You’ve probably heard of Barbara Eden, the TV star who played Jeannie in I Dream of Jeannie. She was loved by millions, and her smile lit up every screen. But do you know the man she once called her husband? His name was Charles Donald Fegert, and he wasn’t an actor or a celebrity. He was a businessman from Chicago — charming, smart, and full of life.
Even though his name isn’t as famous as Barbara’s, Charles Donald Fegert lived an amazing life. He built a strong career, loved deeply, and faced some tough times too. In this article, we’ll take a friendly, simple look at who he was — from his childhood and career, to his marriage with Barbara Eden, and the life he lived beyond the spotlight.
Charles Donald Fegert Quick Bio
| Full Name | Charles Donald Fegert |
| Known As | Barbara Eden’s ex-husband |
| Nickname | Chuck |
| Born | November 8, 1930 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Died | 2002 |
| Age at Death | 72 years |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Caucasian |
| Education | Loyola University (Business degree) |
| Profession | Advertising executive |
| Famous For | Marriage to Barbara Eden |
| Marriages | 3 |
| Children | 4 |
| Grandchildren | 7 |
| Net Worth | About $2.5 million |
| Residence | Chicago |
| Cause of Death | Natural causes |
Early Life of Charles Donald Fegert
Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. He didn’t grow up rich or famous. His father worked in the steel mills, doing hard physical work every day. Life wasn’t easy, but it was honest. Charles grew up in a simple, middle-class home on the South Side of Chicago, a place known for its hardworking families.
As a child, Charles probably spent his days playing outside with friends, going to school, and helping around the house. He saw his father work long hours, and that taught him something important — that success comes from hard work. This early lesson would stay with him forever.
His childhood wasn’t about fame or fortune. But it was full of strong values: work hard, stay loyal, and take care of your family.
Education and Early Jobs
After finishing South Shore High School, Charles didn’t jump into a fancy job. Instead, he took a more real and practical path. He joined the U.S. Coast Guard for a while and also worked in the steel mills, just like his dad. These jobs weren’t easy, but they helped him understand the real world. They also taught him how to stay focused and responsible.
Charles didn’t stop there. He wanted to grow, so he continued his studies. He went to Loyola University Chicago, where he studied business. In 1955, he proudly graduated with a degree in Business Administration. That moment changed everything. It gave him the tools to follow a bigger dream — and he was ready.
Charles Donald Fegert’s Start in Advertising
After college, Charles got a job at the Chicago Sun-Times as an ad salesman. It wasn’t a fancy title, but it was his first step into the world of advertising. He didn’t just sell ads — he built trust. He talked to local business owners, learned what they needed, and found ways to help.
People noticed how good he was. He had something special — a natural way of talking to others. He was kind, funny, and smart. Soon, his coworkers and clients saw that he was different. He wasn’t just doing a job — he was building real connections.
This was the beginning of a long, successful career. And it all started because he knew how to treat people with respect.
A Big Career in Chicago Media
Charles didn’t stay a salesman for long. His hard work paid off, and he kept moving up. He worked his way to the top, becoming Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News. That was a big deal.
He was known for his leadership style — people called it “management by charisma.” That means he didn’t lead by yelling or giving orders. He inspired people. He made them feel seen, heard, and important.
Charles also helped with charity events, managed big ad campaigns, and even had stakes in local restaurants and clubs. In the business world of Chicago, people knew who Charles Donald Fegert was. He was the man with the smile, the sharp mind, and the power to get things done.
Charles Donald Fegert’s Personal Life Before Barbara Eden
Before meeting Barbara Eden, Charles had already been married. One of his earlier wives was a young model named Trish Althaus. Together, they had two children. But like many relationships, theirs didn’t last. Charles went through two divorces before he ever met Barbara.
Even with his ups and downs in love, Charles stayed close to his children. He was a proud dad who loved to laugh and entertain. He had a fun side — singing, doing impressions, and making everyone smile at the dinner table.
He was already a big figure in Chicago — not just in business, but in life. Friends saw him as someone full of energy, always well-dressed, and always ready to make a room feel alive.
How Charles Donald Fegert Met Barbara Eden
The love story began in 1974. Barbara Eden was in Chicago, performing in a stage play. That’s when she met Charles. At first, she wasn’t impressed. He called her his “fantasy dream girl” — and she found it a little too much.
But Charles didn’t give up. He began sending her flowers twice a day — every morning and every evening. The flowers came with a simple card. No message, just the letter “C”. Day after day, the flowers kept coming. Slowly, Barbara started to notice the effort behind the charm.
She later said that Charles made her feel special at a time when she felt alone. She was a single mother, going through a tough time, and Charles brought back a bit of light into her world.
Marriage of Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden
After three years of dating, Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden got married on September 3, 1977. It was a big event. Barbara was a well-known Hollywood star, and Charles was a high-powered businessman in Chicago. Together, they looked like the perfect match — beauty, brains, and success.
