Charles Donald Fegert was an American advertising executive and salesman best known as the second husband of actress Barbara Eden. He built his career in Chicago’s newspaper industry and held senior advertising positions at major publications. Fegert and Eden married in 1977, but their relationship ended after about five years. He died in Chicago in 2002.
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Charles Donald Fegert |
| Nickname | Chuck |
| Born | November 8, 1930 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Advertising executive, salesman |
| Known for | Being Barbara Eden’s second husband |
| Father | Charles “Moon” Fegert |
| Mother | Virginia A. Henold Coppinger |
| Brother | Craig Lewis Fegert |
| Former wife | Barbara Eden |
| Marriage to Eden | September 3, 1977 |
| Separation | 1982 |
| Children | He reportedly had children from earlier marriages |
| Died | September 25, 2002 |
| Place of death | Chicago, Illinois |
| Age at death | 71 |
Charles Donald Fegert’s Early Life and Family
Charles Donald Fegert was born on November 8, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Charles “Moon” Fegert and Virginia A. Henold Coppinger.
He reportedly grew up on Chicago’s South Side. Some accounts say his father worked for a steel company.
Charles Donald Fegert had a younger brother named Craig Lewis Fegert. Craig died in June 1980 at the age of 24.
Some reports say Charles Donald Fegert attended South Shore High School and later studied at Loyola University. They also claim he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. However, detailed records of his education are limited.
Charles Donald Fegert’s Career in Advertising
Fegert spent much of his professional life in sales, marketing, and newspaper advertising.
He worked for major Chicago newspapers, including the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Daily News. He started in sales and eventually moved into management.
Fegert became a vice president of marketing and advertising. He was known as an effective salesman, and Barbara Eden later described him as brilliant at sales.
Some accounts also describe Fegert as a popular master of ceremonies at Chicago events and banquets. He reportedly became known for his ability to entertain audiences while hosting events.
There are also reports that he had business interests outside newspaper advertising, including restaurants and other ventures. Details about these activities are limited.
Charles Fegert Had Been Married Before Barbara Eden
Fegert reportedly went through two marriages before he met Barbara Eden.
One of his former wives has been identified as Trish Althaus, who was reportedly a model. Details about his other marriage are not well documented.
Fegert also had children before marrying Eden. Sources disagree about the exact number. Some accounts say he had two sons and a daughter, while another reports four children.
Because of these differences, the exact number of his children is not reliably established.
How Did Charles Fegert Meet Barbara Eden?
Charles Donald Fegert met Barbara Eden in Chicago during the mid-1970s. Eden was already a well-known actress, especially for playing Jeannie in the NBC sitcom I Dream of Jeannie.
Eden had previously been married to actor Michael Ansara. Their marriage ended in 1974.
According to Eden’s memoir, Jeannie Out of the Bottle, she did not immediately like Fegert. She initially found him rude and aggressive.
Fegert continued pursuing her. He regularly called her and sent her flowers. Eden eventually changed her opinion of him, and they began a relationship.
Because they lived in different cities, their relationship involved frequent travel. Fegert reportedly flew to see Eden more than 30 times during their courtship.
Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden Married in 1977
Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden married on September 3, 1977, in Long Grove, Illinois.
After the wedding, Eden moved from Los Angeles to Chicago to live with her husband. The couple lived in a condominium overlooking the Chicago lakefront.
The move also affected Eden’s relationship with her son, Matthew Ansara, from her marriage to Michael Ansara. Matthew remained in California with his father.
Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara did not have children together.
Why Did Barbara Eden and Charles Fegert Divorce?
Their marriage lasted about five years.
Eden later discussed the relationship in her 2011 memoir. She described Fegert as handsome, intelligent, fun, and a talented salesman when they first became involved.
According to Eden, his behavior changed during their marriage. She alleged that he began spending time with people who drank heavily and used cocaine. She also said he became abusive toward her.
These claims come from Eden’s account of their marriage.
The couple separated around 1982. Published sources differ slightly on the final divorce date. Some place the divorce in 1982, while others say it was finalized in 1983.
Who Is Barbara Eden?
Barbara Eden is an American actress and singer best known for starring as Jeannie in the television series I Dream of Jeannie, which originally aired from 1965 to 1970.
Her other acting credits include Flaming Star, Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Harper Valley PTA, and The Brass Bottle.
Eden was married to actor Michael Ansara from 1958 until 1974. They had one son, Matthew Ansara, who was born in 1965 and died in 2001.
Charles Fegert became Eden’s second husband in 1977.
Eden later married architect and real estate developer Jon Eicholtz in 1991.
Charles Fegert’s Life After the Divorce
Fegert largely stayed away from Hollywood publicity after his marriage to Eden ended.
There is limited reliable information about his later relationships or professional activities. One source reports that he did not marry again, but this has not been widely documented.
His public recognition today remains mainly connected to his career in Chicago advertising and his former marriage to Barbara Eden.
Charles Donald Fegert’s Net Worth
Charles Fegert’s personal net worth was never reliably made public.
Some biography websites estimate that he was worth around $2.5 million, but there is no dependable financial record supporting that figure. It is better treated as an unverified estimate.
Fegert had a successful career in advertising and held senior positions in the Chicago newspaper business, but his actual wealth is unknown.
When Did Charles Donald Fegert Die?
Charles Donald Fegert died on September 25, 2002, in Chicago. He was 71 years old.
Reports say he died in his sleep. His exact medical cause of death has not been reliably made public.
One account says his daughter remembered him as a fun father and grandfather. His grandchildren reportedly gathered after his death and sang songs he had taught them.
Interesting Facts
- He was born in Chicago in 1930.
- His nickname was Chuck.
- He worked in sales, marketing, and newspaper advertising.
- He held a senior advertising position at the Chicago Sun-Times.
- He also worked with the Chicago Daily News.
- He reportedly had two marriages before meeting Barbara Eden.
- He met Eden in Chicago during the 1970s.
- Fegert and Eden married on September 3, 1977.
- Eden moved from Los Angeles to Chicago after their marriage.
- The couple had no children together.
- Their relationship ended around five years after their wedding.
- He had children from earlier relationships, although sources disagree about the exact number.
- He died in Chicago on September 25, 2002, at age 71.
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