Meet Charles Donald Fegert: Business Star and Barbara Eden’s Second Husband

Charles Donald Fegert was not a Hollywood star, but his life was full of success, charm, and big moments. Many people know him because he was once married to Barbara Eden, the famous actress from I Dream of Jeannie. But there’s so much more to his story.

He was a smart businessman who worked in the newspaper world. He became a big name in advertising. He also had a bold personality that helped him win over people — and even a celebrity wife.

In this article, we’ll take a simple look at Charles Donald Fegert’s life — from his childhood in Chicago to his work success, his romance with Barbara Eden, and what happened later in his life.

Charles Donald Fegert Quick Bio

Who Was Charles Donald Fegert?

Charles Donald Fegert was a top advertising executive in Chicago. He worked for big newspapers like the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News. He started as a simple salesman but climbed all the way up to become Vice President of Advertising and Marketing.

Many people called him “Chuck,” and that’s the name Barbara Eden used for him too. He was known for being confident, smooth, and charming in business and social events.

Most people remember him because he was Barbara Eden’s second husband. But in his own world — the media world — he was already a big success long before they met.

Charles Donald’s Early Life

Charles was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the South Side, where most families lived a simple, hardworking life. His father worked in a steel mill — a tough and honest job that shaped how Charles saw the world.

As a boy, Charles lived in a working-class home. Life wasn’t fancy, but it was full of discipline and values. He saw how hard his father worked, and that taught him to be strong, focused, and determined.

He went to South Shore High School, which was close to where he lived. From a young age, he was interested in leadership and liked being around people. He was the kind of kid who enjoyed helping others and speaking up in class.

Charles Starting Small in the Newspaper World

Charles didn’t start at the top. His first job was simple — he was a door-to-door ad salesman for the Chicago Sun-Times. That means he went around asking small businesses to place ads in the paper.

This job was not easy. But Charles had something special. He knew how to talk to people, make them feel heard, and close a deal with confidence.

Because of this, people started noticing him. He moved up quickly and got better roles. He became trusted in the ad department and started working on larger campaigns for stores and brands.

Charles Climbing to the Top in Business

By the late 1960s, Charles had become a key figure in newspaper advertising. He had a sharp mind for business and could make smart decisions fast. This helped him rise to become Vice President of Advertising and Marketing, first at the Chicago Sun-Times, then also at the Chicago Daily News.

He helped both newspapers grow their ad revenue and create better partnerships. People in the media world respected him. He had big ideas, a great personality, and could lead a team with ease.

Outside of his office work, Charles also spoke at events. He was known as a master of ceremonies — someone who could talk to a crowd and make them laugh. He enjoyed being in the spotlight at events, even if he wasn’t a Hollywood star.

Charles Met Barbara Eden

Charles met Barbara Eden in 1974, while she was performing in a theater in Chicago. At that time, he didn’t even know much about her show I Dream of Jeannie. But when he saw her, he boldly told her she was his “fantasy dream girl.”

He wanted to win her heart, so he started sending her flowers every day, sometimes even twice a day. He didn’t write long letters. He simply placed a small card with the letter “C” on it. That mystery made Barbara curious.

She was charmed by his sweet and simple gestures. He was tall, handsome, and knew how to treat a lady with care. Soon, they started dating, even though they lived in different cities.

Charles and Barbara Eden’s Marriage

After dating for about three years, Charles and Barbara got married on September 3, 1977. It was a big moment for both of them. Charles was already a respected businessman, and Barbara was a Hollywood name.

Barbara left Los Angeles and moved into Charles’s luxury condo in Chicago. The place had a beautiful lakefront view and even a mirrored Jacuzzi in the bedroom. It was a stylish and expensive home — worth over $250,000 back then.

Charles liked to joke in public. He once said, “Barbara will make a spectacular wife once I get her in the kitchen.” While it was said as humor, some people felt it showed a more old-fashioned view of women.

At first, things seemed happy between them. But soon, life began to get harder.