Barbara moved from Los Angeles to Chicago to live with him. They lived in a fancy condo that overlooked Lake Michigan. It even had a mirrored Jacuzzi in the bedroom — a touch of glam that matched their new life.
But things were not as perfect as they seemed. Barbara had to leave her son, Matthew, behind in Los Angeles. He stayed with his father, and that created emotional distance for her. Still, she tried to adjust, hoping their marriage would fill the space in her heart.
Why Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden Divorced
At first, it looked like Charles Donald Fegert and Barbara Eden had found real love. But as time went on, things started to change — and not for the better. Barbara later shared that Charles became jealous, controlling, and emotionally unstable. He started spending time with people who drank and used drugs, and that worried her.
Barbara tried to hold things together, but it became too hard. She said Charles acted like a spoiled child, needing constant attention and getting upset when he didn’t have it. Their home, once filled with romance, turned into a place of stress. Barbara felt emotionally drained and trapped in a life that no longer felt safe.
In 1982, they separated. The divorce was finalized in 1983. It was a sad end to a love story that had started with charm and flowers. But sometimes, even the strongest efforts can’t fix what’s already broken.
Life After Divorce for Charles Donald Fegert
After his divorce from Barbara Eden, Charles Donald Fegert stepped away from the spotlight. He didn’t go back into high-profile business roles. He didn’t chase fame or try to tell his side of the story in public.
Instead, Charles chose a quiet and private life. He stayed in Chicago, the city he loved, and focused on spending time with his children and grandchildren. For someone who had once been in charge of big ad teams and major business deals, this peaceful life was a big change. But it seemed to suit him.
He never remarried after Barbara. He stayed close to his family and stayed out of the news. While the world moved on, Charles lived simply — away from the drama, but surrounded by the people who mattered most to him.
Charles Donald Fegert’s Children and Family
Even though his marriage to Barbara Eden didn’t work out, Charles Donald Fegert had a strong family life. He had four children — including sons Michael and Chip, and a daughter named Lisa. He was also a proud grandfather to seven grandchildren.
His daughter Lisa once shared how much fun he was as a dad. She remembered him singing silly songs, doing funny impressions, and making everyone laugh. He brought joy to family dinners and taught his grandkids songs they still remembered after he was gone.
He may not have been perfect, but he gave his family something very real — his time, his love, and his laughter.
Net Worth and Career Legacy
At the time of his death, Charles Donald Fegert had an estimated net worth of $2.5 million. He earned most of it through his long career in advertising. As Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at two of Chicago’s biggest newspapers, he made good money for many years.
He also made smart investments in restaurants, nightclubs, and even oil wells. These extra ventures added to his income and helped him live comfortably after retirement.
Even though he left the business world behind, his name was still respected. People who worked with him remembered him as a great leader — someone who made work feel exciting and motivating. His legacy in Chicago’s advertising scene is still part of local history.
How Charles Donald Fegert Died and How He’s Remembered
In 2002, Charles Donald Fegert passed away in his sleep. He was 72 years old. The cause of death was natural, and his passing was peaceful. He died in Chicago, the city where he had lived, worked, and built his life.
His family was heartbroken, but they found comfort in their memories. His grandchildren, who had shared so many laughs with him, sat together and sang the funny songs he had taught them. It was their way of saying goodbye — through music and love.
Today, Charles is remembered not just as Barbara Eden’s ex-husband, but as a father, grandfather, businessman, and human being. His story is filled with ups and downs, just like many of us. And that’s what makes it so real.
Final Thoughts
Charles Donald Fegert may not be a household name, but his life was full of heart, hard work, and human moments. He rose from a working-class family to become a leader in Chicago’s business world. He loved deeply, made mistakes, and found peace later in life.
His marriage to Barbara Eden brought him into the public eye, but his real story happened behind the scenes — in quiet rooms with his children, in laughter-filled dinners with his grandkids, and in the offices where he helped young professionals believe in themselves.
He was not just “Barbara Eden’s ex-husband.” He was Charles. A man who built his life from the ground up and left behind more love than headlines.
(FAQs)
How Much Money Did Charles Donald Fegert Have?
Many people don’t expect this, but Charles Donald Fegert was rich. His net worth was about $2.5 million. He made his money from newspaper ads and business deals, not from movies or TV.
Is Charles Donald Fegert Still Alive Today?
Charles Donald Fegert is not alive. He passed away in 2002. His death surprised many people because he had stayed very quiet and private for years.
What Does Charles Donald Fegert’s Obituary Say?
His obituary says that Charles Donald Fegert died peacefully in his sleep. It talked about him as a businessman, father, and grandfather — not just Barbara Eden’s ex-husband.
Where Was Charles Donald Fegert Living Before He Died?
Before his death, Charles Donald Fegert lived in Chicago. He chose a quiet life and stayed away from fame, cameras, and public attention.
What Was Charles Donald Fegert’s Life Like at the End?
In his final years, Charles Donald Fegert lived a calm and private life. He spent time with family and stayed out of the spotlight, which surprises many people.
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