We were all stunned by the sudden passing of Elizabeth Montgomery — a woman whose talent, warmth, and unmistakable charm left an indelible mark on television history.
When you hear her name, it’s almost impossible not to picture that famous twinkle that accompanied Samantha Stephens’ iconic nose twitch on Bewitched. With a single gesture, she could enchant millions. Her wit, grace, and charisma made her one of the most beloved actresses of her generation, and her performances continue to resonate decades after her death.
Elizabeth Montgomery became a household name in the 1960s, captivating audiences around the world as the mischievous, magical housewife in Bewitched. Her portrayal of Samantha Stephens transformed her into a global phenomenon and helped define an era of television that balanced humor, fantasy, and humanity. But behind that radiant smile and effortless charm was a fiercely dedicated actress with deep roots in the performing arts — and a life that, tragically, ended far too soon.
A Star Born Into Show Business
Elizabeth Victoria Montgomery was born on April 15, 1933, in Los Angeles, California, into a family steeped in entertainment. Her mother, Elizabeth Bryan Allen, was a Broadway actress, and her father, Robert Montgomery, was an acclaimed film star and director. Acting was, quite literally, in her blood.
In a 1954 interview with the Los Angeles Times, she recalled fondly, “Dad tells me I often climbed on his lap after dinner and remarked, ‘I’m going to be an actress when I grow up.’ I don’t know whether he encouraged me or not, but he told me he would humor me and say, ‘We’ll see what happens when you grow up.’”
Her father’s influence extended far beyond family encouragement. “I’ll be real honest and say that Daddy did help me get a break in TV,” Elizabeth once admitted. “He’s my most severe critic, but also a true friend as well as a loving father.”
Elizabeth attended school in California before moving to New York City, where she studied at the prestigious Spence School. She later refined her craft at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, where she spent three years developing the foundation for what would become a remarkable acting career.
The Rise of a Television Icon
Montgomery made her television debut as a teenager on her father’s program, Robert Montgomery Presents. She appeared in several episodes, quickly demonstrating a natural poise and screen presence that drew attention from producers and critics alike.
In 1953, she made her Broadway debut in Late Love, followed two years later by her film debut in The Court-Martial of Billy Mitchell. After gaining experience in both mediums, she returned to Broadway to continue honing her skills — a sign of her dedication to craft over fame.
Her early television work included guest appearances on Alfred Hitchcock Presents, The Loretta Young Show, The Untouchables, and The Twilight Zone. But it was in 1964 that her career — and television itself — changed forever.
That year, she was cast as Samantha Stephens in Bewitched, the suburban witch who tries to live a normal life with her mortal husband, Darrin. The show became an instant hit, running for eight seasons from 1964 to 1972. Montgomery’s sparkling humor, expressive eyes, and signature nose twitch became cultural touchstones, charming viewers across generations.
Reflecting on her time in the role, she told the Associated Press in 1965, “I’d never thought much about a series because I liked the idea of picking a script I liked with a character I thought I could sustain for an hour. In a series, you live with one character day in and day out — and you only hope it will be one that won’t drive you crazy.”
Her portrayal of Samantha earned her five Primetime Emmy nominations and four Golden Globe nods. But more than awards, Bewitched gave Montgomery something deeper — the chance to connect with audiences on a global scale.
A Life of Love, Loss, and Resilience
Elizabeth Montgomery’s personal life was as complex as it was colorful. She married four times — first to Frederick Gallatin Cammann in 1954, though the marriage lasted only a year. Two years later, she wed actor Gig Young, but that relationship also ended in divorce in 1963.
During the filming of Johnny Cool, she met director and producer William Asher. Their professional collaboration turned romantic, and they married that same year. Together, they had three children. While Bewitched thrived, the pressures of fame and family eventually took their toll, and the couple divorced in 1973.
During the filming of Mrs. Sundance in 1973, Montgomery met actor Robert Foxworth. The two formed a deep and enduring bond, remaining partners for two decades before marrying in 1993 — a union that lasted until her death.
Breaking the Spell: Life After Bewitched
After Bewitched ended, Montgomery deliberately sought roles that challenged her and distanced her from the whimsical world of Samantha Stephens. She reinvented herself as one of television’s leading dramatic actresses, starring in a series of acclaimed made-for-TV movies.
Her performances in Mrs. Sundance (1973), A Case of Rape (1974), The Legend of Lizzie Borden (1975), and The Black Widow Murders (1993) revealed a darker, more complex side to her artistry. These roles cemented her reputation as the “Queen of the TV Movie,” a title affectionately given to her by author Herbie J. Pilato.
“Before Jane Seymour, before Lindsay Wagner, and before Valerie Bertinelli, Elizabeth was the first queen of the TV movies,” Pilato said. “She went from queen of the witches to queen of the TV movie, and it was no longer a struggle to break away from Bewitched.”
A Final Curtain Call
In early 1995, while filming Deadline for Murder: From the Files of Edna Buchanan, Montgomery began feeling unwell. Initially believing she had beaten a previous bout of cancer, she sought medical attention — only to learn that the disease had returned aggressively and spread to her liver.
Just two months later, on May 18, 1995, Elizabeth Montgomery passed away peacefully in her sleep at her Beverly Hills home, surrounded by her husband and three children. She was 62 years old.
A month later, friends and family gathered for a private memorial at the Canon Theatre in Beverly Hills. Jazz legend Herbie Hancock performed, and author Dominick Dunne paid tribute to his lifelong friend. Her ashes were interred at Westwood Village Memorial Park Cemetery, joining Hollywood’s pantheon of legends.
A Legacy That Still Twinkles
Looking back, Elizabeth Montgomery’s career remains a reflection of television’s golden age — a time when charm, wit, and humanity defined stardom. Her enduring appeal lies not just in her beauty or talent, but in the authenticity she brought to every role.
In a 1992 interview, she said, “They all have different kinds of ‘feels’ to them, and that’s probably one of the reasons why I’ve done them. I get letters from people saying one of the things they like best about what I’ve done since Bewitched is that they never know what I’m going to do next.”
That unpredictability, combined with her grace and sincerity, is what continues to make Elizabeth Montgomery unforgettable.
Herbie J. Pilato perhaps captured her spirit best: “Elizabeth was the least arrogant star I’ve ever met. She channeled that down-to-earth quality into Samantha, and we all loved her.”
Elizabeth Montgomery’s twinkle may have faded from this world, but her light — that unmistakable blend of warmth, humor, and magic — continues to shine brightly in the hearts of those who adored her.
