Charles Donald Fegert was an American advertising executive who became known to many people as the second husband of famous actress Barbara Eden. While most people recognize him because of this connection, his own life story shows a man who worked hard and built a successful career in Chicago’s newspaper industry. He rose from simple beginnings to become a respected leader in advertising and marketing.
Detailed Bio Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Donald Fegert |
| Nickname | Chuck |
| Birth Year | 1930 |
| Birthplace | Chicago, Illinois, USA |
| Death | 2002 (age 72) |
| Cause of Death | Died peacefully in his sleep |
| Occupation | Advertising Executive, Vice President |
| Known For | Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at Chicago Sun-Times |
| Marriage to Barbara Eden | September 3, 1977 – 1982 |
| Children | Four children (sons: Michael, Chip; daughters: Lisa and one other) |
| Grandchildren | Seven grandchildren |
| Net Worth | Around $2.5 million (estimated) |
| Notable Achievement | Helped modernize newspaper advertising strategies |
Early Life and Background
Charles Donald Fegert was born in 1930 in Chicago, Illinois. He grew up on the city’s South Side in a working-class neighborhood. His father worked as a steelworker, and the family did not have much money. However, this difficult start taught Charles important lessons about hard work and determination. These values stayed with him throughout his life and helped him achieve success later.
Growing up in Chicago during this time was not easy, but Charles learned to be strong and focused. He wanted to build a better future for himself. His childhood experiences shaped the man he would become—someone who understood the value of effort and never gave up on his goals.
Career Success in Advertising
After finishing school, Charles began working different jobs. He first worked in the mills and then served in the Coast Guard. These experiences helped him develop discipline and teamwork skills. In 1955, he started his career in sales when he joined the Chicago Sun-Times as a salesman.
Charles Donald Fegert was very good at his job. He understood how to connect with people and sell advertising space. His talent did not go unnoticed. In 1969, he was hired by the Chicago Daily News, where he continued to do excellent work. Over the years, he moved up in the company, taking on bigger roles and more responsibility.
Eventually, Charles became the Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at both the Chicago Sun-Times and the Chicago Daily News. This was a very important position. He was in charge of major advertising campaigns and managed teams of creative workers. His leadership helped both newspapers attract more advertisers and grow their business during a time when the industry was changing rapidly.
What made Charles special as a leader was his friendly approach. Even though he had a high position, he always treated his colleagues with respect. He believed in working together rather than just giving orders. People who worked with him remembered him as someone who truly cared about helping others succeed.
Meeting Barbara Eden
In 1974, Charles Donald Fegert’s life changed when he met Barbara Eden. She was in Chicago performing at that time. Barbara Eden was already very famous because of her role as Jeannie in the popular TV show “I Dream of Jeannie.” Interestingly, Charles had never watched the show before meeting her, but he was immediately attracted to her personality and beauty.
Their relationship started with Charles showing his romantic side. He sent Barbara flowers twice every day, once in the morning and once in the evening. These flowers always came with a card marked with the letter “C.” This sweet gesture showed how much he cared about her. Over three years of dating, Charles flew to see Barbara more than 30 times, proving his commitment to their relationship.
Marriage and Life Together
Charles and Barbara got married on September 3, 1977. Their wedding attracted a lot of public attention because Barbara was such a famous actress. For Charles, who had lived a quiet life focused on business, this sudden spotlight was very different. He went from being a private Chicago executive to being the husband of a Hollywood star.
After their wedding, Barbara moved from Los Angeles to Chicago to be with Charles. They lived in a beautiful apartment worth over $250,000 that overlooked Lake Michigan. The place even had a special mirrored Jacuzzi in their bedroom. Barbara also became a stepmother to Charles’s children from his previous marriages.
However, their marriage faced serious problems. In her book “Jeannie Out of the Bottle,” Barbara later shared that Charles changed after they got married. She described him as brilliant and talented but also very insecure. He needed constant attention and struggled when he did not get it. Barbara also revealed that Charles began spending time with people who used drugs and alcohol, and that he became abusive toward her.
After five difficult years, Barbara and Charles separated in March 1982. Their divorce was finalized in 1983. Despite the hard times, Barbara acknowledged that Charles was intelligent and charming, qualities that had first attracted her to him.
Later Years and Death
After his divorce from Barbara Eden, Charles stepped away from public attention. He continued working in the advertising field and may have explored new business opportunities, including real estate development. He used his marketing skills in different areas, showing that he could adapt and succeed in various situations.
Charles lived a relatively quiet life in his later years. He remained close to his children and grandchildren, enjoying time with his family. In 2002, at the age of 72, Charles Donald Fegert died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Chicago. His death was due to natural causes related to aging.
Legacy and Remembrance
Charles Donald Fegert left behind two different legacies. In the business world, he is remembered as a creative and successful advertising executive who helped shape how newspapers marketed themselves during an important time in media history. His work at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Daily News showed his talent for understanding what people wanted and how to reach them effectively.
In his personal life, the story is more complex. While his marriage to Barbara Eden ended with difficulties, his family remembers him fondly. To his children and grandchildren, he was a caring and fun person who made them smile and feel loved.
Charles’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was around $2.5 million, which came from his successful career and business ventures. But more than money, what he left behind were memories—both of professional achievement and of being a devoted father and grandfather.
Conclusion
Charles Donald Fegert was more than just “Barbara Eden’s ex-husband.” He was a hardworking man who built a successful career from humble beginnings, rising to the top of Chicago’s advertising world. Though his marriage to a Hollywood star brought him public attention, his true achievements were in business and family. His story reminds us that success comes in many forms and that people are always more complicated than a single chapter of their lives might suggest.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who was Charles Donald Fegert?
Charles Donald Fegert was an American advertising executive who worked as Vice President of Advertising and Marketing at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Daily News. He is best known as the second husband of actress Barbara Eden.
2. How long were Charles Fegert and Barbara Eden married?
Charles and Barbara were married for about five years. They got married on September 3, 1977, and separated in March 1982, with their divorce finalized in 1983.
3. Did Charles Donald Fegert have children?
Yes, Charles had four children from his marriages—two sons named Michael and Chip, and at least two daughters including Lisa. He was also a grandfather to seven grandchildren.
4. What was Charles Fegert’s net worth?
At the time of his death, Charles Donald Fegert’s estimated net worth was around $2.5 million, which he earned through his successful advertising career and business ventures.
5. How did Charles Donald Fegert die?
Charles Donald Fegert died peacefully in his sleep in 2002 at the age of 72 in Chicago. His death was due to natural causes related to aging.
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