Imagine a witch marrying an ordinary man and trying to live a normal life as a housewife—sounds like a unique plot, right? Well, that’s exactly what the TV series Bewitched offered.
Running for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972, the show charmed audiences with the story of Samantha Stephens, a witch trying to fit into suburban life. If you haven’t seen it yet, it might be worth checking out!
The Star Behind Samantha Stephens
The role of Samantha, with her iconic nose twitch, was brought to life by the talented Elizabeth Montgomery. Born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, Montgomery was destined for the spotlight. Her father, Robert Montgomery, was a well-known actor, and she followed in his footsteps.
From a young age, Montgomery knew she wanted to be an actress. In a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she shared how she would often tell her father, “I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.” Her father, both her biggest critic and supporter, helped her get her start in television, debuting on his show Robert Montgomery Presents as a teenager.
At 20, Montgomery made her Broadway debut in Late Love. Just two years later, she appeared in her first film, The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell. Her career took off, and she became a household name, starring in numerous films and TV movies, including Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), and The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975).
Despite her many roles, Montgomery’s portrayal of Samantha Stephens in Bewitched remains her most iconic. In 1965, she told the Associated Press that she never imagined herself in a long-running series but found the character of Samantha captivating enough to play day in and day out.
Personal Life and Tragic End
Montgomery’s personal life was marked by four marriages. Her first marriage to Frederick Gallatin Cammann was short-lived. She then married actor Gig Young, but they divorced in 1963. While filming Johnny Cool, she met her third husband, William Asher, with whom she had three children. Her final marriage was to Robert Foxworth, with whom she remained until her death.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s life was tragically cut short in 1995 when she passed away from colon cancer at the age of 62. Believing she was cancer-free, Montgomery was devastated to learn that the disease had spread to her liver. She died peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her husband and daughters. Her body was cremated at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery in Los Angeles.
Elizabeth Montgomery’s contributions to television and film have left a lasting legacy. Her role as Samantha Stephens continues to enchant new generations of viewers, and her work in TV movies established her as a pioneering actress of the small screen.
Though she is no longer with us, Elizabeth Montgomery remains a beloved figure in Hollywood, remembered for her talent, beauty, and unforgettable roles.
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