Many people know Barbara Eden as the famous actress from the TV show “I Dream of Jeannie.” However, not many know about her second husband, Charles Donald Fegert. He was a successful businessman from Chicago who built an impressive career in advertising. While he became famous because of his marriage to Barbara Eden, his own life story is worth knowing.
Biography of Charles Donald Fegert
| Full Name | Charles Donald Fegert |
|---|---|
| Born | 1930, Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Died | 2002 (Age 72) |
| Profession | Advertising Executive |
| Famous For | Vice President at Chicago Sun-Times, Barbara Eden’s second husband |
| Married | Barbara Eden (1977-1982) |
| Children | Four children (Michael, Chip, Lisa, and one more) |
| Education | Loyola University (Graduated 1955) |
Early Life and Background
Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the South Side of Chicago in a working-class family. His father worked as a steelworker, which meant the family did not have much money. Life was not easy, but these early years taught Charles important lessons about hard work and determination.
Growing up in a tough neighborhood, Charles saw that many young men around him would end up working in factories. However, he wanted something different for his life. He attended South Shore High School and worked hard in his studies. After finishing high school, he went to Loyola University, where he graduated in 1955.
During his younger years, Charles also served in the Coast Guard. This experience helped shape his character and gave him discipline that would help him later in his career.
Building a Career in Advertising
After finishing college, Charles started working as an ad salesman for the Chicago Sun-Times newspaper. This was not a glamorous job at first, but Charles was very good at it. He knew how to talk to people and convince them to buy advertising space in the newspaper.
His bosses quickly noticed his talent. Charles was not just good at selling ads – he was also creative and understood what businesses needed. Because of his hard work and skills, he moved up quickly in the company.
By 1969, Charles was working for the Daily News in Chicago. He continued to get promotions and soon became the advertising manager. Eventually, he reached the top position as Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News.
What made Charles special as a leader was his style of teaching. Unlike many bosses who just give orders, Charles would work alongside his sales team. He would show them exactly how to do their jobs better. One of his friends, Phil Moses, called this “management by charisma.”
Charles was also involved in many different business projects. He worked on selling advertising for oil wells, disco clubs, and restaurants. No matter what type of business it was, he always found success.
Life Beyond Work
Charles was not just focused on his career. He was also well-known in Chicago’s social circles. People described him as charming, funny, and full of energy. He often worked as a master of ceremonies at events around the city. His ability to entertain people and make them feel comfortable made him popular at both business and charity events.
Besides his work in advertising, Charles also invested in real estate. He used his business knowledge to develop properties and make smart investments. This helped him build wealth beyond his salary from the newspaper.
Meeting Barbara Eden
In 1974, Charles met Barbara Eden when she was performing in Chicago. Barbara was already a huge star because of her role as Jeannie in the popular TV show “I Dream of Jeannie.” Despite being a famous Hollywood actress, Barbara was going through a difficult time. She had recently divorced her first husband, Michael Ansara, and was feeling lonely.
Charles was different from the Hollywood men Barbara usually met. He was confident, intelligent, and knew how to make her laugh. He showed his affection in big ways – he would send her flowers twice every day. He also flew to see her more than 30 times while they were dating.
After three years of dating, Charles and Barbara got married on September 3, 1977. The wedding attracted a lot of media attention because Barbara was such a famous actress. They moved into a beautiful luxury apartment in Chicago that overlooked Lake Michigan. The apartment even had a mirrored Jacuzzi in the bedroom.
Marriage Challenges
At first, their marriage seemed perfect from the outside. Charles was a successful businessman, and Barbara was a beloved actress. They looked like the ideal power couple.
However, there were problems from the start. Barbara had to move from Los Angeles to Chicago to be with Charles. This meant leaving behind her son Matthew, who stayed with his father in California. This situation caused Barbara a lot of sadness and stress.
The bigger problems came from Charles’s personal struggles. Barbara later shared that after they got married, Charles began spending time with people who used drugs and alcohol. These issues created serious problems in their relationship.
Charles also had moments of insecurity, despite his successful career. The combination of substance abuse and relationship troubles made their marriage very difficult. After five years together, Barbara and Charles separated in 1982. Their divorce was finalized in 1983.
Looking back on the marriage, Barbara said that Charles was brilliant and talented, but he had personal problems that made it impossible for them to stay together.
Family Life
Before marrying Barbara Eden, Charles had already been married twice. He had at least four children from his previous marriages, including two sons named Michael and Chip, and a daughter named Lisa.
Despite his struggles, Charles was remembered as a loving and devoted father. His daughter Lisa once talked about how fun he was to be around. She said he would sing songs, do funny impressions, and always made people laugh. He was also a grandfather to seven grandchildren, and they loved spending time with him.
Lisa shared that during family gatherings, Charles would teach the grandchildren silly songs, and they would all sing together around the table. These memories show a different side of Charles – a man who truly cared about his family.
Later Years and Passing
After his divorce from Barbara Eden, Charles stepped away from the public spotlight. He went back to his quiet life in Chicago and continued working in advertising. Some reports suggest he might have also worked in telecommunications, showing that he was always ready to try new things.
Charles was known for helping younger people in the advertising industry. He would share his knowledge and experience to help them succeed in their careers. This generosity showed his character and his belief in helping others.
Sadly, Charles Donald Fegert passed away in 2002 at the age of 72. He died peacefully in his sleep in Chicago. At the time of his death, his net worth was estimated to be around $2.5 million, which he earned through his successful advertising career and smart business investments.
His Legacy
Today, most people remember Charles Donald Fegert as Barbara Eden’s ex-husband. However, his real legacy is much more than that. He was a talented businessman who helped shape modern newspaper advertising in Chicago. He was a leader who taught and inspired others. He was a devoted father and grandfather who brought joy to his family.
Charles’s story shows us that success comes from hard work, determination, and never giving up on your dreams. Even though he grew up without much money, he built an impressive career through his talent and dedication.
His life also reminds us that everyone faces challenges, no matter how successful they appear. Charles achieved great things in his career but also struggled with personal issues. His story is a reminder that people are complex, with both strengths and weaknesses.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Charles Donald Fegert?
Charles Donald Fegert was an advertising executive from Chicago who became Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Sun-Times. He is best known as the second husband of actress Barbara Eden.
2. How long was Charles Fegert married to Barbara Eden?
Charles and Barbara were married for five years, from 1977 to 1982. They officially divorced in 1983.
3. Did Charles Donald Fegert have children?
Yes, Charles had at least four children from his previous marriages, including sons named Michael and Chip, and a daughter named Lisa. He was also a grandfather to seven grandchildren.
4. What did Charles Donald Fegert do for work?
Charles worked in newspaper advertising and became a top executive at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Daily News. He was known for his excellent sales skills and leadership abilities.
5. When did Charles Donald Fegert pass away?
Charles died in 2002 at the age of 72. He passed away peacefully in his sleep in Chicago, where he had lived most of his life.
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