Charles Fegert’s Personal Life and Children

Before marrying Barbara Eden, Charles Donald Fegert had already been married more than once. One of his former wives was Trish Althaus, a model in her early twenties when they married. They tied the knot at Kraft Chapel in Chicago.

Charles and Trish had two children together during their marriage. The names of all his wives are not publicly known, but it’s confirmed that Charles had four children in total — two sons named Michael and Chip, a daughter named Lisa, and another child whose name was not shared publicly.

Charles was also a proud grandfather. He had seven grandchildren, and he stayed close to his family. His daughter once shared that Charles was a fun-loving father and a caring granddad who loved to teach his grandkids songs and spend time with them.

Even though his marriages didn’t last, Charles always stayed connected to his children and grandchildren. After his divorce from Barbara Eden, he focused more on his private family life and kept most of it away from public view.

Charles and Barbara Eden’s Divorce

After many hard months, Charles and Barbara decided to separate in 1982. The marriage had become too stressful. Barbara later shared that she felt lonely and unhappy, even though Charles once made her laugh and feel special at the start.

In 1983, the divorce became final. Barbara later explained that she married Charles during a lonely time in her life. She believed love would fix things, but it didn’t. Leaving was not easy, but it helped her feel safe and calm again.

This divorce marked the end of Charles’s most public relationship. Even today, many people remember Charles Donald Fegert because of his marriage to Barbara Eden, but that was only one part of his life story.

Charles Life After Divorce

After the divorce, Charles chose a very quiet life. He did not remarry and stayed away from the media spotlight. Unlike Barbara, he did not enjoy public attention. He returned to what he knew best — business and family.

He continued working behind the scenes in advertising and consulting. He also spent more time with his children and grandchildren. People close to him said he was calmer in his later years and focused more on private moments than public success.

Charles stayed respected in Chicago’s business world. Even though he was no longer in the news, people who worked with him still remembered his sharp mind and smooth way of talking.

How and When Charles Died

Charles Donald Fegert passed away peacefully in his sleep in 2002. He was 71 years old at the time of his death. He died in Chicago, the same city where he was born, raised, and built his career.

His death was quiet, just like his later life. The cause was natural and related to aging. There was no public drama or headlines when he passed away.

His family remembered him with love. His daughter once shared that after his death, his grandchildren gathered and sang songs he had taught them. This simple moment showed his softer and caring side as a father and grandfather.

Charles Net Worth

At the time of his death, Charles Donald Fegert’s estimated net worth was around $2.5 million. This money came from his long career in newspaper advertising, executive roles, consulting work, and public speaking.

As a Vice President in major newspapers, he earned a strong income during the golden years of print media. Newspapers were very powerful back then, and advertising leaders were paid well.

Even after leaving public life, Charles lived comfortably. He was never known for flashy spending. Instead, he enjoyed a stable and quiet life supported by years of hard work.

Final Thoughts

Charles Donald Fegert lived a life filled with high points and hard lessons. He rose from a working-class background to become a top business leader. He had charm, confidence, and a strong business mind that helped him succeed.

While many people remember him as Barbara Eden’s second husband, his story is much bigger than that. He was a businessman, a father, a grandfather, and a man who experienced both success and struggle.

His life reminds us that success in work does not always mean peace in personal life. Still, Charles Donald Fegert left behind a story worth knowing — one of effort, ambition, love, and real human growth.

FAQs

How old was Charles Donald Fegert when he died?

He was 71 years old when he passed away in 2002. He was born on November 8, 1930, and died on September 26, 2002.

How tall was Charles Donald Fegert?

His exact height is not publicly recorded, but Barbara Eden described him as “tall and handsome” in her memoir.

Did Charles Donald Fegert have any children?

Yes, he had four children from his earlier relationships — Michael, Chip, Lisa, and one whose name is not public. He also had seven grandchildren.

What did Charles Fegert do for a living?

He worked in advertising and marketing. He became Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at both the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Daily News.

How did Charles Donald Fegert meet Barbara Eden?

They met in 1974 while Barbara was performing in Chicago. Charles charmed her by sending flowers twice a day with a card signed “C”.