisa. He was also a grandfather to seven grandchildren, and they loved being around him.

His daughter Lisa once shared how much fun her dad was. She said he would sing, do impressions, and always made people laugh. When he was with his grandkids, he would teach them funny songs, and they’d all sing together at the table. That says a lot about who he was when the cameras and headlines weren’t around — a man who loved his family and made them smile.

His Life After the Divorce

After his split from Barbara Eden, Charles Donald Fegert stepped out of the spotlight. He didn’t remarry after that. Instead, he focused more on his personal life and stayed close to his children and grandchildren.

He also pulled away from public business roles. The man who once led top ad teams and hosted big events started living a quieter and private life. But that doesn’t mean he was forgotten. Those who knew him personally — from family to former coworkers — still remembered his strong personality, charm, and sense of humor.

It’s easy to think someone disappears after divorce or retirement, but Charles lived a calm and meaningful life behind the scenes. He was still the same smart and confident man, just without the headlines.

Charles Donald Fegert’s Cause of Death

In 2002, Charles Donald Fegert passed away in his sleep in Chicago. He was 72 years old. His death was due to natural causes and came peacefully, without struggle.

For his family, it was a sad loss but also a moment to remember the joy he brought. His daughter Lisa said all the grandkids sat together and sang the songs he had taught them. It was their way of honoring the memory of a man who had filled their lives with fun and love.

Even though Charles didn’t leave behind big books or movies, he left behind stories, laughter, and love — the things that matter most.

What Made Charles Donald Fegert Stand Out

So, what made Charles Donald Fegert special?

He wasn’t a movie star or a celebrity, but he had a powerful presence. In the advertising world, he was known for his charm, leadership, and strong results. He helped build businesses, led sales teams, and worked with some of the biggest newspapers in Chicago.

He also had a talent for connecting with people. Whether at a business event, a charity banquet, or just at the office, Charles knew how to make others feel seen and appreciated. People respected him not just for his job title but for his personality.

Even with personal struggles in his later years — including issues with alcohol and a failed marriage — Charles showed both success and humanity. He wasn’t perfect, but he was real.

Charles Donald Fegert’s Net Worth

Charles Donald Fegert had a very successful career. As Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Daily News, he earned a solid income over many years.

While we don’t have exact records, it’s estimated that his net worth was around $2.5 million by the time he passed away. He also earned money through other businesses, including restaurants, disco clubs, and even oil well investments.

Even though he lived a private life after his divorce, his career achievements were strong. He worked hard, made smart choices, and lived comfortably in his later years.

Final Thoughts

The name Charles Donald Fegert may not be as famous as his ex-wife, Barbara Eden, but his life story is rich and full. He was a self-made success, rising from a working-class background to lead some of the biggest advertising teams in the country.

He lived in the spotlight for a short time — during his marriage to a TV icon — but most of his story happened quietly, behind the scenes. Like many real people, he had his highs and lows. He enjoyed great success, faced deep challenges, and left behind a family that loved him.

In the end, Charles Donald Fegert wasn’t just “Barbara Eden’s ex-husband.” He was a proud father, a skilled businessman, and a man who left a mark in both his career and his family. His story may not have made headlines every day, but it’s a story worth telling — and remembering.

(FAQs)

Who were Barbara Eden’s husbands?

Barbara Eden has been married three times:

1. Actor Michael Ansara (1958–1974)

2. Advertising executive Charles Donald Fegert (1977–1983)

3. Real estate developer Jon Eicholtz (1991–present)

Is Charles Donald Fegert still alive?

No, Charles Donald Fegert passed away in 2002 at the age of 72. He died peacefully in his sleep in Chicago.

What was Charles Donald Fegert’s net worth?

At the time of his death, Charles Donald Fegert’s estimated net worth was around $2.5 million, thanks to his high-level advertising career and business ventures.

How many wives did Charles Donald Fegert have?

Charles Donald Fegert was married three times in his life. His second wife was the famous actress Barbara Eden.

Did Charles Donald Fegert have children?

Yes, he had at least four children, including sons Michael and Chip and a daughter named Lisa. He was also a loving grandfather to seven grandchildren.